💰 Pricing – Avoiding Pricing Pitfalls

📌 Set a Minimum Price – Some commissions take longer than expected. A flat minimum price (e.g., "$20+ per piece") helps ensure you’re not underselling.

📌 Charge Extra for Additional Work – Extra characters, complex details, and major revisions should increase the price accordingly. Consider:

• +$X per additional character

• +$X for detailed backgrounds

• Limit free revisions to 1-2 before additional charges apply.

📌 Offer Package Deals (Optional) – If you’re open to bulk orders, consider offering bundled discounts (e.g., “Buy 3 icons, get the 4th 50% off”) to incentivize larger purchases.

📌 Don’t Be Afraid to Raise Prices – As demand for your work grows, your pricing should reflect your experience and skill level. Your old clients may hesitate, but new clients will pay for quality.

🌎 Currency Conversions – How to Protect Your Earnings

✅ List Your Prices in a Stable Currency – Some currencies fluctuate frequently. If your country’s currency is volatile, consider pricing in USD, EUR, or GBP to ensure stable earnings.

✅ Use a Payment Processor with Buyer/Seller Protection – PayPal’s Goods & Services (instead of Friends & Family) ensures both you and your client have security if a dispute arises.

✅ Clarify Upfront Who Covers Transaction Fees – Many artists require clients to cover PayPal fees or incorporate them into their pricing. Sites like Salecalc can help estimate how much you’ll actually receive after fees.

🚩 Red Flags to Watch for (Client & Business Warnings)

💀 “I can’t pay now, but I’ll pay later.” – NEVER start a commission without a deposit or full payment upfront.

💀 “I’ll pay in exposure!” – If someone claims they’ll get you more followers in exchange for free art, run.

💀 “Can I get a major revision for free?” – Always set clear revision limits to avoid endless unpaid edits.

💀 Ignoring Your ToS (Terms of Service) – If a client pressures you into changing rules after agreeing, stick to your policies and don’t be afraid to refund and refuse the work.

Final Addition: Checklist for New Commission Artists

Before launching commissions, ask yourself:

✅ Do I have a clear commission sheet?

✅ Are my prices fair and sustainable?

✅ Do I have a system for handling payments?

✅ Have I outlined Terms of Service for clients?

✅ Am I prepared to say NO to red-flag clients?