hi!

Ed Mace · Posted: Fri Oct 20, 2006, 03:07 (GMT) Post subject: hi!

first time user on this forum.I've been a member of 123 for almost a year now and have had a blast....wish I could land more jobs though..don't we all?! Not discouraged a bit.I really love creating custom demos.any one else struggle with the price issue? Do I give the client a good price or charge extremes?I feel either end could scare off potential clients. that's it for now .Oh one more thing any idea how many talents are registered with voice123? I'm not sure I really want to know but am kinda curious!

Alex Torrenegra · Posted: Fri Oct 20, 2006, 12:59 (GMT) Post subject:

Hello Ed!

Thank you for using the forums Smile

Although I would like to read answers from other talents as well as you do, I think that I can help with some tips and answers.

First. Have you checked our voice over Rates guide? If not, I would strongly recommend you to check it out. Since we published it the average price of the projects posted in Voice123 has increased and the competition among talents has leveled. You can check it out here [url]http://server.iad.liveperson.net/hc/s-6945595/cmd/kbresource/view_question!PAGETYPE?documentid=184255&action=view[/url]

In reference to the amount of talents registered in Voice123, we are close to 60,000 talents, out of which around 5,000 have taken advantage of the premium subscription.

Hope this helps.

Alex Torrenegra
Voice123 Cofounder

Julie Williams · **Voice Talent** Joined: 12 Jan 2005 Posts: 168

Hi Ed,

In regards to rates, it's hard to tell what will price you out of the market. What I do is charge what I would feel comfortable doing the job for. It's not worth it to me to lowball. It's not worth my time. So I post my rates based on what makes it worth it to me... and figure if they feel I'm right for the job, and their project is important to them, they'll pay it. If not, then they won't hire me.

I also request payment in advance--and rarely encounter resistance.

It's funny, though... you'll notice that the clients who pay $2500 for a bigger job don't give you any grief over payment in advance... whereas the ones who want you to voice a lot for $75 (promising you lots of work, of course) don't pay for months!

Good luck with your career, Ed!

Julie

Julie Williams
www.voice-overs.com

Linda B · **Voice Talent** Joined: 30 Jan 2004 Posts: 10

Hi Ed-
I have been a Voice123 member for 2 1/2 years now (time flies when you're having fun!!) and the reason I keep subscribing is because the team here has never stopped moving forward in their quest to make the site the best it can be - not just for the producers, but for the voice talent too. Voice123 understands that in order to attract and keep quality talent, they need to raise the bar in voiceover services and the kind of producers who utilize them. Their willingness and desire to listen to feeback from the talent has resulted in many improvements since I signed on. Kudos to the team for posting the rate card. It was a much-needed guideline for both talent and producer alike. As a result, the quality of leads is definitely improving and I'm really excited to see what the next phase of the website is going to offer.
Regarding what to charge, if a client hires you because you lowballed the bid, they will rarely, if ever, pay you more the next time around. And you'll have to figure out a way to deal with your anger at being taken advantage of. Always charge what you think is a fair market rate for the talent and years of developing your craft that you bring to the table. Remember, you are helping them to create an image, sell a product or are speaking on their behalf. If ANYONE could do it, then they'd be doing it themselves!
Best wishes,
Linda B

Amanda Greig · **Voice Talent** Joined: 27 Apr 2006 Posts: 4

I joined 123 in April this year and think it's excellent. I think it's great to have this forum to see how other's are doing...

Question for those with home studios - what's the easiest and cheapest way to soundproof a room - size of a small bedroom, carpeted?

Freddie Molina · Posted: Thu Oct 26, 2006, 02:08 (GMT) Post subject:

Hello,
There are a few tricks you could apply to avoid eco or background noise in your recordings; If you have a walk in closet, it is a great recording spot or else you can pile up some cushions or pillows in a corner, speak facing directly in to them, that should help.
The other way will be using padding; cost can vary quite a bit, shop around.

Alisa Beckwith · **Voice Talent** Joined: 28 Feb 2005 Posts: 5

Amanda Greig · **Voice Talent** Joined: 27 Apr 2006 Posts: 4

Thanks for the tips. I have a walk in closet and was thinking it might just be useful! I'll let you know how it goes, cheers!

Alex Torrenegra · Posted: Thu Oct 26, 2006, 05:58 (GMT) Post subject: Re: rates

Diane Merritt · **Voice Talent** Joined: 16 Mar 2006 Posts: 3

Hi, I'm Diane. I joined Voice 123 this past April and lovin it. I do have a question about rates. If you audition for a - let's say - :30 sec local market radio commercial and their budget says they only have $100, but Voice 123 rates say to charge $320 - $510 - what do you set your rate at? Thanks for reading and would love your opinions

Kara Noble · **Voice Talent** Joined: 08 Jan 2006 Posts: 3

Answering on a few topics here - I have an agent - a big one - but it doesn't get me the work I have been used to as I am a Londoner who now lives in LA. The demand for a Brit is limited. Voice 123 is fun becuause it keeps my hand in, as it were! I miss the work I often did in London - and enjoy auditioning.
I use garageband - and would like to upgrade to a better system or mike...any suggestions appreciated. I need to have a portable recording set up though as I travel...i have done jobs form LA, London and Costa Rica!
The system works well and I have enjoyed all the jobs I have done - except the one that did not pay.... Voice 123 is looking into it for me. The client seemed so nice when we spoke on the phone and you would hope that only genuine and honest people would be allowed to post. I guess there's always one....or more?
I tend to underbid as I like to get the jobs but I think the clients get a great deal from us. Consider what they save on studio and engineer....my set up may be a bit primative but my delivery is professional and perfectly adequate for most jobs. Lucky them. From time to time I am thanked for my efforts even if their client has not chosen me for the job - but often I am not even replied to if I ask how the auditiioning process is going. I find that quite rude. Some people have no manners - we give our time, right?
This is my first "savvy" session on this site, which i really like - so thanks for reading.
kara

Gary Johnston · **Voice Talent** Joined: 19 Aug 2006 Posts: 57

chris reardon · **Voice Talent** Joined: 23 Sep 2005 Posts: 4

my experience is that as you are getting started, sometimes it's necessary to lowball a bid in order to get the gig, but from then on, it's sales 101: you drop your price, you drop your pants!

Lynne Alston · **Voice Talent** Joined: 20 Oct 2006 Posts: 743

Alex , thanks this is just what I have been looking for!!!!

http://server.iad.liveperson.net/hc/s-6945595/cmd/kbresource/view_question!PAGETYPE?documentid=184255&action=view[/url]

Lynne Very Happy