There is a long list of the pros and cons of working freelance vs employed- our US Coordinator Courtney Carson discusses one of the big issues- how much should freelancers expect to be paid?
"Since stepping down from working as a full-time groom I’ve gotten this question frequently- “Would you be willing to freelance?”. I’ve also had several riders reach out to me asking for help finding a freelance groom.
I love to make myself available for freelance work when I can, and if I am not available I try and recommend friends who I know do top work in the industry.
I am a bit discouraged though because riders seem reluctant to pay the day rate that most freelance grooms are asking for. This trend is pushing a lot of freelance grooms into other careers and making it more and more difficult to find temporary help.
When deciding on a day rate for yourself think about a couple of things.
How much money do you need to make this worth it for you?
And how to not price yourself out of the market as well.
I break it down based on a 10-hour day. If I charge $175/day that becomes $17.50/hour, which sounds like a good deal.
If I account for taxes that I will have to pay on that income, about 20%, I am making right around $14/hour. Not bad for cash right then and there.
But if that day is longer than 10 hours, say I start at 6am and the last class of the day isn’t until 4 and it is 6pm before I finish up aftercare and barn chores, now my hourly rate has decreased to $14.50/hour and that is before taxes.
Setting a day rate is to try and make it more simple for both the freelancer and the employer.
While some days may be a standard 10-hours, others may be longer. The average over the course of the weekend should be enough to make both rider and groom happy.
Other things to consider when setting your day rate is food, housing, and travel. Are these fees covered by the rider? Do you take a per diem every day and then budget accordingly?
These conversations need to be had when booking a rider for a weekend and should be laid out in a contract.
Don’t let a rider sway you from your day rate because they are only competing one horse.
That does not change the fact that you are working, at a minimum, from breakfast feeding until dinner chores are completed, plus a night check.
Have a limit set for yourself on how many horses you will groom for without help or without additional compensation. More horses will mean longer days and more hours to complete daily tasks, you should be paid accordingly for these situations.
Remember that you are offering a premium service to a customer who has a need, do not let those skills be undervalued.
I have found that when a rider is against my day rate, by breaking it down in an hourly fashion they do see where I am coming from with my pricing. Be respectful and organized in your discussion with a rider asking for your services.
If I would have to take days off from my full-time job, then what I would make in a day has to be covered. This is the only thing that makes sense.
If you’re considering working as a freelance groom, either full time or to make some extra money, then take a look at our website and careers section.
For members of the IGA we have a very resourceful section of our website that speaks about building your freelance business, how to get clients, and what to consider before taking the leap. Tools like this and much more are available for our members.
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