Local Spot Rates

[tonybrsd1]

I am building a voiceover studio and will be getting back into spot production. I was wondering and I know this will vary from state to state but what should I charge for 30 sec and 60 sec spots on a local level? I mainly specialize in club & concert type stuff. It's been almost 10 years since I've done this so I'm just trying to get some kind of ideas together.

Thanks,
Tony B

[Mike]

There are several factors you need to consider.

How much can the client afford?
What kind of rate does the specific market support?
How good is your work?
What the lowest rate you would accept for a given project?
Do you need to start with lower rates to get yourself re-established?

I've seen radio spots in general go from anywhere between $50.00 to $300.00 for guys working freelance.

I've had a good deal of success asking straight out what the client has budgeted for the work. If it's to low I politely refuse the work. In many cases getting the repeat business is worth more than a short term profit.

Mike

[This message has been edited by Mike (edited 02-22-2002).]

[Nashville Ed]

Mike is correct, often you will get more going that route (asking what is budgeted)than you would have otherwise, at least that has been my experience.

[This message has been edited by Nashville Ed (edited 02-22-2002).]

[SeanCaldwell]

in the early 90's in Philadelphia $150 - $200 was common for a medium size advertiser.

I've seen folks charge $300 - $400 for car spots in medium markets (Tampa). There are also guys here who will do it for $100 or less. What league you want to be in will make a difference, as will how much work you want to be doing. I'd vote for half the work at twice the price if the market will pay it!

Sean