Score the quote to the line

Headline pay is one mark. Fees, unpaid time and tax sit beside it. Score them before you say yes.

A quote that looks high can still sit beside a thinner line after fees, unpaid messages and tax. Score those on paper. The remaining line is the rate you can compare to the rest of the week.

Before you accept

List every fee the platform or client will take.
Count unpaid time: briefs, revisions, waiting.
Set aside tax as a line, not a later surprise.