I am redesigning my website (http://www.firstfactoryinc.com/) to
emphasize:

1. Custom Software Development
2. Web Hosting
3. Book Publishing
4. (other companies I own)

Should I show my hourly rate online? I'd like some pros and cons to
doing it and some reasons why I should and reasons why I shoudn't.

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Clarification of Question by jroff-ga on 25 Jun 2003 12:33 PDT

Excellent points by everybody that commented. Thank you very much... I
think there is an overwelming response that says I should show my rate
($35/hour ;)

Greetings Jroff:

I advertise my writing rates online - I spoke to many professionals
about this same subject and they suggested, "Show your prices."  They
all seemed to agree that stating prices keeps away all but the serious
customer.

You may also consider noting something like "Rate negotiable depending
on project type" somewhere on your rate sheet.

Best regards,
journalist-ga

I agree with journalist. Another thing to consider is how your fees
compare to your competitors. If they are higher, you'll want to stress
your expertise, etc., and probably not show your rates. But do make it
easy for folks to discover your rates via email or phone.

kriswrite

I agree with Journalist-ga and Kriswrite-ga.  One reason people look
for services online is so they can find out how much it will cost them
without having to ask.

Also, your standard rate may not always be your billing rate.  A
higher rate gives you room to negotiate, e.g., a discounted rate which
you can still make a living, but not working for free.  The art of
valuation.