Lately, I’ve seen some speakers who advertise a lower speaking fee for engagements in their local area. Yet, they charge their normal speaking rate for out-of-town events, plus all travel expenses (usually for two people).
Frankly, this doesn’t make sense. Because if you’re staying local, then the host organization doesn’t have to pay extra expenses associated with your travel. So, you’ve already saved them a lot of money. Why give away the farm by lowering your speaking fee? Instead, charge the same amount to speak, regardless of whether you’re leaving town or staying local. It also prevents crticism from organizations who talk to each other and find out that you charge varying rates for the same service.
I never really thought of it that way. Thanks!