Fees and timing
Freelance rush fee
A rush fee is for speed. The client compresses the timeline or pushes work into nights or weekends. Price it, put it on a change order, and wait for a written yes.
More guides sit on the guides index.
Short answer
How do freelancers price a rush fee?
A rush fee applies when the client shortens the agreed timeline or pushes work into nights or weekends. Price it as a percentage of the fee, a fixed add-on, or an hourly premium. Put the new deadline and fee on a written change order before you start.
When a rush fee applies
The client wants the same work sooner than you agreed.
They ask for nights, weekends, or same-week delivery that was not in the plan.
Parallel “urgent” asks force you to drop or reshuffle other work.
Rush is about speed. Extra scope is separate. You can put both on one change order.
Three plain ways to price it
Percentage of the project or change-order fee. For example, add 25% when delivery moves inside three business days.
Fixed rush add-on. For example, €200 for a weekend turnaround.
Hourly premium. For example, bill rush hours at 1.5 times your normal rate, or at a stated rush rate of €120 per hour.
Pick one method per project and write it on the change order.
For broader fixed versus hourly choices on any change, see how to price a change order.
Wording on the change order
State the original deadline, the new deadline, why the rush exists (client request or client delay), the fee method and amount, and that work starts after written approval.
Use the blank template for the fields and how to write a change order for the structure.
Sending it calmly
Send the rush change order with the new date, the fee, and a clear line that work starts after written approval.
The email page and Email Pack (€5) help with wording.
Log the rush ask and fee in ScopeGuard (€9) if you want the paper trail in one sheet.
How this fits with other guides
This page covers when rush applies and how to price the speed.
How to price a change order covers fixed, hourly, and hybrid for any extra work.
If you absorbed rush unpaid last time, raise the fee now instead of repeating it.
If you want tools later
You do not need these to use the guide. One-time files.
Also: change-order email page · blank change-order template · Payhip store
FAQ
Is rush the same as scope creep?
No. Rush is speed. Scope creep is extra work. Both can appear on one change order.
Should I discount if I caused the delay?
That is your call. This page covers client-driven rush. Be honest.
Can I refuse rush entirely?
Yes. Offer a later date with no rush fee, or decline.
Do I need a huge percentage?
No. Use a number that protects your calendar. For example, 25% or a fixed weekend add-on.
Not legal advice. Match your contract and local rules. This is a process aid, not a lawyer.