Do we ever get a raise?

[Karen Goldstein]

I'm a freelance reporter working at any given time for about 5 to 10 agencies. Some of them pay very well (usually national agencies or out-of-state agencies) and some NY ones, who I do love to work for, because the people are nice, don't pay as well. But that's besides the point.

As we all know, the price of things go up. Rent goes up. Gas goes up. Food goes up. This is called, I think, inflation. Don't page rates ever go up? Don't appearance fees ever go up?

And how does a reporter broach this subject with agencies?

Specific advice will be appreciated. Thanks. ;D

[Jennie Ann]

That was great information, M.A. Like Karen, this topic has been on my mind for the last few years.

Working in-house for court reporting companies when I was younger, I learned a great deal about pricing, competition, keeping clients, and keeping employees.

Karen, there are some companies who want and will pay for competent employees, and these are the companies that enjoy a sterling reputation in the community.

I discovered that most clients, to include lawyers, do not understand this industry, the pricing structure. They seem to believe that court reporter shopping is like buying a car. They think the transcript they buy from Court Reporting Company A is going to be the exact transcript they will get from Court Reporting Company B. Of course, we all know this is false.

I always try to explain to my prospective clients that they are paying for my expertise, and you definitely will get what you pay for.

In my corner of the industry which is TRANSCRIPTION ONLY of client-provided audio -- no court reporting, no depositions, no legal stuff -- my rates may be higher than some in my area, but you know what, if the client is more interested in cost than quality, then I don't really want to do their job. These are the clients that are a biggest PITA. I would much rather have clients that appreciate the quality of my work. I do put my heart and soul into each and every transcript.

There are many low-ball court reporting companies in my area, sad but true, but there are some good ones. When I was freelancing, I always worked for the good ones. It takes time to find out which companies these are. Once you get your foot in the door, though, and provide work on time, take the crap work along with the good work, answer your phone, have good communication, and can produce quality transcripts, you may find yourself busy as a bee.

Keep looking for quality court reporting companies in your area. One of the BEST court reporting companies in my area, with an excellent client base, is relatively unknown in some circles. Their page rates are EXCELLENT. Their website is a one-pager, and it does not come up on Google. This company is kind of low key, I guess you'd say. Every single person who works for this company is an upper echelon "professional," if I may use that word, and I personally believe they just may be the best court reporting company in the D.C. area.

In sum, Karen, these companies that pay good rates do exist. I hope you find the one where you can feel like you are making a decent wage.

[Karen Goldstein]

Thank you so much! That's a wealth of information. Actually, I do have a rate sheet that I send out when I'm soliciting new business. My problem is with a couple of firms that I actually love dealing with, except for the rates. One of them, I actually stopped working for because it just wasn't worth my time any more -- the low page rates and not too many pages either. But there are a couple that I still am working for and it's those that I want to approach. But now you've given me some ideas and I thank you very much.