In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know to get a raise. Drawing from my 15+ years of experience in the fashion industry and coaching freelance fashion designers on getting paid what they deserve (many of them are out-earning, even doubling, their previous salaries), I’ll provide tips and word-for-word scripts you can use on your next salary negotiation.
We’ll also explore alternative solutions when it’s just not working. I’ll tell you now, there’s no such thing as a “dead-end” in your fashion career journey.
Table of Contents
Things to Consider Before Asking for a Raise
Understanding your worth is key to getting paid what you deserve. Here’s a list of things to consider before eyeing a raise:
1. Your accomplishments: Highlight successful projects, positive feedback, and any awards to showcase your track record of impactful contributions.
Think about the results you’ve had and the benefits of those results. Here are some examples.
Fashion Designer: Did some of your designs become best sellers? Did they drive more revenue?
Technical Designer: Did your tech packs help reduce the number of samples? Or improve fit and reduce returns?
Sourcing Agent: Did you source lower MOQs or faster lead times? Which led to excess inventory reduction and quicker time to market?
Any time you can show your results and the benefits of those results, you can leverage it for negotiating your raise in fashion.
2. Your workload: If you’re doing more than what you signed up for or putting in extra hours, it’s time to talk about a raise.
Sometimes, you end up with tasks outside your usual duties. Working overtime without fair pay isn’t cool either. Take this chance to say you deserve better for your efforts, or maybe it’s time to lighten the load a bit.
For example, maybe you started out doing technical design but now you’re basically running projects too, like organizing timelines and meetings.
3. Your education and credentials: List any extra schooling, training, or certifications you’ve earned since your last performance evaluation. When you’re bringing new skills to the table, it’s only fair to see that reflected in your paycheck, especially if you’re putting those skills to use at work.
Pro Tip: Certificates can be from any form of education, whether accredited universities or online courses. It’s exactly how Nicola broke back into fashion after years out of the industry to be a mom. She showed off her online training and self-directed learning to get a job and the rate she deserved.
4. Industry pay standards: Knowing your worth is only half the battle. You also gotta snoop around to find what others are raking in. Scope out job postings for similar gigs and chat up your colleagues (if they’re cool with it!).
While there are sites like Glassdoor or Payscale that provide salary data, I personally do not trust these are accurate as I’ve seen people get waaay lower (or higher!) salaries than what’s listed on those sites.
Instead, have candid conversations with colleagues and industry peers for more reliable info.
Remember, when you’re digging for info, consider things like experience, responsibility level, location, company size, and specific skills needed for each role.
5. Demand for your skills: This is a tricky one, but if you know your position is in high demand, it gives you leverage in negotiations. (This is exactly why I think technical design is the best underrated fashion career.)
Pro Tip: Seeing a lot of job postings open for your role, both in and out of your company is a good sign that you’re in a high demand job. Consider the demand for professionals with your skills and expertise in the current job market.
Timing and Approach
Most companies have dedicated timing for salary raises, but did you know you can request one outside of the official review season?
If you have a strong case for a raise, ask for it.
For example, if you’ve recently achieved something notable, your workload has significantly increased, or if you’re receiving offers from other companies.
Did your design just sell out on the brand’s website?
Did you implement 3D and are getting designs approved to production in just 1 proto?
Did you source a new factory that has lower MOQs at your target price?
Now is a GREAT time to ask for that raise!
Request a meeting with your supervisor or HR representative to initiate the raise conversation. You can send an email or speak to them in person to find a time to meet.
Be clear about the purpose of the meeting without diving into specifics just yet. Simply state that you would like to discuss compensation matters related to your role.
You can use a simple template like this:
Dear [Name],
I would love to discuss my recent achievements and current compensation during our upcoming quarterly review. Nothing you need to do for now, but I wanted to inform you that that’s on my agenda.
Thanks and talk soon,
[Your Name]
Pro Tip: It’s also important to consider the company’s financial health when negotiating your salary. If your company has been doing well financially, chances are there are more resources for a competitive salary, while financially challenged companies require flexibility in negotiation.
While I personally think a company’s financial health is not your responsibility, it’s important to manage realistic expectations, and know there may be lower chances of your raise getting approved during tough times.
Effective Negotiation Techniques in the Fashion Industry
Here are four tactics to use on your next raise negotiation meeting:
- Reiterate your value and achievements
- Explore other options outside of financial compensation
- Listen actively and use silence as your ally
- Be specific
1. Reiterate your value and achievements
Remind them of the hard work you’ve done. Talk about specific projects or tasks where you’ve really shone, and how it’s made a positive impact on the company. Let them know that investing in your growth and fair compensation is a win-win for everyone.
Word-for-word script: “The last 2 seasons have gone great! It’s really exciting to see that a couple of the designs I’ve been responsible for have become best sellers and positively impacted revenue. I love working here and would like to make sure the relationship continues to be mutually beneficial. Because of the positive impact I’ve had, I’m requesting a 10% salary increase. What can we do to get that change into effect?”
Pro Tip: Express yourself clearly and assertively, while remaining professional and respectful. This also helps show you are serious about your request and confident in your abilities.
2. Explore other options outside of financial compensation
Negotiating salaries is just one aspect of a compensation package.
If a higher salary is not feasible, explore alternative solutions that can be valuable for you. This can include additional PTO (Paid Time Off), performance-based bonuses, or other workplace perks. Be open to finding win-win compromises that address your financial goals and the company’s constraints.
Word-for-word script: “I understand that due to financial constraints, monetary compensation isn’t possible. To help adjust for that, I’d like to request a couple of things instead: A hybrid work schedule where I can work from home 2 days a week, an extra week of vacation, and the opportunity to be in the senior design team meetings to learn how that process works. What can we do to implement that?”
3. Listen actively and use silence as your ally
Listen and allow silence instead of rushing into further explanation. Don’t start justifying or backpedaling. Just sit there and shut up!
It gives both parties time to reflect without feeling pressured. You’re talking about your future here, don’t rush! (And you’d be surprised at what may come out of your manager’s mouth if you let things get quiet long enough…)
4. Be specific
Just “asking for a raise” won’t cut it. Unless your company already has set guidelines on how salary raises work, you have to tell them exactly what you want. Honestly, even those “guidelines” are never set in stone.
How much of a raise are you aiming for? Are there any other terms in your contract you want to negotiate?
Word-for-word script: “I’ve been reflecting on my contributions to the team and my growth within the company, and I believe it’s time to discuss my compensation. Specifically, I’d like to propose an increase in my base salary to reflect the value I bring to the organization. Based on my research and market data, I’m seeking a [specific percentage or dollar amount] raise. I’ve consistently exceeded expectations in my role, and I’m confident that this adjustment aligns with my performance and responsibilities. Can we discuss how we can make this happen?”
Pro Tip: Raises typically range from 3-10% of your salary, but this can vary depending on your circumstances. For instance, if you’re being promoted, your raise could be much higher.
Finalizing Your Raise Negotiation
Don’t blow the extra cash just yet! In any negotiations, nothing is ever final until everything is written out, signed, and sealed.
Now that you’ve successfully negotiated your raise, it’s time to nail down all the details. Especially for fashion freelancers who might be working under unconventional arrangements, a contract is crucial to avoid any future “he said, she said” situations.
So, get the negotiation on paper. Ensure all the specifics of your compensation package and benefits are specified in either a new agreement or a contract revision.
Don’t forget the nitty-gritty like when the changes kick in and how they’ll be implemented.
In my first “dream” fashion job (that turned into a nightmare), I negotiated a raise but didn’t clarify when it would be implemented. So for months, I waited for my salary increase to be reflected in my paycheck. Turns out, the company hit financial troubles and I never received my promised raise!
Handling Rejection and Alternative Solutions
The initial rejection is not the final straw. One common mistake I often see employees make is either brushing off rejection (or jumping straight to resignation!).
This is a good time to ask for feedback on why they made their decision – it’s a chance to learn and improve. (And a chance for you to assess whether you believe their decision was fair.).
Pro Tip: A lot of companies will try to lowball you by not approving your rates. In such cases, it’s crucial to ask for clarification on why your raise wasn’t approved and push back respectfully. Let them know you won’t settle for being sidelined.
If the case is just that a higher salary isn’t possible right now, like if your company hit a financial low, think outside the box.
Remember the options we talked about earlier? Propose alternatives like extra vacation days, flexible hours, or professional development opportunities.Think about the entire compensation package outside of just a higher salary offer.
Make sure to suggest a timeline for a future raise assessment. Show them you’re here to stay and you’re worth investing in.
Word-for-word script: “Following up on our recent talk about my raise, could you share why it wasn’t approved? I see this as an opportunity to learn and grow, so I’d appreciate any feedback you can provide. Additionally, I’m open to exploring alternative compensation options such as extra vacation days or professional development opportunities. Let’s also discuss setting a timeline for a future review.”
Know When to Walk Away
Valid reasons for not receiving a raise versus consistently being denied one despite deserving it are two different scenarios.
If you’ve presented a compelling case for a raise but your employer remains unwilling to meet your expectations, it may be time to explore other options and pursue different job opportunities. Remember, your loyalty won’t pay your bills.
Take time to consider your situation.
- Weigh the Pros and Cons: Consider how leaving could impact your career trajectory and personal life before making a decision.
- Evaluate Your Options: Consider whether there are other opportunities available within the company or outside that would better compensate you for your skills and experience.
Don’t let your feelings sway you. Set aside time to really think through your decisions constructively. If you have friends in (and even out of!) the industry, a quick pep talk could also be helpful to pull you back to reality.
Make sure to sleep on it! Walking away from your current job should not be a hasty decision.
Take Control of Your Own Destiny (and Income) and Become a Freelance Fashion Designer
While knowing how to negotiate a raise in the fashion industry is a valuable skill, it’s worth considering an alternative path that offers even more freedom and potential for financial growth. Working as a freelance fashion designer lets you take control of your own career and dictate your own rates.
Many talented designers have chosen freelance work, enjoying the flexibility, and often higher income that comes with it.
Whether you’re an aspiring designer looking to break into the industry or an experienced professional seeking a change of scenery, freelancing can be a game-changer.
Here’s why you should consider taking the leap to freelancing in fashion:
1. Freedom to express your creativity: Choose projects that resonate with you and work with clients who align with your values. You’re not bound by the constraints of a single employer or brand.
“As a freelancer, I work with fashion brands I enjoy on projects that I love doing!” – Alison H
2. Flexibility in work and lifestyle: Set your own schedule and work from anywhere in the world. Create a work-life balance that suits your needs, whether it’s designing from the comfort of your home studio or jetting off for a workation.
“At one point I felt stuck in NYC to keep working in fashion. Now as a freelancer, I know I can go anywhere from here.” – Mari M
3. Increased earning potential: The sky’s the limit when it comes to your earning potential as a freelance fashion designer. By establishing your reputation, expanding your network, and delivering exceptional results, you can command higher rates and secure more lucrative projects.
“I already make more money in one day as a freelancer than I did in an entire week at my full-time fashion job!” – Alexandra A
4. Diverse range of projects: From collaborating with fashion startups to working with high-profile fashion brands, each project brings new challenges and opportunities for growth.
“I love being a freelancer in fashion. When I get up in the morning I can’t believe that I’m actually living the life I was once dreaming about, and it instantly makes me so happy!” – Afroditi M, Greece
5. Be your own boss: You’ll develop invaluable business skills, such as marketing, client management, and financial management.
“Freelancing in fashion and being your own boss is one of the most rewarding things.” – Ellie W
The beauty of freelancing is its flexibility. And if a client isn’t willing to pay what you think is fair? Well, there’s always another one out there who will value your work.
A successful transition from traditional employment to freelancing in the fashion industry can bring many rewards but requires hard work and dedication. I’ve been there!
If you’re not getting the money (or treatment) you deserve at your job, I’d love to help you get started as a freelancer.
That’s why I created my Free Step-by-Step Guide to Freelancing in Fashion.
