The mistakes that cost an Italian creator the most are not filming mistakes. They are management mistakes, and they act slowly, which makes them hard to see.

1. Including rights in the base price

The costliest of all. You give away the most valuable part and make it impossible to raise later. Ad rights are a separate line, always.

2. Counting income gross

Under the flat rate regime, tax and contributions take a significant share of what you collect. Anyone reasoning on turnover discovers the problem at the first deadline. Set aside a fixed percentage on every payment, in a separate account.

3. Waiting for the first client to register

The request arrives, you cannot invoice, the client goes elsewhere. Register before, not after.

4. Accepting unlimited revisions

"Until you are happy" means unlimited work at a fixed price. One or two revisions, written into the package.

5. Not asking for a deposit

With a new client, half upfront is standard practice. Anyone refusing is giving you information.

6. Staying generalist

In Italy most profiles are generalist, and therefore indistinguishable. Two niches at most, stated explicitly.

7. Chasing new clients instead of bringing back existing ones

A client who reorders costs no acquisition and needs fewer revisions. Proposing the next job at delivery costs one line.

8. Never raising your rates

Staying at your starting price for a year is the most expensive choice of all, because it compounds quietly.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the costliest mistake?

Including ad rights in the base price.

How much should you set aside?

A fixed share of every payment, for tax and contributions.

How many revisions should you include?

One or two, written into the package.

When should you raise rates?

Every three or four months, 10 to 20%, for new clients.