American clients are the single largest opportunity available to a Canadian creator, and the administrative side is simpler than most people fear once it is set up.

Quote in the client's currency

An American client thinks in United States dollars and comparing your quote to a domestic supplier is easier if you quote in theirs. Name the currency explicitly in the quote, the invoice and the message thread, because the exchange difference is real money.

Services exported are usually treated differently for sales tax

Sales tax treatment for services supplied to a non resident client is generally not the same as for a domestic one. Get an accountant to confirm how your specific work is treated once, then apply the same treatment consistently.

Expect to be asked for a tax form

American businesses commonly ask foreign suppliers for a form establishing their status, so that they do not withhold at source. It is routine paperwork rather than a warning sign, and having it ready makes you look like somebody who has done this before.

The money arrives in several possible ways

International wire, a payment platform, or an intermediary that converts before depositing. Each has different fees, different speeds and a different exchange rate. Compare them once rather than absorbing whichever one the first client happened to use.

Price above domestic, below American

The commercial logic that makes this work is that you are cheaper than a domestic supplier for them and better paid than a domestic client for you. Quoting your Canadian rate converted leaves money on the table for no benefit.

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Frequently asked questions

Which currency should I quote?

Theirs, and name it explicitly.

Is sales tax the same on exports?

Usually not, confirm the treatment once.

Why do they ask for a form?

To avoid withholding at source.

How should I price?

Above domestic, below their local rate.