I am a senior in highschool, and after I graduate I plan on going full time pro...or at least posing as a full time pro. I know of some pros in my area who charge 1500-2000 for what I charge 500 for. Should I raise my rates? I know I wont get as many bookings, but for some reason it seems like the "right" thing to do...

I don't think the quality is much (if any in the client's eyes) less than the competitors.

What do you guys think?

My theory is this...

1) Figure out what percentage of callers book you.
2) Put your price up by 20%.
3) After ten calls, see if the percentage is higher, same, less then a 20% drop, more then a 20% drop. Only lower your price back again if it is more then a 20% drop.
4) Repeat until rich.

Find out what the market will bear.

That is the only qualification. IF your competition is so much higher you probably should be a little higher.

What difference does it make that some "PROS" charge. Is your talent as good as theirs? do you have the same skills & get the same reaction as they get?

What you charge has more to do with what you bring to the table. I am sure that they did not charge $1500-$2000 when they first got started.

I guess the best example is a Kia & a BMW are both cars that take you where you want to go but are very different in price. Should Kia say we are both cars so we will raise our price? I think not.

Charge what you are worth & not what someone else charges!