How do I know what to charge for my design services?
I have built a website to display my designs and capabilities, am on social sites and have done pro bono work in my area but I am not sure what to charge for the designs I create. Any suggestions?
http://grantsgraphics.squarespace.com
Expert Answers
Sort by Date
Sort by Votes
May 20, 2014
Take into account the money you need for your living expenses, rent (if applicable), transport costs, design requirements and the level of your skill - this should help you come up with a number that you know will support you
Mar 6, 2014
Nancy!
So I think you should basically figure out an hourly rate based on your experience and over-all turnaround time for various projects. With that hourly rate, you'll be able to factor in how much time it'll take you to do some of these large projects, like a brand identity and/or website design, so you can figure out flat fees. Aim to tailor your projects to the needs of your clients, but also make it worth your time. Also, factor in what you'd be providing for them. Will you cover services for production (print/web)? Will you aim to outsource? In addition, how will you go about creating a kill fee for aborted projects?
These are some things to ponder over while you figure out pricing for your services. It's always intimidating for freelance designers starting out, but once you get a few projects rolling, you'll begin to get a rhythm. Best of luck!
Jan 20, 2014
Yes seeing what others are charging is one way, but you also would want to see what does it cost you. Be sure to include you labor and a percentage for your profit.
Keep in mind that your price also will attract a certain buyer. If you price is too low, people may think that your product is cheap and if it is too high you may just price yourself out of the market.
Find out where you want to be and product a product for that market.
Jan 20, 2014
Hi Nancy, I would use www.onet.com for ALL the informatio that you, will need to answer any questions you may have.
Good Luck!!!
Jan 19, 2014
Undercut your competitors to get your foot in the door. Make sure to not be too cut throat about it, because they might actually give you work if they can't handle everything that comes in to their shop.
Make sure to join any local business communities as well as web-service community groups if you have them locally.
Jan 17, 2014
You can develop questions about your fees and ask potential clients, colleagues, friends and family. In the process of asking good questions, you are informing them of your services.
You can also ask them about their design requirements.
When your questions are written well, you will understand more about how your designs will assist them and what they will pay for. This can open up new opportunities for business too.
Jan 16, 2014
Trick for low dollar/higher volume work - buy subscriptions to things like medialoot. I bought it through Appsumo and it had fully deplorable designs, images, icons, etc But I haven't used the tools yet so I can't say whether to go with them or another company. But there's something about learning to read the code, then learning to alter it, and in the end you just write it. Easy. But for stock images and web templates, you can take the pricing down without losing much money (theoretically). Just watch your overhead and man hours and you'll see what I mean. A smaller profit margin works with high volume sales - but not for the nitty gritty. So you need a scope of work contract - and don't forget to take refundable deposits for large projects. People act like they can afford things they cannot and then you're stuck waiting for money.
Jan 16, 2014
Hi Nancy,
before you even think about price consider this.
Do you want to promote you and your service as a "me too" commodity by comparing yourself to others in your niche ? Or would you rather establish yourself as the Obvious go to person, who charges on the basis of Who you are and the added value your service brings to the bottom line and credibility of your client ?
There are two primary ways of establishing that credibility. 1/ Write a book
2/ Speak in public.
Yes I know this may not be the answer you wanted but it will ensure that you position you as The expert and The authority in your field.
The great news is almost nobody is doing this so it is doable..
I hope this helps,
Cheers,
Mike Noone
PS: If you want any help in doing this I have some free stuff you can access. Just PM me here at mosaichub.
PPS: Same offer is there for anyone else who is struggling with these types of questions.
Jan 16, 2014
Nancy,
If you haven't already, look up what others are charging. You might want to start slightly lower if you are new, until you build up a clientele, but be sure to charge enough to cover your time and effort! Once you are more established, charge what people will pay. Try a higher charge. If they balk, you can always discount at that point. Or know to come down a bit on the next bid. When i started writing blogs for real estate agents, this was the method I used and it has worked very well for me. All the best with your new business!
Jan 16, 2014
Two things.
One on one 'human' networking within the community.
Ask what others are charging (after you get step 1 above done).
Bob