Re: FN-FORUM: Help?!

date posted 9th March 2007 12:58

Hi Samantha,

Well, it isn't easy; that's all I can say. I guess the basics are
making sure you charge enough to make a living - otherwise, you may as
well not do it. The main thing at the beginning for me, was getting the
potential business in the first place. No recommendations when you have
no clients, no established advertising etc.. A lot of people find that
initially they want to charge a bit less to get a portfolio under their
belt. Some will say you shouldn't undersell yourself? Not an easy balance.

Is this going to be your only income right from the start, or will you
keep the day job for while too :) If you have another income
currently, then I guess you can do it for less than you will have to
when it is your only income. There is also a huge learning curve, in
deciding how long something will take. Only time will help here. I
certainly under priced a few jobs, not expecting the amount of time it
would take and not stating up front what the price did and didn't
include. I didn't even use a contract at the beginning, meaning
everything was by word of mouth and therefore open to
mis-interpretation. Lesson number one: Make sure you write down exactly
what you are quoting for and get the client to sign that they understand
and agree to that! Read it through with them too. Make sure they know
what costs are incurred if they change their minds or want to add to
their initial request - have it written in the contract e.g. £x per hour.

Sadly, no matter how much advice you get and care you take, you will
undoubtedly cock up a few at the beginning; but hopefully less and less
as you carry on.

As a very rough guide, I try to price a job at £35 per hour + vat. I do
though give a fixed price for the work in the contract; with the client
knowing that changes could cost them £35+vat per hour on top of the
fixed price. Some will of course look for more per hour and some less.
Some will have more overheads than me - offices etc. Work out what you
need to earn to break even and turn that into £ per hour as a starting
point. Then add on what you want/need to earn. Don't be too greedy at
the start though :)

If you want any outsourced graphics work, then I'm always looking for
people. No guaranteed work load, but my graphics skills are pretty
basic and I like to spend my time on the more technical side of things :)

Good luck.

--
Dominic Raywood
Rubicon Computer Services Limited
W: http://rubiconcsl.com
E: [EMAIL REMOVED]
T: 08456 521 561 (+44 1823 698420)
F: 08456 521 561 (+44 1823 698420)
M: 07050 204 998 (+44 7811 252573)


Samantha B wrote:
>
> Hey people, I am new to this freelance list.
> I am trying slowly to set up my own business in Freelance Graphic
> Design. Although I worry about costings, what to charge clients, what
> would be too much or not enough? Any ideas anyone?
> Many Thanks
> Samantha
>
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