Access Database Pricing Guidelines 5

[user330]

This is not a tech support question, but I hope the answer may be useful to others in a similar situation.
I am new at creating databases for clients. I have created a database for one client and they are referring another client that is going to be using the database for the same purpose. Although I am sure there will be enhancements that need to be made, it will basically be the same database. I have put in far more hours than my original quote reflects for the first client. Should I offer the second client that database for the same price as the first? Obviously there won't be as many hours dedicated to the second. If I charged them any less it doesn’t seem fair to the first client. I was just wondering if there is an industry standard for this type of transaction. Is that the reason you can offer the same database to so many clients for the same price, because you dedicate so much time up front and then hope to resell to recoup?
Thanks in advance for your input!

 

[fneily]

You're an independent contractor - there is no industry standard. What you're talking about is quilt. As a client, I would want to know what your Access credentials are. Do you know: normalization, joins, SQL, DAO/ADO, VBA, automation, online development, etc. People get paid for basically two things, knowledge and experience. Maybe you could put the database you've created for a client (fake data, of course) on a web site and let the gurus here critique it. Many an ego has been deflated.
Personally, I've done free work for a couple of middle schools because I empathize with teachers who aren't rich. But for the state government, they offered $100 per hour, which I gladly accepted. Yes, I've even worked for food. She was cute.
Are you creating Access databases full time and need to live off the income? Then act like it's a business.

But a word of advice. Don't pass yourself off as an Access programmer if someone else can come along and find design and program flaws in your database. Your clients might feel ripped off.

 

[CharlieT302]

Here's a thought.

If the time spent designing the database was paid by the first client, then they own the database and its design; not you. It may not be a good idea to pass it to another client without some redesigns in the form functions to make it appear unique. Make it, at least, look different.

This does not mean that you have to make the tables different. Structure is determined by normalization. If they both need the same fields and tables, then that's the way it is. The the form structure, controls and appearance can differ. This also helps to justify time spent.

Conceptually, if you wrote off time with first client, then charging the same price for the second will help you recoup some of the cost since, as you said, you will done quicker.

My guess is that there will be enough differences that time will not be a problem. I would stick to the same hourly price and let the total work hours be what they will be. You are being asked by a client to solve a problem they cannot by themselves. As long as act with honesty and integrity towards your client, you will have no need to justify your time.

 

[JoeAtWork]

I don't agree with Charlie that the code belongs to the original client, unless you signed a contract that specifically stated that. They paid for a program, and that's what they got. The difference between your program and Microsoft Word is that yours didn't exist at the time your customer asked for it.

The price is whatever the market will bear.

When setting the price, keep in mind you are not only selling them the program as is, but you are obligating yourself to fix any bugs that are found in the future (assuming you are the type to stand behind your product). The time you invest in your product almost never ends when the software is installed on your client's computer. You will likely be expected to spend time explaining the program, answering questions, checking reported bugs (real or imagined), etc. Keep this total investment in time in mind when thinking about your price.

 

[Remou]

You could pay back the original client for the recommendation by giving him or her the enhanced version. This should be good for your reputation and may lead to other recommendations.

 

[Remou]

... and don't forget to charge a yearly maintenance fee.

 

[lespaul]

you may also wish to apply to join the private group Forum1121 . I'm sure you'll be able to get a lot of advice on how to proceed.

Leslie

In an open world there's no need for windows and gates

http://www.ubuntu.com