Pricing of web programming and services

[aliashippysmom]

Hi! I'm not sure where to post this so I'm sorry if this is in the wrong place.

I am interested to find out what others pay for the following services to an outside company. Here's what the outside company would be expected to do:
1. Maintain existing web site written in Coldfusion MX, with a possible upgrade in the future
2. Maintain MS SQL Server database; design new tables, databases, as needed, etc.
3. Add new web site features as required, i.e forums, new feeds, webinars, etc.
4. Develop new artwork as required
5. Post new content to web site on a daily basis AND search for new content in line with company's mission for posting.
6. Design email campaigns for client to advertise whatever they want to advertise
7. Handle conference registration for various conferences, meetings, etc., with different costs for attendees, vendors, etc. Allow credit card processing of payments.
8. Monitor their server for problems such as it crashing and hanging and diagnose these and recommend fixes
9. Assist client staff with any problems they encounter with the web site like finding information they need, etc., posting specialty items, like agenda, photo galleries, etc.
10. Help market the client company to attract business
11. Develop niche sites for the client company as needed, as directed by individual client employees
12. Manage their email blast system and modify as needed
13. Attend weekly staff meeting with client and all the employees where a progress report is expected
14. Client generates an online newsletter weekly, which should be coded and ready Friday afternoon; no firm time when newsletter raw info is delivered to developer requiring possibility of working late Friday night to get it out
15. Available by phone and/or email over weekend, holidays, etc.
16. Generate a daily news feed to go out via email and completely developed by company as opposed to client, but client approves before it is sent out

Also, company is required to know something about client's business and have been in that business for awhile to completely understand client's mission.

This job requires 40 hours per week. That's what the contract would say. The site is already written and live, although new design may be forthcoming and would be done under a separate contract.

Does anyone have a ballpark figure that company should charge client? Thanks for any information.

 

[mokaplanjr]

This is really depends on your market location and what it will support. Hourly rates can range from $75/hr up to $125/hr, depending on the market. But it's all negotiable.

You say it's expected to be a 40-hour/week job. So, ask yourself, how much would you expect to be paid for a full-time work week -- including benefits?

And remember, you do nobody a favor giving your work away. The contractor needs to make a living (and it is very specialized work). If you give your work away, you'll be both broke and unhappy. On the other hand, the client/customer must realize that the work is an investment in the business, but they have a bottom line to maintain and will have an upper limit to the risk involved.

And... last question? Are you willing to walk if they try to lowball you? When you negotiate price, you must channel your inner "Vince the Sham-Wow Guy."

Good luck.