What to charge for projects?

[Meg24]

Can anyone give me some feedback on what they charge for projects such as brochures? Business cards? Posters? I have it set up with my client to charge them by the hour. Sometimes I put longer hours into the project than I should (and don't charge for the extra time), just because I want it perfect! But I would like to get an idea of how long it takes some of you to do things like brochures, business cards, etc.

Thanks.

 

[Pixelchik]

You might want to check the book "Desktop Publishing Pricing Guide" by Robert Brenner. It would help to set a guideline for yourself. My personal method is to give a quote to my client based on my estimated time to produce the project (with an hourly rate). My hourly rate varies with the project type which is anywhere between $20-$50/hr. This of course is based on my years of experience with a particular type of project. But I'm sure everyone has their own method to calculate their fees.

 

[jimoblak]

As a first-timer, you should check out the pricing from others in your own market - - and then knock of a percentage. You would charge less to get the business and because you may not have the established skills and tools of the other guys.

You may already be practicing this method - - and putting in more hours than what you admit to the client is not uncommon. The trick is to assess the needs of your client over a span of a few jobs so that you can accurately price future jobs. You might also pad in charges to the next job that you lost in the last. As a business-minded individual, you will charge what you can get away with while maintaining customer satisfaction.

- - picklefish - -
Why is everyone in this forum responding to me as picklefish?

 

[aries2]

Hi!
I usally charge 25-35 $/hr depending on the project. Sometimes I charge on a per project basis. I also have a varying fee for scanning and editing of graphics or if I have to dip in to my own supply of graphics. If the client wants to use a graphic from my supply...depending on the size and editing involved, I will charge 20-50$ per graphic. I also like to go on what other people charge to get an idea of what to charge for a project. I have many designer friends and I often consult them on what to charge and then adjust thier price according to my experience (4 ys.) and the client's needs.
Good luck!