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    • CommentAuthorWladislaw
    • CommentTimeAug 24th 2006
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    I've just recently decided to get into freelancing, but I pretty oblivious to some basic things. I'm not looking to start a company or anything, simply offer my services online, so how would I deal with payment and such. Also, are there going rates for various services, or do I simply estimate how much my work is worth?

    Thanks,
    John
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      CommentAuthormringlein
    • CommentTimeAug 24th 2006
     permalink
    Nifkin has an excellent book he is always talking about (not sure what it was exactly)

    With regard where to start: sign-up with www.sidejobtrack.com. It is great for managing your clients, projects and invocing.

    Now everyone has their opinion on rates, here is my two-cents (pulled from another post I commented on):
    Pricing is about two things -- experience and confidence. You have to have the experience to warrant the price and you have to have the confidence to ask for that price. Here is my personal opinion on what is fair market value:

    0 to 1 yrs experience and a weak portfolio = free to $10/hour
    1 to 2 yrs experience and a strong portfolio = $25/hour to $35/hour
    2 to 4 yrs experience and rock solid portfolio along with strong client list = $45/hour to $65/hour
    More than 4yrs experience, inspiration worthy portfolio along with a strong client list = $80+/hour to {the sky is the limit}.

    Obviously there are many factors to take into account. The "opportunity cost" should be evaluated in every situation. You need to know your client too. What sort of budget do you think they typically work with? You obviously want to get the most money possible without losing the gig to a cheaper designer. Always go high (not so high you scare them away) and feel their reaction. You should always have a plan B ready in the event the client is turned off by the rate. Explain to them the logic of the rate (there should be logic!!) and demonstrate how you could complete the same project at a lower, more suitable, rate. Things such as offering two mocks instead of four, delivering in 2 weeks instead of 1, etc.

    Disclaimer: I hate attributing years-worked to experience (just an easy way to do it). I acknolwedge that some designers work in an environment that produces more work in 6 months than others do in 6 years.
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      CommentAuthormringlein
    • CommentTimeAug 24th 2006
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    Needless to say .... start with a solid portfolio!!
    • CommentAuthorWladislaw
    • CommentTimeAug 24th 2006
     permalink
    Hmmm...I'd always thought that freelancers used a set fee for a project, such as ,"$150 for a single template," but I guess using an hourly rate seems more logical. I still have to build up my portfolio, but this really helps. Anyone else's opinion is also welcomed.
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      CommentAuthormringlein
    • CommentTimeAug 24th 2006
     permalink
    I agree, I prefer to work on a project basis -- however, even those need to be justified on some sort of hourly rate metric.

    Here is a template proposal I've shared on here several times, you might find it useful as a starting point. http://www.marylandmedia.com/martin/templates/proposal.pdf
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      CommentAuthornifkin
    • CommentTimeAug 24th 2006 edited
     permalink
    Nifkin has an excellent book he is always talking about (not sure what it was exactly)

    That would be this:



    and it's a total lifesaver, everyone should read it.
  1.  permalink
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