Comments on: How 20 designers charge their clients – part 3

By: David Airey

David Airey — Mon, 25 May 2009 15:25:32 +0000

You should do that, Antonio. I’d certainly be interested to read the results.

By: Antonio Wells

Antonio Wells — Thu, 21 May 2009 15:03:47 +0000

This is a good article series. Interesting to see how others handle the financials. I too charge flat pricing with a 50% upfront deposit, 25% after a major milestone like design approval and the other 25% after completion, which I allow only 48 hours.

A great topic would be, “How 20 Designers Handle Bad Paying Clients” as I recently had to deal with a client on a monthly payment plan, decided he wanted to stop paying. Say… this is a topic I might write/interview about.

By: Ryan - Jovia Web Studio

Ryan - Jovia Web Studio — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 14:03:44 +0000

Great article. I have been wondering whether to form estimates based on the hour or the project. What happens if I go longer than the time estimated, what if I’m more efficient? Do I give a refund? I am finding that basing my services on a hybrid approach is working. First I determine what I would like my hourly rate to be, then I multiply that by what I think it will take me to do the project. Finally, I try to keep in check with industry pricing, making sure I’m not cheating myself or the client.

By: David Airey

David Airey — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 08:23:36 +0000

David,

I hope you find the info you’re looking for. If not, do let me know. Blog posts on pricing prove quite popular, so perhaps I can offer another.

By: David Howlett

David Howlett — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 22:34:11 +0000

David,

Again I find another great post from you on a subject that is near and dear to every designer.

At my design studio we are trying to come up with some good base prices for common items that need designed. I will certainly be scouring your site for some additional info in that respect.

As a side note, I just wanted to tell you how impressed I am with the way you follow-up with the comments on your site. In doing so, you seem much more tangible and engaging… something that I find very encouraging.

Keep up the great work!

By: dmk

dmk — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 23:10:09 +0000

a very informative article thank you for that. I shall go back to my blog and ponder on it.

By: alexaldon

alexaldon — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 10:14:17 +0000

Great info! Thanks for educating on different payment methodologies.I think its better to opt for paypal….

By: David Airey

David Airey — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 17:08:44 +0000

Frank, Matt,

I’m very glad you’ve gained something from these insights. That was my aim.

Daniel,

It’s definitely better if you request payment in advance. If you don’t, you’re leaving yourself very open to a fall.

Eric,

Working with friends / family is a slightly different story. Even though I’ve successfully worked with family members, I’m more apprehensive from the outset, as the last thing I want is to cause a family rift over some design work.

Chaintanya, Lindsay, Pam,

You’re all more than welcome.

Have a great weekend everyone.

By: pam

pam — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 11:32:53 +0000

Once again, a great resource – thanks, David! It’s always great to be able to read straightforward dialogue about the business aspects of freelance design, especially because each designer/client/project is so different, and when it comes down to it, the numbers are never concrete. I’ve been freelancing for years now, but I’ve always had a hard time asking for a deposit with new clients – but that’s something I’m getting over quickly, largely thanks to these posts!

By: Lindsay

Lindsay — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 06:42:23 +0000

Thanks for posting this series. I am on the other side, looking to have a blog upgraded and redesigned, and it helps to see the fee-setting-and-collecting process from the designer’s point of view.