Graphic / Web Design rates???

[webmidwife]

I am doing an overhaul on my graphic/web design site - tbidesigns.com - and need to change my rates. I have looked on the web and found all different ranges for the rates. How does one determine the value of the rate they charge? Is there a certain protocol? Is it education/experience? Is it what we feel our time and talent is worth?

What about someone who is self-taught, but with experience?

Thank you for you opinions.

Personally, as a graphic designer who does a lot of freelance work, I do not put any prices on my site. I instead would try to coax a client into calling and meeting with me and talking about what they want first, then talking about what I want last. But thats just me I am sure other people operate differently.

[MarcieZoob]

The only thing we publicize in regard to rates are hourly maintenance fees and our SEO package fees, which are the same for everyone. Since every project varies and some might require more time and programming, we provide custom quotes after our initial consultation.

Webmidwife: I noticed you're from Heber Springs, Arkansas - when I was touring with The Phantom Regiment, we spent a day there practicing. A group from your town had a really nice picnic and ice cream social for us, which was fun. The evening ended with some kids breaking into the school where we were sleeping and they threw firecrackers and smoke bombs on our sleeping bags, which sucked.

One of those "good-bad" experiences - I will never forget Heber Springs... :)

[scenesone]

Hi Lori!
Billy from Vermont here...I came to the site this morning because I am sort of in the same predicament you're in. First off, I have a link for you, and second, after figuring out what they said I was worth, and what I found my competitors rates to be, and what I finally came up with were three different things. Being new in the field, being a one-person team, marketing my services in Vermont, and working from home, were all factors I took into consideration, and adjusted my rates accordingly. But to be candid with you, I also adjust my rates depending on who my client is. If they are a start up business with not much capital, of course the rates are much less. I get between $40 and $25 an hour depending on the aforementioned. ($40 being what they say...I have heard others in the area asking $50+ but you know what, I get way more jobs than they do! :)

good luck, and be gentle on yourself!

Originally Posted by webmidwife

I am doing an overhaul on my graphic/web design site - tbidesigns.com - and need to change my rates. I have looked on the web and found all different ranges for the rates. How does one determine the value of the rate they charge? Is there a certain protocol? Is it education/experience? Is it what we feel our time and talent is worth?

What about someone who is self-taught, but with experience?

Thank you for you opinions.

[ADAM Web Design]

You know, all the formulas, calculations, and studying of competition really doesn't amount to all that much when determining what we should charge our customers.

I go back to a very simple lesson I was taught by a moving company owner when I was 20: "The value of something isn't what it's worth, but what someone's willing to pay for it."

In other words, set your rates based on you think people would be willing to pay for your services and adjust accordingly based on the amount of work you actually get.

Mind you, I'm like FrankieBoombatts. I quote on a project basis based off an hourly rate, which I outline in said quote. My only problem is that I tend to get a little too much business at times. But that's a problem I think we can all live with. ;)

Originally Posted by scenesone

Hi Lori!
Billy from Vermont here...I came to the site this morning because I am sort of in the same predicament you're in. First off, I have a link for you, and second, after figuring out what they said I was worth, and what I found my competitors rates to be, and what I finally came up with were three different things. Being new in the field, being a one-person team, marketing my services in Vermont, and working from home, were all factors I took into consideration, and adjusted my rates accordingly. But to be candid with you, I also adjust my rates depending on who my client is. If they are a start up business with not much capital, of course the rates are much less. I get between $40 and $25 an hour depending on the aforementioned. ($40 being what they say...I have heard others in the area asking $50+ but you know what, I get way more jobs than they do! :)

good luck, and be gentle on yourself!

Hey, good call my friend...some good insight! I just learned a few things! Hehe.

Originally Posted by ADAMWebDesign

My only problem is that I tend to get a little too much business at times.

You and me both my friend, you and me both!

[nyteowl17]

A couple of books from my Graphic Design Class to use:

Graphic Artist's Guild Handbook: Pricing and Ethical Guidelines

and

The Graphic Deisgner's Guide to Pricing, Estimating and Budgeting.

They both have great info and some guidelines, but I agree that you charge what you think the person will pay. You get a feel after a while (I always charge lawyers more! LOL)

Terry