appropriate charges

[bassman55]

Hi, I am a old hat to the computer game but new to web mastering. I was referred to this form for some answers.
I have some friends with small business and they are interested in a web presents. I not sure what I should be charging for and how much for those services. I know there is also something to do with band with that is used but I'm really not sure that would even come into play. This is why I have come to the experts for advice. We are all in the country and for the most part small businesses. They will not go for some of the pricing I have seen advertised on the web. But what is fair for both them and me? I want to make it attractive for them but also not give all my time away.
I thank you for your help and advice.
Bassman55

[incrediblehelp]

Charge as much as your time is worth to you.

[bassman55]

Hi,
Ok, but what should I be charging for?
What should be combined to a package for a charge?
What should be an extra charge?

The more I browse the web checking out others fees I think the more confused I get not sure what I need to offer for what price?

If you are a webmaster can you give me an Idea of how I should bundle or break down packages.
Yes I want to make money but I also would like to keep it reasonable to attract the business.
One of the things I wonder about are fees I might be charged by my webhost (IX) if one of these sites suck up allot of bandwidth or some other fees I'm not aware of upfront. Have you heard of these things?

Any other incite and help Is greatly appreciated. With the Michigan economy so bad and so little repair work being done the survival of the business may depend on the web hosting for survival so any tips would be a great help.
Thank you for you time.
Regards

[mjtaylor]

Web design is charged differently according to the skills and inclinations of the designer and what their market will bear. As Jaan suggested, I believe you need to decide what hourly rate you are willing to accept and then estimate how long it will take you to create a site. Compare that with the competition in your area.

As far as issues such as bandwidth usage, hosts are very upfront about what extra bandwidth or space costs. And most hosting packages will provide more than enough space and bandwidth for an average small business site. If a site exceeds its bandwidth, your client should be thrilled as that will represent a lot of traffic. And you will have told them upfront what the extra charges could be. They are not excessive with most hosts.

Hope that helps.

Cheers, MJ

[bassman55]

HI, Thanks MJ for the reply.
So what your saying is that besides the $20 for the domain registration there is no real set scale of pattern for what webmasters charge for. You pick and decide what you want included for the price your charging and what would be extra correct?
I just thought there might be a standard or pattern the webhosts follow for what they charge for.
You know you get this, this and this which includes this, kind of pattern is what I'm seeing on the web but no uniformity or rhyme or reason to it. Some offer one thing while others don't so I'm not to sure what the basics that someone should always get? Sorry for such dumb questions. I just want to be certain I'm providing everything the customer needs and is paying for.
Thanks Again
Bassman55

[Dubbya]

Hi, I am a old hat to the computer game but new to Webmastering.
what is fair for both them and me?

Bassman55,

IMHO, you're in no position to charge your friends, colleagues or associates ANYTHING at this point. You need to take some courses in business communications, web design, project management, internet programming and marketing before you'll be able to justify charging for your services.

Don't kid yourself, you'll be competing with battle-scarred veterans, con artists and established industry professionals alike. Simply tossing a shingle out in front of the house, calling yourself a "Webmaster" and charging a competitive rate will not be of any benefit (fair) to you or your prospective clients.

As paying customers, your prospective clients will be under the assumption that you're a competent, experienced web professional. To be successful in this business, you need to be able to back up your claims with a portfolio of sites you've worked on. You need statistics and you need a toolbox full of proven methods and tactics. You need to establish and understand your strengths and weaknesses before you decide on he services you will provide.

Do yourself and your prospective customers a favor. Take the time to develop the competencies, skill set and experience both you and your clients can rely on.

.02

[mjtaylor]

Sure, hosts charge different prices for different features. Study some host packages. Are you planning to be a reseller? Study reseller packages.

[bassman55]

HI.
Thank you Dubbya and MJ for the advice. And I have already take some of those courses in college recently. Some of it I am currently learning some of the others. I am not looking to be a webmaster pro like most of you just to do a good job of what I am doing. I have my own domain with a ton of space and wanted to use some of it for putting up a few of there web stores and helping them support them. I was looking for what webmasters charge so I would not be out of line one way or another. I'm a hardware and network tech for 20 years so that is where I get most of my calls but I have been asked and want to provide to service to my customers.
Thanks

[mjtaylor]

HI.
Thank you Dubbya and MJ for the advice. And I have already take some of those courses in college recently. Some of it I am currently learning some of the others. I am not looking to be a webmaster pro like most of you just to do a good job of what I am doing. I have my own domain with a ton of space and wanted to use some of it for putting up a few of there web stores and helping them support them. I was looking for what webmasters charge so I would not be out of line one way or another. I'm a hardware and network tech for 20 years so that is where I get most of my calls but I have been asked and want to provide to service to my customers.
Thanks

You're welcome.

So you would be adding pages to your own domain for their businesses?