Comments on: Your Rate is Too High! http://azzcatdesign.com/blog/web-design/your-rate-is-too-high Design stories & tips, peppered with life's little tidbits Mon, 09 Jan 2012 15:10:55 +0000 hourly 1 By: Catherine http://azzcatdesign.com/blog/web-design/your-rate-is-too-high/comment-page-1#comment-491 Catherine Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:32:24 +0000 http://azzcatdesign.com/blog/?p=662#comment-491 <p>Don't undersell yourself. Remember, as a self-employed person, you've got to cover every expense that EEs don't: vacation & sick days, insurance, retirement, equipment, software, utilities and double taxes.</p> <p>I know it's hard when you see ads for designers who seemingly need to know every application and programming language under the sun--for $15/hour. Don't fall for them. Even unskilled labor like housekeeping, charges $20/hour.</p> <p>You might consider setting project rates. Clients prefer knowing what the project will cost, rather than a vague hourly number. As you gain experience, you'll actually get a 'raise' because you'll complete projects in fewer hours. While you're in school, try to take a business or entrepreneurship class. You'll never regret it!</p> <p>Thanks and good luck!</p> Don’t undersell yourself. Remember, as a self-employed person, you’ve got to cover every expense that EEs don’t: vacation & sick days, insurance, retirement, equipment, software, utilities and double taxes.

I know it’s hard when you see ads for designers who seemingly need to know every application and programming language under the sun–for $15/hour. Don’t fall for them. Even unskilled labor like housekeeping, charges $20/hour.

You might consider setting project rates. Clients prefer knowing what the project will cost, rather than a vague hourly number. As you gain experience, you’ll actually get a ‘raise’ because you’ll complete projects in fewer hours. While you’re in school, try to take a business or entrepreneurship class. You’ll never regret it!

Thanks and good luck!

]]> By: Joseph McCullough http://azzcatdesign.com/blog/web-design/your-rate-is-too-high/comment-page-1#comment-489 Joseph McCullough Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:13:18 +0000 http://azzcatdesign.com/blog/?p=662#comment-489 <p>I've just recently got comfortable with this mindset. However, since I am not very talented yet, I'm keeping my prices low. Since I honestly do value myself at about $20 an hour, that's what I'll charge. As I become more proficient, I'll raise my rate. Luckily for me, though, I'm just a college Freshman still living at home! So I can charge low to bring in more clients for experience sake but not have to worry about not being able to feed myself. </p> I’ve just recently got comfortable with this mindset. However, since I am not very talented yet, I’m keeping my prices low. Since I honestly do value myself at about $20 an hour, that’s what I’ll charge. As I become more proficient, I’ll raise my rate. Luckily for me, though, I’m just a college Freshman still living at home! So I can charge low to bring in more clients for experience sake but not have to worry about not being able to feed myself. 

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