Minimum Charge?
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- detritus
So.. er.. Do you guys have this kind of thing?
I've got a piffling little thing to do for a client - a minor amendment to a wee project I did a year or so ago (which I undercharged for at the time, to get more work). It'll take me half an hour (less, probably), but it's getting in the way of other stuff I'd rather be doing (for them, admittedly) - am I greedy to be thinking I should charge more than just an hour? Or should I just take it in the ass and tack an hour's worth onto the next big bill. I think I know the answer (the latter) I'm just ... well, a greedy sonofabitch who'd rather not have to do this. I'm just thinking about how plumbers charge and wishing I was Polish.
It's taken me 5 minutes to decide to write this, so perhaps I shouldn't've bothered.
- brianbrooks0
I have a minimum of $500
- Yeah, I really wouldn't be charging £250 for this. I think I know the answer. 'The latter'.
Thanks for responding.detritus
- Yeah, I really wouldn't be charging £250 for this. I think I know the answer. 'The latter'.
- Austin0010
Charge 1 hr
- detritus0
But, for future reference - say it wasn't an existing client - do you employ a minimum charge? If so - is it a minimum of x hours? If so.. what's your x?
I don't know why I'm still freelancing - I'm useless at this shit.
- If it's too piffling a job, I tend to just Not Bother. I'm cretinously lazy like that.detritus
- emecks0
one hour @ your standard hourly rate is a reasonable minimum charge to have. What you could also do is tell your clients that in
order to be able to offer this small minimum charge it is subject to no other work being pending, this should help stop them phoning you up with "just a wee job for ye...."
sometimes it is worth trying different things with different clients, some will realise that they're mucking you about while others simply wont....
- YAYPaul0
If it's a current client or one that's given a lot of repeat business and the job is 10-25 mins i'll usually do a freebee. Good for client relations.
Anything over 30mins get charged an hour though. It usually tots up to an hour once things have been saved out for proofs, emails written etc.
- Ofc multi of these in a week goes on their next bill.YAYPaul
- stupidresponse0
4 hours
- jamble0
I'd never charge less than an hours time even if it's a five minute job. It's reasonable and it encourages them to not keep hassling you with "it's only a couple of minutes" type requests.
- Just to clarify - I already charge a minimum of an hour. Was just wondering whether I should be greedier. 'No' apparently.detritus
- TResudek0
I am often in this situation and I know how frustrating it can be. One small thing (or 5 small things) get in the way of actually doing significant work. If its for a client with which you have an ongoing relationship, do it right away and tack an hour on to the next invoice. if it is for someone you don't have a relationship with, just put it off until you need a break and do it then. Often times your brain melts when working on something detailed for hours and hours - that is the time to take 15 minutes to change gears and tackle a "small change".
- Thanks. Existing client, so it's already done :)detritus
- JerseyRaindog0
Include one or two sets of amends in your quote. Anything else additional at a cost of yadda yadda yadda per half hour minimum.
- It's a revision for a wee packaging thing - slight text & colour changes for year-old job - outwith original scope.detritus
- 7point340
my balls itch... it'll probably only take you 5 secs or so for you to scratch them, but if you could that would be divine. also i will pay you an hours worth of work for it... it all evens out
i'll be the one wearing a tutu and pissing myself so you recognize me out in public
- You'll.. pay me? Christ, this thread's getting good - I've always been the one to pay to scratch sweaty balls.detritus