Tactical Freelance Advice
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- 5timuli
I'm busy estimating a freelance job for my old employer. I've not done a lot of freelance in the past so I need some advice on how to handle this situation.
I explained my freelance rate ($75/hr) and was told that it might not be feasible as the job's already been quoted with time allocated for design. I know they charge clients $150/hr but I'm not sure how much time was allocated on the quote. I'm estimating at the moment that the job will take a minimum of 20 hours to complete plus at least another 4 for revisions.
What do you do in this situation? Set a capped amount of hours? Set a fixed fee based on your hourly rate or less? Or do you just walk away? I really want to finish the job but I need to make sure it's worth my while.
- 5timuli0
The job is a brochure with 4 fold-out spreads plus cover (5 spreads total). I'd already designed the overall look-and-feel before I left (one cover which needs revised and two spreads), and now I have to layout the other two and tweak the cover and existing spreads. I also need to source a main stock image for each (x5) and design approx. 3-4 charts/graphs for one of the spreads. Then preflight, FTP, etc.
- lifterBARON0
I find that giving people an hourly rate is intimidating. So, if you know the scope and a rough timeline for the work to be done, just add up your time and give them a number. If they dont like the number just talk it over a let them know where you can help and what might not be doable based on timeline and pay. Ive found its more of a balance between what you want to make / how much time you want to spend on it and how valuable the client is... If you know youll get more work in the future or its an enjoyable project.. its ok to sacrifice a little pay. If you hate the project and dont really want to mess with it, charge for your stress. If they want to pay a lot to have you do it, you win. If they dont want to pay you what its worth to you, you still win because you dont have to stress.
- Thanks, maybe I should just give the time estimate first and see what happens. They already had a seizure at the hourly rate.5timuli
- 5timuli0
My problem is I started this job before I left the agency and I think they might be expecting that I do it for a similar rate. My hourly rate is almost three times what I was earning as a salary (which was less than average).
I really don't think I'm THAT expensive compared to a lot of other people, especially with 10+ years experience.
- MrOneHundred0
^ That will be a valuable lesson for them. If they aren’t prepared to pay, then they won’t get the thing finished. Welcome to reality, dickheads (them, not you).
- I sort of agree with you. It almost sounds like 5timuli is hesitant.. I wouldnt fuck with it.lifterBARON
- Especially if you aren't feeling it..lifterBARON
- I'm feeling the project, just not the certainty of getting paid what I'm due.5timuli
- lifterBARON0
Worst case scenario.. Just let them quote you. Let them tell you what the project is worth..If its not in your range just dont take it. Who cares if they hate you.. they can't talk shit on you for asking what you're worth. Shit maybe even drop your rate a little and let them think you are hooking em up.. But bust it out quick like.. No special sauce or finesse. Just give em what they paid for.
- hehe, special sauce. I could use some of that right about now.MrOneHundred
- 5timuli0
Yeah agreed. I don't want to drop my rate too much as I don't want to be the bitch here. I can almost guarantee that they don't want to pay me $1800 to finish this thing off though. Plus the end client likes to change their mind at the last moment and change entire sections of copy so I'd likely be doing edits long after the hours run out.
There are other things to consider too (which I can't really talk about) which make me the only person who can do this job. I'm also in line for maybe a couple of other jobs but it'll depend on the outcome of this one.
- You need to make it clear that your price DOES NOT include all author edits. You’ll be on it for months.MrOneHundred
- Yeah, I've added that in bold, all caps ;)5timuli
- ornj0
I would think about it before changing your price. It can set the tone for future projects.
- 5timuli0
After this, and maybe 1-2 more projects, I'm not likely to get any more work from them. They'll be having a whole new design team start in two weeks.
I'm pretty desperate for money right now (at least I will be by the start of next month) so I'd like to get this work, but maybe it's not worth it if I work for peanuts.
Thanks for the advice! Mucho appreciateded!
- 5timuli0
I'm concerned. I sent my quote last night (21-24 plus revisions). Got no reply. Just got a request to see a full first draft by Tuesday but still no confirmation of money. Every time I send an email or try to get something in writing about money all I get back is a phone call.
- ALWAYS get it in writing.D_Dot
- don't do anything with out a signed contract and deposit of moneytheredmasque
- PonyBoy0
Don't give in, 5timuli... even though you're desperate...
... can't tell you how many 'desperate' moments I've had where I just took people at their word...
... their are thousands of dollars out there that I'll never see. :(
Stand your ground, man... DO IT FOR US!!
- 5timuli0
Alright, I'll do it! Gonna send the ultimatum now. What's funny is when I spoke to him on the phone a couple of days ago he said "don't worry I'm not going to screw you over."
Hahaha!