Asked to help with redesign
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- Machuse
So I just got brought on to help with a flash/flex project. When asked about what I would charge be baseing an estimate on 50$/hr x estimated hours of work.
They then asked me to look at a website they are redesigning, I'm not supposed to dedicate more than 3 hours - but its not like what I throw together would only be worth 150$ - how much would you charge for 3 hours of design direction -and how would you go about justifying it?
Second problem - after i develop this platform for them - they will pay me 3 - 4k after its all done - but they can then use my application for many different clients - would you ask for residuals ? or just ask for money upfront? (haven't really talked turkey with them yet)
- airey0
if they can reuse it there should be a fee involved to pay for the IP of it. this is of course an 'ideal' situation which more often than not never happens.
- TResudek0
There is no way to ask for residuals. It is assumed they pay you for the code. If they are smart enough to figure out how to re-use it, then there really is no way to stop them.
As for the redesign - I'd bump it up quite a bit since they are paying for all of your experience and expertise. If they are getting a bunch of free money off the first project they probably won't mind paying a little more for the second.
- DeviceUnseen0
A few things...
$50/hour seems low for flash/flex dev. In NYC it's at least $75-85/hour
3 hours is not enough time in my opinion to develop fully realized concepts. If you don't feel you can deliver what they are looking for, turn down the work. Depending how you do this, more often then not the client comes up in hours. Another approach is to give them high level recommendations but not designs.
I agree with TResudek, if a client hires you to develop something, they own the IP. A way around this is to take a hit on your fee upfront to make a commission on each sale later. It's doubtful they'll go for that.
Another thing to keep in mind is that developing something that needs to be scalable takes more time AND will require your involvement for future implementations. Usually a longer term relationship will be more lucrative so tread lightly if you see potential.
- Machuse0
ok, thanks all for intelligent responses.
I know they will need my help to regurgitate it, or pay me for another 20 hours of work to create cms's and automated process. So Device - im really leaning toward what you said. Ill just try to flip it long term.They have other designers already looking at the site, and I'm just going to be modifying their somewhat final revisions. but its probably not enough time but ill give it 3 hours and see where it ends up.
And yes I probably undersold myself, not sure they would've gone for 75+ but ill never know I guess...
- doesnotexist0
design direction? I'd charge more towards $100/hr
- mcLeod0
I have never done a project involving writing code for a client since thats not my thing, but i am guessing it could be compared to design, illustration or photography. i would think you would have to negotiate a price for granting them full usage rights of the work you produce. make sure you include a transfer of rights fee.
- monNom0
sounds like your underestimating your hours. 20hrs for a cms and automation? do you already have a turnkey solution ready to go?
- kerus0
1) charge more even if you're just out of school, even 55 sounds more predetermined than 50.
2) double your time estimates
- akoni0
youre charging way too low if you are doing flex stuff
- threadpost0
waaay too low.
- WeLoveNoise0
30% upfront always no matter what - this is your fail safe if anything fucks up