Web Design - how much should I charge?

[Martin MGA]

Hi all.

Ok here is the deal. I am in the process of setting up a local web design business, really just part time. However I have my first contract, albeit a friend of my partners.

I have not finished all my sums to create my pricing strategy as yet so not too sure what to quote.

It is a basic website required mainly for internet presence. Nothing complicated at all - basically just the design of the site and a couple of contact forms and flash intro. Probably looking at 10-12 pages at most. Obviously everything will be done to standard with some SEO as well.

I need to start building a portfolio so want to offer good prices, but at the same time do not want to undervalue myself.

I was initially thinking around the £250 mark with a 'mates-rates' slight discount. I do feel this is low but not being established yet, I would not be confident of a much higher fee. These days, there are always the people that will hit back with "my friends brother can do the same for £50" etc.

Any advice appreciated thanks.

MGA

[Eagle]

Hi MGA

I'm not sure people will be able to give you exact figures - as that could be construed as 'price fixing' anyway - but what you should always consider is how much your time is worth to you, how much profit you want to make, how you quantify your skills etc... there's so many variables!

Mark :)

[duenna]

Hello MGA

Mark is right. You also need to discover what market place you wish to target. Ideally you will be developing standards based websites, however are you going to pitch at corporate level or at SME?

This has a huge difference on your price scale.

Just a thought!

[Martin MGA]

Well for this website it is just an individual, hence I don't want to overcharge him.

[duenna]

The other aspect you have to consider is the annual one. Will your client want upkeep on the website. If your business kicks off and you get busy the last thing you need is clients that have paid you already asking for changes to be made to the site.

Avoid Mates rates! It does not work and make sure you keep a strict working relationship.

Good luck

[paulcreedy]

As a guide try and estimate how long it will take to create it.

Decide how much you need to make over that period of time to live.

Now decide based on the market in your area, your skills, and the likely income of you client the top end you could possibly charge.

Now you have a price somewhere between the two extremes as a guide. If youre just start out then possibly go lower. If you are really good at what you do and there's a good market, aim higher.

[Martin MGA]

Thanks for the feedback guys.

I have quoted a price for him now. Let's just hope he likes it :D

MGA

[Rohit]

Hi

there are template designs available for 150 and lower!! but then that's what you get - a template design - a lot of people are happy with that - but it's something off an assembly line.
We do websites starting at 250 and going upto 1500, but then we have design team and developers in India

Rohit

www.outsourceprocess.com
www.marvelresources.co.uk