Why don’t you offer flat rate billing on web design?
I do actually, but only for smaller, clearly defined jobs. I have a flat rate for basic website projects, simple graphic design work, business card design, and all printing services.
The reality is that no matter how much time is spent in laying out a design document detailing the project, every client has changes they wish to make as the project evolves. Some changes are minor and involve very little additional time – others are so major as to completely alter the entire project.
In a perfect world every client would know exactly what they want and I would be 100% accurate in every estimate I provide. Unfortunately this isn’t possible as every job is unique and every clients needs evolve as they become more invested in making the best website possible.
To ensure that the invoicing I provide my clients is as fair as possible to both myself and the client, I follow the below rules:
- My hourly rate is a exceptionally reasonable $30 per hour.
- I provide free estimates and will spend an hour discussing the project with you.
- The estimate I provide is as accurate as possible given the information you have provided.
- Client requested changes will be provided with a reasonable estimates before I proceed.
- I record all of my work accurately and bill in 10 minute increments.
- I am honest and have worked hard to build my reputation – references are available.
- Travel time to and from a clients workplace is billed at the standard rate.
- Work is invoiced at the end of the month or project, which ever comes first.
The rule of thumb is: If I am doing something which I wouldn’t do if it weren’t for your project, you get charged for it.
In the end I do not offer flat rates for web design because the only way for me to guarantee that I am able to receive a fair wage at the end of a potentially evolving job is to take my original estimate of what you need and pad it by at least 30% or more. This isn’t fair to those clients who are able to develop a detailed plan with me and stick to it and neither is it fair to me when I have clients who abuse a flat rate fee to double or triple the number of hours involved.
My thanks to Software Engineer Orestis Markou for some of his thoughts on this topic.
