Fwd: Re: Need help with quote

I can't and won't quote you figures on this list, however, I'd like to ask 
your client this question:

How much would a web design class cost along with education about web 
browser compatibility, search engine optimization, information 
architecture, graphic design, accessibility design, typography, multimedia 
design, FTP, HTML, graphic software (Photoshop or PSP), CGI scripting and 
implementation, javascript? I know I'm into it about $8000.00+ so far!

These clients want everything...the web site, the design, and to learn your 
job skills...all for nothing!

I'd set my price and then don't budge. Tell him he is free to shop around 
for other designers. However, he won't be getting the quality you are 
offering him for less money! If he doesn't like your bid, then great...let 
them go. Your time, talents, knowledge, and services you quoted him are 
worth every penny you felt you should ask for. Don't under estimate 
yourself and your abilities. Don't bend just to get a client...these kind 
of clients will drive you nuts, and what is that worth to you?

If you do drop your rate and secure the client, be aware that once your 
client tries to manage their own web site they will have issues. Make sure 
you have in your agreement/contract that once you deliver the product all 
warranties are off. Then, nail em (repair service fee $$$) when they come 
back and want you to fix it....cause I guaranty you that they're going to 
mess it up! What we do takes years of learning, trial and error, education, 
training, and experience. They can't expect you to give them all that in a 
few short weeks...WYSIWYG or not, they all mess up code too. All of them! 
I've used Go-live, FrontPage, Dreamweaver, and HTML editors that offer tag 
hints. Despite their good intentions, there are just too many variables out 
there to make a one size fits all WYSIWYG program. It takes human 
intervention with all of them to custom fit the code, and that takes more 
knowledge than what your client is willing to put into this.

My $0.02!

Good Luck!

>James Haslam
>jim(at)haslam.com
>Web-Guy Design
>http://www.web-guy.com

James Haslam
jim(at)haslam.com

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