Re: Need help with quote

Hi Lisa,

I've been gone on vacation so hope this reply isn't too outdated.

Re figuring how much to charge when you're just starting out-- I would ask other web designers if you can and also experiment with the requests and keep a record of how long it takes to do each job. 

Every job has different requirements and your software will be different than the next designer so your rates and those of another may not match. For instance I write all code by hand so I have a low overhead. It may take me longer to write the code but I use a lot of templates too. When I first started out I was doing a lot of work for free cause I didn't realize how long some jobs would take but you don't make that mistake twice. I have a few estimates for jobs on my web site. You're free to check them out (see below).

Re training a client to do web work that knows nothing about it--I'd just send them a source code of a web page to let them see how complicated it is and then explain the most difficult section (use tech terminology). I've had a few clients wanting the same thing and after a few emails explaining the code and the kind of software they'll have to buy (Photoshop for instance) to manipulate images properly and FTPing the docs to the web site, validating the code, registering with search engines and all the research that goes with it (worth about 2 years of computer tech school), etc., they change their mind and let me do it instead.

I would also send two quotes--one for you doing all the work, and another if you have to train them--which I wouldn't touch with a ten foot pole unless I was a Computer Instructor and could do it in person. I like what Jim Haslam had to say on this topic re your charging a repair fee if the client breaks the code and also get an iron clad contract drawn up by a lawyer familiar with the Internet if you go this route.

Also, keep in mind, when they are sending the images electronically--they may not know how to do it and may send you images you can't manipulate. Better to get hard copies.

Lori Eldridge
Lori's Web Design
http://www.loriswebs.com

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