Unsure how much to charge for this project

black-ops · 19 Aug 2011 at 14:53

Now, I'm not scared of "scaring off" clients with a price by setting a standard, however this project is interested yet i'm not sure what the price should be as they want a custom framework for it.

It's a dating website which "must" include:

search preferences,
ability to make matches and email members with these matches,
instant messaging between members,
forums,
rating system of members,
whos online features,
payment area (including payment gateway),
newsletter and update - sending to members,

They want this within a month and I act as freelance designer / developer (all in php)...

I'm thinking £4200 but other acquaintances of mine are saying this is too generous and it should be at least £6000.

I'm thinking I might be charging WAY too much as well as although there are a few points which could cause an increased amount of time spent on them most of it is generally straight forward.

Input on how much you'd charge would be great.

simisker · 19 Aug 2011 at 16:45

black-ops said:
[...] They want this within a month [...]

I don't mean to seem rude, but are you sure you have the necessary experience to professionally deliver this project?

I'm only asking because you don't seem to be batting an eyelid at the fact that this client is expecting bespoke design [not just user-facing, but also an admin interface], bespoke build and rigorous testing of a service that is pretty much "Match.com Lite" in less than 5 working weeks.

It's not like we're talking Wordpress + Template + Plugins = Win here.

Edward01 · 19 Aug 2011 at 16:49

If they want it all bespoke, with testing, SEO, training etc and within a month then at lest £6k

Tripnologist · 19 Aug 2011 at 16:53

simisker said:
* Telling it like it is *

Pretty much exactly what Simisker has just said. That's a lot of work to complete in a month. Also, I'd be very wary of a client with unrealistic expectations.

black-ops · 19 Aug 2011 at 18:09

I've got the skill set but the time frame imo is stupid. I even rung up a partner of mine who leads a development agency in london and they said that they'd think it's impossible for a team to do within a month with that expectation and even then they'd charge more...

This chap contacted me through an old account of mine. I could definitely develop it but most likely would take two to three months. But naturally for that length of time I'd also charge a little more.

slylittlefox · 19 Aug 2011 at 21:16

Is this a solo project? If so, short of you being some sort of coding god the likes of which I've never seen before, you won't have it done within a month - or certainly not to any good standard.

As for costs, yes, £4200 is far too cheap imo! £6K+, but though with that said if it's just you on your own, I don't know if I could go to a web dev house and get a team to do it for the same price.

black-ops · 20 Aug 2011 at 02:54

Nope not a coding god and considering the time frame i've proposed a 3 month to four month contract. With intermediate testing points naturally.

I will keep the quote the same though.

simisker · 20 Aug 2011 at 04:10

Keeping the quote the same means that you'll earn £1050-1400 per month. That's roughly £250-350 per week, or roughly £6-8 per hour assuming a 40-hour week [and further assuming you can stick to 40 hours].

That's only a smidge more than minimum wage. For a project that demands fairly specialised skills and knowledge that have taken time - and possibly money - to acquire.

And that's before any taxes you may incur.

It might be worth having another think about what the time spent on this project is worth to you. Is it enough to earn your living during that time? Mightn't it be a good idea to add on a bit more to cover any future lean spells or unexpected project-related expenses?

None of this is meant as criticism or a questioning of your competence, I hope you understand

I'm merely concerned that I'm going to witness yet another fresh-faced young designer/developer grossly undervaluing their worth.

jakspyder · 20 Aug 2011 at 11:13

yeh for that kind of rate you can throw away your skills and dig holes in the ground for more pay.

slylittlefox · 20 Aug 2011 at 11:39

simisker said:
Keeping the quote the same means that you'll earn £1050-1400 per month. That's roughly £250-350 per week, or roughly £6-8 per hour assuming a 40-hour week [and further assuming you can stick to 40 hours].

That's only a smidge more than minimum wage. For a project that demands fairly specialised skills and knowledge that have taken time - and possibly money - to acquire.

And that's before any taxes you may incur.

It might be worth having another think about what the time spent on this project is worth to you. Is it enough to earn your living during that time? Mightn't it be a good idea to add on a bit more to cover any future lean spells or unexpected project-related expenses?

None of this is meant as criticism or a questioning of your competence, I hope you understand I'm merely concerned that I'm going to witness yet another fresh-faced young designer/developer grossly undervaluing their worth.

All of this! £4200 for three months work