I always insist on a deposit. I get that out of the way first, and if they don't get back to me then in all likelihood they would be the ones I'd be chasing for payment at the end of a job, had they not put any money down first. A deposit is a safety net, things can and do go wrong in the course of a project, so at least I have something to show for a job that I may have difficulty getting full payment from.
For some of the services I offer (i.e. t-shirt printing) which is generally bespoke and requires materials to be purchased up front, were they to go elsewhere without doubt they would have to pay 100% up front, so it's not unreasonable for me to ask for a 50% deposit at least.
I used to take jobs on without doing this, which was a mistake - customers will take advantage if they haven't yet parted with cash and if you don't make it clear what your charges are. I now have my own invoices & quotes with small print, it's made crystal clear and if they don't like it, then they can go elsewhere.
Hello 🙂 Apologies in advance for a really long post! And sorry it's not freelance related but could do with some feedback.
I'm a graphic designer with 10 years' experience. I work 4 days a week flexitime, on average full time hours, and don't work on Friday (although it's the busiest day of my week at the moment!). I run my own fledgling business in my spare time but we're investing all we can into it at the moment and certainly not making money to live off.
Anyway - the last 5 years I've been PC based using CorelDraw as the main package, but am fully proficient in Photoshop and do use Illustrator and InDesign from time to time, not on the same level as Corel of course. This reflects the usage of the other staff who don't want the hassle of 'changing' to Adobe and wouldn't amend stuff I'd set in those programs, Corel is also the most up to date software. So I don't have a lot of experience in those. I did a Dreamweaver course a few years back, my Flash course was cancelled right before it began (low student numbers) and since then I've not found anywhere local for the right price (or on the right day) to do more courses to get software experience. Doesn't help that I'm PC based at home and can't afford a Mac or software. I find online tutorials no substitute for real experience although I do try. The work I do in the office is not greatly challenging and quick turnaround with not a lot of creativity asked for or needed (they just tend to want something basic for a few quid, don't like paying for design!).
My confidence isn't great, I have been family oriented for the past 3 years (raising my daughter) and I feel I've really fallen by the wayside and no-one wants to employ me - this has been really noticeable since I had my daughter, not that workplaces would discriminate of course! Even my own boss said he would not employ someone whom he thought would have kids. Most places are of course Mac based with the Adobe suite in common usage. I've only managed to get one interview in the past few months from many job applications - I've been looking on and off for years with no luck. The interviewer made a really nasty comment, basically saying I wasn't worth the money I was being paid and that he was looking to employ someone on peanuts compared to me with better portfolios. That hurt.
Years ago I took a 50% pay cut just to get my foot on the ladder. These days, with mortgage and childcare I can't afford for such drastic measures. And besides which, I have so much experience and it's not just the graphic design that has earned me my salary; it's the hard work, commitment, attention to detail, professionalism, great customer service, maturity, organisational skills etc. I'm a great all-rounder, but try explaining all that in a single cover letter and CV - anyone can type that, even if they are blagging.
The only way I feel I can get back up to speed is to do some work experience. I thought about contacting some local web & graphic design firms to see if they'd take me on for one day per week. That way I could prove I was a fast learner, willing and able, and not only would they get some design help, in return I would also gain the experience and it would (hopefully) give me more confidence and self-worth. And perhaps lead to a permanent paid job.
Do you think a design firm would be interested in this sort of thing? Did any of the companies you used to work for take on board work experience, and not just for making brews and sweeping floors? I mean, I was worried at 29 it might make me look desperate, as it's usually young school leavers who do this sort of thing.
Sorry to have waffled on and congratulations on getting to the end and not passing out!
Thanks very much for your replies, they're much appreciated, at least I can get back to the chap with some prices and terms.
Although I have 10 years experience, it's not in this particular field and it would be a huge leap for me to effectively double my hourly rate, I certainly think it's appropriate for the work involved. I've only worked for two companies, the current one not entirely 'professional' shall we say, so this job opportunity is not only about bringing in a bit more cash, but would be a huge asset to my CV and experience. I was until recently thinking about changing careers completely, as I was going nowhere fast, but this has enlightened me somewhat :happy
I'm a bit behind the times with stock photography, the last time I used that sort of thing was 4 / 5 years ago, Corbis mainly and VERY expensive! Puts my mind at ease knowing it doesn't have to cost the earth!
Completely out of the blue, I've been recommended by my old boss (to her current employer) to produce a 60 page monthly glossy, like the Sunday Times mag in style. I've quoted a freelance rate as £20 per hour (I'm based near Manchester).
I have 10 years design experience, but have worked mainly on adverts, flyers, brochures. However I have much experience of taking brochures / ad booklets from conception to print.
This is a dream opportunity for me. I am currently on a 34 hour week at £10 per hour, not great but pays the bills. This includes flexitime / some working from home, so as I have an active toddler to look after it suits me for the moment.
I would like to do the magazine on a freelance basis or second job, so of course I would have to notify the tax office etc.
The problem is my naivety in this subject - the boss has asked for a rate-per-page, not per hour. I have no idea what to charge! How do I calculate that??
And what do I do about stock photography (I imagine there would be a LOT of this used). Do I bill them separately for this or include it in my rate? I don't know a lot about stock photography and the costs/legalities but I always thought it was cripplingly expensive?
