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Hourly rate help
HI
I'm trying to work out what my hourly rate would be. I hope someone can help? I've been working as a graphic designer for 14 years. My last position was as a Senior Design and supervisor. I'm now starting up my own freelance company and trying really hard to find clients - not something I've had to do before. I've approached some big design companies and a couple like my work and want to know what my rate is. I don't want to undersell myself nor overcharge and put them off. Any advice?
Thanks
Poppi Design
I'm trying to work out what my hourly rate would be. I hope someone can help? I've been working as a graphic designer for 14 years. My last position was as a Senior Design and supervisor. I'm now starting up my own freelance company and trying really hard to find clients - not something I've had to do before. I've approached some big design companies and a couple like my work and want to know what my rate is. I don't want to undersell myself nor overcharge and put them off. Any advice?
Thanks
Poppi Design
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Rizzo
Messages count : 51Likes count : 0Registration : 5 November 2006Hi Poppi
Welcome :-)
Lots of general rates of £20/30ph mentioned on here. It depends on a few factors though, if there is a 'going rate' for what you do in your area (mystery shop the competition perhaps), how well the client's budget fits in with that, whether it's straightforward work, whether it's pain in the wotnot work, whether you really need to compromise on the rate to get the ball rolling and get the first gig in etc and also of course what you need to make to make a decent living out of freelancing. You should be aiming to make at least the same if not more to compensate for no sick/holiday pay etc than you did as an employee.
Does that help? You have lots of experience so definitely don't undersell yourself, start high and agree to come down only if necessary. You could also put the ball in their court and ask what they would be willing to pay per hour based on what they've seen of you, it may be higher than you think, or if it's not you can start to present reasons why you're worth a bit more.