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- This topic has 3 replies, 4 voices, and was last updated 4 years, 6 months ago by CatFFG.
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September 22, 2019 at 12:19 am #999763Up::0
Hi Everyone
I’ve been working as a graphic designer for about 12 years, 10 of which in my own business. I’ve been aware for some time now that I’m not charging properly for my time as I love what I do and it doesn’t feel like work to me which does nothing for my bank balance of course.
I’m in the process of re-launching my design business and I want to charge properly for my time and put together ‘packages’ of services to offer to clients. My hourly rate has been $70 for years and years however 90% of the time I end up spending way more time on jobs than I quote (either due to ‘scope creep’ or maybe I’m having an off day) but only charge the quoted price or lower.
I’m finally learning that my time is valuable, especially time away from my family and this time around I want to do things the right way.
So, with that in mind … Logo Design. … I’ve had people tell me that they wouldn’t pay more than $50 for a logo because that’s what they’ll pay on Airtasker etc. yet I’ve had to fix logos up for people that have been done through there … you get what you pay for in those cases I guess. I’ve also been told by a designer that their base price for a logo is $450, mine was $150 for one option. What’s a good, fair price for a Logo nowadays? If you’re a graphic designer or have hired one, what in your opinion is reasonable?
ThanksSeptember 23, 2019 at 7:02 am #1221292Up::0Welcome to the forums [USER=115887]@CatFFG[/USER]!
As you’ve observed already, a logo is genuinely worth different amounts to different customers – the very same logo could be worth $50 to one business and $1000 to another.
So there’s not one answer. I think you decide which part of the market you want to serve, price accordingly, and assign a number of hours to match.
$150 is at the cheap end of the market. It can only be a quick logo, and therefore you are still competing with Fiverr, Airtasker, etc.
I’d consider $450 to be a very reasonable price (if I like the quality and style of work in your portfolio), and if I have some reason to believe you put a lot of care and thought into your work.
Hope that helps!
DaveSeptember 23, 2019 at 9:19 pm #1221293Up::0CatFFG, post: 267226, member: 115887 wrote:however 90% of the time I end up spending way more time on jobs than I quote (either due to ‘scope creep’ or maybe I’m having an off day) but only charge the quoted price or lower.If there is scope creep then you need to advise the client as soon as they suggest changes to what was originally agreed that it will be more dollars. But it means that upfront you need tightly written specifications of what is included and excluded from your quote or you cant say its scope creep.
If you are having an off day, then suck it up and charge the amount quoted it’s not the clients fault that you are having an off day, also if you have underquoted you need to suck it up and wear it.
September 23, 2019 at 10:01 pm #1221294Up::0Using your example of logo design fee – perhaps some information outlining the difference between a $50 online cheapy logo versus a $5000 design house logo. I’m sure there is a big difference in terms of what you get so perhaps you could outline it. Years ago we paid a lot of money for logos but I must admit the design process was very thorough and engaging. We spent time with a professional developing their brief, they spent time researching the market and prepared story boards, colour pallets and a detailed presentation, font styles and why etc etc. It was certainly a very different experience to that of 99 designs.
The next question ….what are the benefits of investing more in a logo / branding and at what stage should people do it? The problem with new businesses is that they typically have limited financial resources and the more spent on non core items (advisers, accountants, lawyers, designers) the less spent on core operations. Its a fine line.
Helping build better businesses and better lives with expert financial and taxation advice. info@360partners.com.au www.360partners.com.au 03 9005 4900September 24, 2019 at 9:37 pm #1221295Up::0Thank you all for your input, it’s been really helpful.
I’ve created a document to send out with logo estimates explaining the importance of a well designed logo and are happy to say that the client accepted the higher fee with no hesitation. I could still probably charge a little more so I’ll look at raising my fees gradually.
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