hello,
Couldn't figure out which forum this type of inquery should get posted under so I figured general discussion would be the most suitable. Anywhere here is my question.
When you design a website for a client, do you charge them for designing layouts that they didn't choose to use?
Like I built a website for this client, I went through 3 different flash layouts a dhtml layout and 2 html layouts before finalizing the one that I am getting ready to invoice them for. But looking back, I did alot more work then I would be charging them for, because most of the work was in the layout designs.
Thanks for your time and your insight. The forums are a webguys best friend.
ken elliott
Pimpin like a pimp with an electrofied pimpin machine!
Adam Oberdorfer posted this at 22:34—6th November 2001.
They have: 384 posts
Joined: Sep 2000
It really depends on the agreement with the client, however in any case you should be compensated for the work you do. I usually work to different ways:
Contract – I workout a proposal based on my experience with past projects and estimate how long it will take to complete a project. I usually have a schedule that outlines how many concepts I will deliver and how long the client has to comment on them between revisions. It also gives a deadline for any final changes to the core design before production.
For example:
10/05 – Designer will deliver 4 concept designs
10/10 – Client will send comments on concept designs
10/25 – Designer will deliver 1 final concept design based on clients comments
10/30 – Client will send comments on final concept design
11/05 – Last date for client to request major changes on core design concept
If the client requests additional concepts or further changes to the site I will work on an hourly or set rate per concept.
Hourly – Hourly work as it's advantages and disadvantages. Personally I prefer contract, however some clients prefer hourly. In any case I like to report my hours periodically through the design. That way the client isn't shocked when they see the invoice and the client can request more or less work depending on their budget. If your working by the hour and the client requests the additional concepts, then by all means charge them for your time.
I probably answered you questions in a roundabout way, however I figured it might be helpful to some of the other designers who are still figuring things out. The business aspect of web design is almost as tuff as the actual design, if not more so.
Good luck!
Adam Oberdorfer – TWF Moderator
AIS Internet Solutions – Owner/Lead Developer
ScriptsDev.com – Enterprise E-Commerce Development and Consulting