Now, I’m not one to toot my own horn, preferring to “walk modestly on the earth” and all that stuff, but damn, if I couldn’t use help with a big ol’ reality check right about now.
For those of you who may not know it, I’m currently a web designer. My intention is to provide my clients with top-level design and an easy-to-use, highly functional site, while not breaking the bank. And most of the time, it works out fine. My clients are happy, I’m happy I’m providing a good product, and I still get to spend time with my kids. I’m not rich by any means, but we’re paying our bills.
And then I come across something that just totally busts my balls, like I did this morning. I saw a web designer’s site who offers “a one-page website for as little as $895!”, and I almost choked on my tongue.
For reference’s sake (and to save you a click over to my site), my packages start at $795, and there’s no limit to how many pages you can have, how big of a blog you want to create, or any of that. And I’m not even going to get into how ugly this person’s portfolio was, how few features or variations the sites had, or how difficult it must be for their clients to update their sites, because that’s ultimately beside the point.
The point is, am I knuckin’ futs?
I need help here, because this isn’t an isolated incident. I see designers all the time who charge through the teeth for what I’d judge as relatively crappy work, and they obviously have people who take them up on their services. Meanwhile, I work my ass off for my clients, and the sites I give them far outstrip the weak sauce I see way too often. (I also see plenty of incredibly talented designers out there who charge five times what I charge, and they put out consistently fabulous work. I salute these designers, and wish I had their kinds of jedi-graphics-skills.)
So, am I being stupid? Be honest.
Oh, and it wasn’t my intention to rant away like a crazy old cat lady at a kid who rode his bike over her hydrangeas, but I realize I’m just feeling a bit lost here. Is the lesson that I should raise my rates (again), and trust that appropriate clients will show up? Do I need a different pricing structure altogether?
Any and all constructive feedback is most welcomed, believe me.
Image by chizoo.
Adam,
You are not nuts.
You are an honest man doing what you think is right for your clients.
I always give more than the dollars I receive in fixing their computer problems.
That is just the way we are. Not greedy for money, but doing the job right.
John
Have you ever tracked your hours and figured out what you are making an hour? It can be shocking. Perhaps you could leave your rate the same but but a few limits in place like the number of pages or the number of revisions. You can always waive those when everything goes smoothly but you have some protection if things get extra time consuming.
There is the wisdom out there that by raising your rates you will attract better or maybe just wealthier clients. But your rate is a good value and accessible for someone starting out. I guess when you have more clients than time, it will become necessary.
We all need to rant. Better here than elsewhere.
Adam, you are not crazy to react this way. I do too. I mostly have the opposite problem, seeing webheads offer everything I do for 1/5th the cost. Yes, their portfolios suck but people fall all over themselves for a deal (aka Groupon) and lose any common sense they had.I just don't understand it.
I know just enough about technology to be dangerous. When I selected Adam for the project, he took my general direction didn't make me feel stupid and we have a great product (website) to show for it. There are a few things left to shine up the site, but I know that Adam will be with me for the long haul to make sure we are current and user friendly. Most importantly, he has been honest, open and fair throughout the experience.
Adam Check out the Competition in your area, Now Austin
, find the ones that are comparable to your work and structure your fees based on that. And I know that all decision made will be made with your great philosophy of how you want to be on the planet. Peace
No, you are not crazy.Yes, you are crazy, but only temporarily.What is bad about some guy offering crappy work? And when you answer that question, ask it from your heart/gut. You know what I mean don't you, Adam?
This is where going inside and spending some real quality quiet time with your heart becomes so important. Its not what the other guy is charging that matters, really. The most important question to seek is how do you best serve the people who are called to work with you and how, at this point in time, should that look. Mark Silver has a really effective right price exercise which is very enlightening.
Good luck brother!
It's all relative. Try not to compare yourself to others. You just carve your own niche and go after those clients and stay in integrity. If you want to raise your prices maybe consider hiring contract expertise as needed and charge accordingly.
Your intention as you stated it seems clear; the work you’re doing is quality, and most importantly, your heart is sincere. (I know sincerity of the heart is important… because some guy named Adam taught me this!) =^)
Sounds like you’re in the process of expanding your capacity, in more ways than one!
The only thing I can offer is this: There is a deep respect and holiness in finding your right price. It’s not so much about comparing what you do and what you charge with others; it’s about having faith that when things are in alignment, you get to work with the people you’re meant to work with, in a way that honors both parties.
You will be more than some can manage, and not enough for others, no matter what your offer is.
I’m not sure if that’s a reality check, but it’s what was in my heart.