Web building job

[darkannie]

All right, I wrangled my first web building job that will actually pay! I'm just worried about what to charge. The guy who is doing this deal with me says for me to decide my fee since he doesn't know. However, this was one of those deals where a friend of mine knew that I had HTML and internet knowlege and I'm thinking that this guy is only talking to me because I'll do it cheap. Like 20 bucks cheap. And I know I can charge more for it. So I was wondering what the going rate is, if anyone knows, so I can decide my price from there and have something to negotiate.

[oracleguy]

There has been a lot of talk about this before. Search the forums but here is a couple that I could find:

http://www.codingforums.com/showthread.php?t=8153
http://www.codingforums.com/showthread.php?t=4914
http://www.codingforums.com/showthread.php?t=25073

[mlseim]

Along with the multiple threads on this ...

Think of these questions:

1) Will it be static pages, or dynamic pages that require
server-side scripting, databases, file uploading, photo galleries, etc?

2) Will you be making future changes, or the client?

3) How long will you be committed to making changes?

4) Will you be stuck doing all of the graphics, logos, etc?

5) Are you in charge of choosing the webhost, and will he be
paying for it every year with HIS credit card, or will you be paying
for it and asking him for the money later? That also includes the
domain name registration.

6) Will you be writing up an agreement for both of you to sign and date?
He should know exactly what he is getting, and later, he can't keep
demanding more ... because it was already stated in writing what the
site specifications were.

You better do some research ahead of time, or do the site for free just
to get the experience and references. When money is involved, it becomes
a whole different ballgame.

[mindlessLemming]

Here's an example...
I'm currently building a static site for a business, 7 pages all up.
I'm charging them AU$550 and completing the site in 2 days, today being the final day. They are quite happy with this fee as it was the lowest quote they were given.

[Big Fat]

There are sites that host bids for site projects. They charge like contractor. Money upfront, pay in the when about 1/2 complete, and final payment when he accepts the project. You approach the subject of payment like the other professionals do even if you decide to do the project on the cheap for this guy.

[darkannie]

Thanks for all the advise, guys. I was able to decide my price and he was happy with it. I can't wait till it's time to get to work.