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Custard7A · 12-07-2012, 02:07 PM

Hi everyone,

I've been a hobbyist web developer for a few years now. I've become quite confident in HTML and CSS, and PHP. My Javascript is managable, as is my ability to use MySQL, although I still have plenty of room to grow with those. Recently I've had thoughts that I might be able to make some money off these skills by taking up some odd jobs. I'm not intending to tackle things over my head.

Now I am wondering, what is expected from a freelancer, mostly in the field of general formalities.

Invoicing: Can I expect simple electronic transactions, or will I be suppose to send out something by mail, should signatures be involved, etc? I've heard that some clients can refuse to pay after work is done, and that initial deposits from the client are commonly requested. Is that something I should be concerned with?

Correspondence: I suppose most smaller-scale clients would be content with an online-only relationship, email or instant messanger? Would many clients want voice chat or phone calls? I like to reserve my phone for friends only. What about giving out address, or other personal details, would many expect that?

Getting Hired: Obviously I have no experiance with web development jobs, as I'm looking to get started. I'm self-taught, so I have no real-world qualifications either. I've made some projects for my own amusement, and innumerable tests during my learning, but I have very little to offer in the way of a resume. Do I have much of a chance like this?

Pricing: A rather large question-mark in my mind, I have no idea what sort of pricing system I should be expected to use. Would it be time-based, per-page, maybe complexity-based? Is there a standard sort of pricing table? If someone could give me a referance to prices involved in this sort of thing it would be very helpful to me.

Those are the pressing questions I had. I've also read some articles about communicating with others when working in web development.

Thanks! Full or partial answers are most appreciated.

12-07-2012, 02:07 PM	PM User \| #1
Custard7A Regular Coder Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Australia Posts: 269 Thanks: 32 Thanked 32 Times in 32 Posts	Freelancing Hi everyone, I've been a hobbyist web developer for a few years now. I've become quite confident in HTML and CSS, and PHP. My Javascript is managable, as is my ability to use MySQL, although I still have plenty of room to grow with those. Recently I've had thoughts that I might be able to make some money off these skills by taking up some odd jobs. I'm not intending to tackle things over my head. Now I am wondering, what is expected from a freelancer, mostly in the field of general formalities. Invoicing: Can I expect simple electronic transactions, or will I be suppose to send out something by mail, should signatures be involved, etc? I've heard that some clients can refuse to pay after work is done, and that initial deposits from the client are commonly requested. Is that something I should be concerned with? Correspondence: I suppose most smaller-scale clients would be content with an online-only relationship, email or instant messanger? Would many clients want voice chat or phone calls? I like to reserve my phone for friends only. What about giving out address, or other personal details, would many expect that? Getting Hired: Obviously I have no experiance with web development jobs, as I'm looking to get started. I'm self-taught, so I have no real-world qualifications either. I've made some projects for my own amusement, and innumerable tests during my learning, but I have very little to offer in the way of a resume. Do I have much of a chance like this? Pricing: A rather large question-mark in my mind, I have no idea what sort of pricing system I should be expected to use. Would it be time-based, per-page, maybe complexity-based? Is there a standard sort of pricing table? If someone could give me a referance to prices involved in this sort of thing it would be very helpful to me. Those are the pressing questions I had. I've also read some articles about communicating with others when working in web development. Thanks! Full or partial answers are most appreciated.