[jack]

So basically, If he is offering the design service, then employing me to carry it out he'll make his money on the clients side of things?

Again I suppose at this stage its all conjecture until I've actually spoken to the guy, but its been good hearing differing points of view. Cheers lads.

Originally Posted by d*d

In fact reading that again, it sounds like you'll be working 'through his agency' in which case he will be charging you at at a higher rate to his clients and charging project management - there should be no finders fee unless the client becomes yours

[d*d]

Originally Posted by emil

You know the feeling, too?

I know little else

[d*d]

Originally Posted by jack

So basically, If he is offering the design service, then employing me to carry it out he'll make his money on the clients side of things?

Yup, I work for a small marketing agency (2 man band) and they use me for their design services as and when needed - I quote for the work and they whack a commission on top before the client sees it - as far as the client is concerned all design is done by the marketing company

[jack]

Sweet, sounds like a similar situation. Which brings me onto my next question, whats the best way to go about dealing with paying tax on the money earned?

[d*d]

Originally Posted by jack

Sweet, sounds like a similar situation. Which brings me onto my next question, whats the best way to go about dealing with paying tax on the money earned?

you pay it, get registered as self employed and get a self-assessement tax form - if you are looking at putting expenses through the business - software, computers, an amount of your mortgage interest if living form home, then it will pay to get an accountant

[Pugsley]

I'm a student and i charge £20-30 an hour depending on the job. Maybe less if it was gonna be a real boost to my portfolio.

i should probably remove the cheap part out of my user title.

[bara]

Originally Posted by Mitch

Don't mug yourself.

£25-£35 is a totally acceptable rate if you can use your time efficiently and on brief.

Also always work in a contigency, if you quote the time beforehand that it will take, it will always go over. Living is expensive.

Totally agree with the chav-tastic fella, work in concept hours and dud hours plus admin hours. Plus add 20% to whatever to keep the bean keepers happy or whatever the English income tax is..
But people don't have a problem with money.. its value for money thats what they are looking for ..
If you can pitch that whatever they are shelling out will be delivered back tenfold you can charge 50 -60 an hour!
Then if u actually deliver your customer is totally happy.. thats the difference between a professional and a 14 year old

[badaboom]

buying and marking up print can be the easy money if you know what you are doing.

[jack]

Well my last company basically got the printers quote, then added 20% mark-up. So I'd imagine I'd just follow suite...

Originally Posted by badaboom

buying and marking up print can be the easy money if you know what you are doing.

[Mitch]

Everyone adds there dibs. Thats how business works.

[badaboom]

Originally Posted by jack

Well my last company basically got the printers quote, then added 20% mark-up. So I'd imagine I'd just follow suite...

20% mark-up is a minimum in my eyes.

NB. being VAT registered makes a big difference – but adds the admin/tax hassle.

[CharmingMan]

If you are producing leaflets and business cards stationary things that don't necessarily require high end printing you ought to try out this company

BestPrinting UK - Flyers print, Leaflet printing, Flyers printing, Colour Leaflets, Posters, A5 Leaflets

They are very cheap and actually the quality of their print is very good indeed and Im pretty fussy. They offer an exceptional service as well, really organised company.


You could reasonably mark up by 100% to make some extra cash

[badaboom]

yep they look cheap C-Man!

But, Jack I would seriously do your sums regarding the VAT as you could end up taking the hit for the VAT rather than the end user which would eat into your mark-up. Voluntary VAT registration could be a good option for you.

Printing costs are complicated regarding VAT, especially if your not registered, as some products are zero rated, others at 17.5%.

[CharmingMan]

this is true, it's usually on print items that are to do with the express purpose promoting a business.

So leaflets, brochures etc will have the 17.5%

Business Cards, Letterheads, internal stuff is not regarded in the same way

[wolverinejoe80]

i used to do hourly, but not anymore.. i usually charge $1500-$2000 flat fee for a website now.. but i only get to finish 1 site per month. my salary as a jr. art director is little less than avg. but i get to work on huge projects.

and life ain't fair because the art director i work for makes $400,000 a year.. he is pitching a quarter million dollar wine company website project right now..

[nezona]

I do mostly SEO/SEM but feel it works on the same basis. Budget jobs are fine as long as there is a cut off point. Instead of waiting for a client to provide you with information, and then they complain the job is taking too long. Hourly for me.

Cheers
Neil

Webformatique - Reservation Solutions

[emil]

Are you going to post the signature manually in each reply, Neil?

[Pugsley]

Originally Posted by designneverdies

I'm a student and i charge £20-30 an hour depending on the job. Maybe less if it was gonna be a real boost to my portfolio.

i should probably remove the cheap part out of my user title.

In light of this thread. Am i charging to much?

[emil]

Haha, I charge less. I'm a cheap slut.

[Pugsley]

I'm a high end whore.