How much do designers charge?

4th November, 2009 by Sarah Hipsley

Hi! Like most designers I freelance on the side. However having been employed either by design studios or through creative recruitment agencies I never really have had to deal with the business/money side on things and never no how much to charge?

The kind of jobs I'm talking about are provided soley by myself and are usually for individuals or small businesses who need a logo/invitation/brochure/business card/postcard/website etc designed. I have 5-6 years experience.

I know pricing depends on many factors, but is there an industry standard or industry guide to design rates in Australia?

It would be extremely useful to know what standard professional rates are for a range of standard design services to used as a benchmark (primarily from sole-trading designers, but also from studios).

Also, can anyone help me with or refer me to a book where I can find the correct legal wording to put on quotes and invoices to protect myself from not getting paid?

Many thanks!

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Hi Sarah

I haven't found a standard price list or reference here yet.
Hourly rates for professional sole traders vary between $70 and $100++ I guess.
I found that there is a lot of price cutting on at the moment, especially when you deal with small businesses.

I could send you my terms & conditions if you like, with payment terms included. I send this out with my quote, my invoice indicates clearly when and how to pay.

Cheers
Astrid



Posted by Astrid Wehling on 9th November 2009

Hi,
Thanks for this post - I have been wondering the same thing for a while also.
I have settled on something that I feel is satisfactory for my clients and my experience ($60 p/h 2 years exp).

I have also been hoping to get an idea for the terms and conditions / contractual jargon. Astrid - would it be possible for you to send yours to me also?

Thanks,

Gene
Posted by Gene Eaton on 9th November 2009

Hi, anything from $70ph to $120ph and more. Freelancers must allow for regular software updates, computer upgrades, electricity, and many other expenses apart from putting some money aside for super and savings. See this estimator here which may be helpful. http://freelanceswitch.com/rates/
Posted by Karen Curran on 11th November 2009

would love a copy of your terms and conditions as well, is not something i have really taken that seriously, but would love it as a guide
Posted by Jason Bird on 11th November 2009

Thanks everyone for you posts - it's always good to know what the industry is charging for freelance.
Astrid - would really appreciate a copy of your quoting system and payment terms and conditions.
many thanks
Posted by Jenifer Bulcock on 11th November 2009

Hi Astrid, Would I also be able to be sent your T's & C's?

hello@kylemac.com.au

Thanks so much.
Kyle.
Posted by Kyle Mac on 11th November 2009

Hi

no problem - will email the t&c to you all.Hope I find all email addresses somewhere here, if you don't hear from me, please email me directly
design@astridwehling.com.au

Re a quoting system: it's more based on experience, I know by now how much time I need for certain designs.
The client then gets a quote for let's say amount x for concept design and artwork, incl 1 lot of author's corrections, and I add that any further changes are charged by hour.

Posted by Astrid Wehling on 11th November 2009

Hi Jason, Jenifer & Gene - could you email me directly? I don't know where to find your email addresses.

Thxs
Astrid
Posted by Astrid Wehling on 11th November 2009

Thanks so much Astrid and everyone for your comments! Astrid my email is sarah.hipsley@gmail.com
Cheers Sarah
Posted by Sarah Hipsley on 11th November 2009