how much to charge $$$ website manage and build (Full Version)

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Pat G -> how much to charge $$$ website manage and build (8/29/2003 12:34:48)

Hi. Hope all is well w/everyone.

I've built and continue to manage the following website (for family business):
www.hillwoodsales.com

It's an ongoing process as we all know.

I need a figure $$$. How much would one charge a client to
build a website, update and manage it? This particular website.
Just throw me a figure.

Thanks for your help as always! :) Pat



_gail -> RE: how much to charge $$$ website manage and build (8/30/2003 12:49:01)

quote:

I need a figure $$$. How much would one charge a client to
build a website, update and manage it? This particular website.
Just throw me a figure.


I hope you don't mind my honesty but my guess is that few will be able or willing to reply to your question directly. I have personally found it takes a lot of thought and time to do an estimate.

There is just no way, imho, to "throw a figure" at someone without them knowing all the work and time you put into this site, what components you purchased, developed or created yourself, etc. If someone tosses one you one without considering all that is involved, I'd be very wary of relying on it.


What I recommend is that you figure out the time you put in creating the site, as well as any out-of-pocket expenses. Next multiply the time you spent by your hourly fee. Add your direct costs, plus any markups, to the total. Take into consideration other things, such as consultations you've had with your client over and above what would be normally included in working with someone to develop their site.

You need to do similar calculations and considerations when determining how to charge for updating and managing a site. Before setting a fixed fee that locks you in a box, perhaps you should work on a month to month basis, charging an hourly fee, until you know what's involved.

Finally, have a good contract with a clause that covers you in case what a client wants exceeds the contractual price/scope of work for the site.

gail



DaAngel -> RE: how much to charge $$$ website manage and build (8/31/2003 2:54:05)

Very nice clean and crisp site,

I would change the title on the first page to reflect the description of the page. Works better for search engine placement.

As for for a figure, $1,500-$2,500. Updating it, take into account your experience,how much work it will entail, how much cash you need this week and how much they are willing to pay.

You may want to remove the flowing mouse tail. It does not work well with the flash.

I have been looking for into the same subject matter my self, any feedback welcome.



_gail -> RE: how much to charge $$$ website manage and build (8/31/2003 8:09:51)

$1500-2500 is a resonable range but fairly wide in terms of pricing a
"particular website." You still should look at what you've done and do some calculating to come up with a specific price for a specific site. If you have not done so already, determining your hourly rate can be very helpful.

Here are some related threads:


http://www.frontpagewebmaster.com/m_105938/tm.htm

http://www.frontpagewebmaster.com/m_102616/tm.htm

http://www.frontpagewebmaster.com/m_116478/tm.htm

http://www.frontpagewebmaster.com/m_90499/tm.htm


gail



Helene -> RE: how much to charge $$$ website manage and build (9/30/2003 9:18:15)

Cheers to Gail's comments.1

After creating over 70 webs from scratch, I still shudder when someone asks me for a quote. I usually avoid the subject. I think I've only given 3 or 4 quotes over the years! Why? Because no matter how similar the webs might be to each other on the surface, there is one thing that makes each one completely unique.... the owner!

You never really know what you are getting yourself into when you engage in a relationship with a client. Just like in house building and renovations, people change their minds during the process... the project can take on a new focus... the direction can change... the client can be slow in delivering materials to you... terms like "a few pictures" can gradually come to mean 300 - 400 pictures... etc.... you get my meaning.

I work almost strictly by the hour. When the client hires me, they hire ME, and they pay me by the hour. I show them my past work, if they like it, I give them a dollar figure and I say, "Your site will cost UPWARDS of $$$." If you do solid work, and you stay honest, folks will trust you and hire YOU for YOU.

I realize this model is a tough one for someone who is new in the business and who does not have a reputation to fall back on. However, beware of selling yourself short. If you give a low estimate in order to get the job, you may end up resenting that job, that client, and more importantly, yourself! (I've learned this one the hard way... [&:]

Good luck!



suzkaw -> RE: how much to charge $$$ website manage and build (9/30/2003 21:56:11)

We do a lot of similiar sites to yours and we do it totally different.

First we have built a custom php/mysql database site
http://my-dealership.com/ then sell the initial site for a low figure and charge more per month for hosting and using the script. It seems to work very well since the client doesn't have to come up with a lot up front. Also since it is all database driven we do not have to any maintance and let the customer take control.

--> Off Topic Advertising <--
We just started a new site for rvs http://preloved-rvs.com which you can place any rv ads you want for free. [;)]



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