I’ve been bouncing between flat fees and hourly rates for my projects. Each has its pros and cons. Flat fees give clients cost certainty, but hourly rates protect me if things run long.
Curious how other solo operators handle this. What’s your go-to approach and why?
I just charge by the job. Works for me and the folks I work for. Never really thought about it much.
I actually mix it up depending on the project. Here’s my approach:
For quick jobs:
For bigger or uncertain projects:
The key is talking it through with the client first. I explain the pros and cons of each option and let them choose.
Sometimes I even do a hybrid. Flat fee for the core work, then hourly for any extras they want to add on.
At the end of the day, it’s about what makes both you and the client comfortable. No one-size-fits-all solution in freelancing!
I’ve tried both, and honestly, it depends on the project. These days I lean towards flat fees for most jobs.
Here’s why:
Clients love knowing the total cost upfront. No surprises at the end.
It pushes me to work efficiently. If I finish faster, I make more per hour.
For bigger projects, I break them into phases. Each phase has its own flat fee. This way, if the scope grows, we can adjust for the next phase.
The trick is estimating accurately. I keep detailed time logs of past projects to help with this.
One downside - sometimes I underestimate and end up working more hours than planned. But overall, the peace of mind for both me and the client is worth it.
Just my two cents from running my own gig for a while now.
I stick with hourly rates for most jobs. Gives me flexibility if scope changes.
Flat fees can work for small, defined projects. But I’ve been burned before when clients kept adding stuff.
Main thing is being clear upfront about your pricing. Clients appreciate that honesty.
Been doing this a long time. Here’s what works:
Hourly for jobs that might change scope. Keeps things fair if the client adds stuff.
Flat fee for quick, simple jobs. Logo designs, basic websites, that kind of thing.
Main thing is knowing your costs and time. Don’t underbid yourself.
Always put everything in writing. Scope, rate, payment terms. Saves headaches later.
And don’t be afraid to adjust your approach if something’s not working. This business is all about learning as you go.