Pricing Arch. Viz services

[landrvr1]

If I'm told that someone else can do as good a job for a lot less money by a client, I tell them that they are getting a great deal and should go with that other firm.

 

And since every project is unique, its hard to just give a generic cost estimate over the phone or by email. I like to see the project first. In that earlier thread I mentioned starting work for a regular client only to find the project was much more ornate than their usual stuff, so by not seeing it before giving a number I cost myself profit.

 

Excellent points here, and you hit it on the head with the 'every project is unique' comment. It truly is difficult to establish any kind of 'average' rate. There are just too many variables. (and my apologies for that wisecrack in the digital visualization thread )

 

I know about 5 independent guys here in the Chicagoland area, and their rates vary anywhere from $50 - $100 hour depending on the project parameters.

 

I'd say the average rate around here is $50-65 per hour. Of course, that really doesn't tell you anything. Just because you have 1 working week in which to produce some images (40hrs x $60/hr), certainly doesn't mean that you're going to charge $2400 for the job. As Ernest said, every job is unique and their are many factors to consider. But that $2400 is an excellent starting point....

 

The secrecy factor that runs through these 'rate' threads is really quite amusing. My freelance buddies and I openly share our rates, job stories, etc. We are competitive to a certain point I suppose, but each one of us has a very unique style and THAT isn't talked about enough around here. I'm probably hired as much for my style as my rate. Ernest is a great example of someone that offers a very unique visual style, and that is just as important for many as his rate.

 

Regarding the practice of calling up another rendering outfit to get a quote, I can only laugh a bit at that as well. Sure, it's a bit underhanded and a waste of your time if a call does turn out to be another renderer fishing for info, but who cares? It's only happened to me once, and I stayed on the phone and got to know the guy. In fact, he later threw me a client that he couldn't fit into his schedule, so I MADE money off that initial call. The only people that seem really uptight about rates are the large rendering outfits.

 

I tell everyone I charge $60 per hour, and that I bid every job on it's own merits.

[thinice]

Some thoughts

 

1. on calling up another rendering outfit to get a quote, -

it is good to get the feel of the rates around yr area, but it only tell you so much.

 

2. on my rate

I tell people my rate is about USD50/hr. Quite high here in Malaysia. But I found out I make much more on other things. Eg, you can quote yr client , say .50 per finished frame of an animation. Buy a couple of stripped down dual-core and you will recoup yr investment in no time.

 

my advice is yr hourly rate cannot be too high but remember that unless you charge something like USD 400/hr, you will never get rich on it. Find other ways to make money.

 

3. On outsourcing.

Good only if you can find the right people. Eg. I don't mind taking only a 20% cut if the guy can do all the work and I am just interfacing with the client. On the other hand there are many cheap freelancers looking for jobs that are cheap for a reason. Stay away from those.

 

4. On getting and keeping clients

Actually, there are always clients who are willing to pay any kind of rate if you are worth it. If a client does not fit yr business model, you have to either change yr business model or discard that particular client.

 

If there is one thing I have learn, the biggest mistake people like us can make is trying to please the wrong clients. Do you think BMW would care about Skoda pricing or the even the other way around. People who buys BMW will buy BMW and people who buys Skoda will buy Skoda.

 

You have to understand that just because you do the similar things thing, you are not necessarily competitors.

[Iain Denby]

 

If there is one thing I have learn, the biggest mistake people like us can make is trying to please the wrong clients. Do you think BMW would care about Skoda pricing or the even the other way around. People who buys BMW will buy BMW and people who buys Skoda will buy Skoda.

 

You have to understand that just because you do the similar things thing, you are not necessarily competitors.

 

What a good point.

[rotten42]

I've never really cared where other people fall for their pricing. I've determined what I think my time is worth and I stick with it. From feedback from client's I have found that I am not the lowest or highest so I guess I'm doing ok.

I usually quote a lump sum per project but if I charge out by the hour it ranges from $50-$75 per hour. I try and discourage this. It always seems to lead to problems.

For an animation I usually charge double the price of the render...unless it’s a QuickTime 360...they don't take that long. I usually just import the images I need into VR Worx for that.

What I found for building my business is that I traded a couple of renders for some exclusive advertising with a business marketing group. I also grandfathered 3 accounts at a lower rate that has paid off big time with new clients by referral at a much better rate.

[hockley91]

Jennifer,

 

Yep, that was me that posted that a few years ago.

 

I just thought it was silly for all of us to be hiding what we're charging. I mean, I know we are all in some sense competing with each other, but we're also trying to help each other out.

 

This area of our profession seemed mysterious and unknown....people talk about it, but they don't get into the "meat and potatoes" part of it. They want to help, but then it's all hush hush once you enter into $$$ territory.

 

I charge from $50.00 per hour to $60.00 per hour depending on the complexity of the project.

 

I'm glad someone found that post still useful!

 

Adam

[galazym]

 

I just thought it was silly for all of us to be hiding what we're charging. I mean, I know we are all in some sense competing with each other, but we're also trying to help each other out.

 

 

Adam, i would have told you my price if i knew what is it!!! This is the problem in the industry- how to charge? on m square , on hour base, on day base- how? Also i don't want to sell cheaply cause it's not good for me and for the others, so let's just make one big cartel and everybody will be happy!:p

Edited September 25, 2008 by galazym