How to Set the Price for Your Design Services


by Kaye Z. Marks - Date: 2008-05-01 - Word Count: 440 Share This!

One of the most difficult questions for a graphic designer to answer is, "How much will it cost to design my logo?" It is hard to answer because, usually, the designer has no idea how much to charge. How much is the ability to design an attractive and impressive logo worth? Is there really a way to quantify it?

If you are a designer, there are a number of things that you need to consider before deciding what to charge for your service. However, one thing is always clear: no two jobs are alike. You should not give out any generic quotes without knowing some details about the project in question.

Do Not Undervalue Yourself

Many designers make the mistake of undercharging their clients for logo designs, because they overestimate the amount of competition they face. There are simply not a lot of graphic designers out there, and there are precious few good designers. Remember that as you prepare your next quote.

Also, consider how important a company logo is:

- The logo represents the company. Many people will be introduced to the company by the logo alone.

- The logo will last for a long time. It is not a one-time job, but one that will represent the company for years.

- The logo must be unique and interesting. A "cookie-cutter" logo simply will not cut it. It takes a talented designer - like you - to make an effective logo.

Other Considerations

Obviously, the type of company that is approaching you for a logo design is important. If it is a large corporation, they are probably expecting more, and willing to pay more, than a local small business. At the same time, however, do not cut yourself short just to get that small business job. Remember not to undervalue your talents.

Some other things to consider:

- Will this be a new logo? Or a re-brand?

- Are you going to incur additional costs (software, color printing, etc.)?

- How quickly do they expect the job to be done? Remind all of your customers about how important the logo is, and how much work it involves. A good logo cannot be designed in a day.

I wish I could give you some firm numbers, but there is no way for me to do that. As I said earlier, every job is different. You have to consider each project, along with all of the things we have discussed here, before you can give an accurate quote to a potential client. Because the details of each job are so important, I do not recommend advertising base prices for your services. It could lead to problems when your final price is more than what your clients expected.


Related Tags: commercial color printing

Kaye Z. Marks is an avid writer and follower of developments in commercial color printing industry and how these improvements can benefit small to medium-scale business.

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