I must admit I am just getting into freelancing a bit myself. I did work for
a photographer a very long time ago as a camera operator, but have never run
it as a business before. But, having said that I have picked up some points
in other areas of business that must apply here too .... because business ..
IS business ;)
My first thought is .. do not be tempted to underprice yourself. This sounds
like stating the obvious in a way; but it can be tempting to offer a really
cheap rate in order to secure work. This might work - for awhile - until you
realize you are losing money and try and up your price.
The other point is that sometimes offering services too cheap will cause
many to pass you up. This can be because the potential client is aware of
the above first thought, and doesn't want to get into a deal with someone
who is cutting things too fine or just starting out.
I would always figure in film costs, any processing, travel costs (for every
aspect as needed), and any miscellaneous costs plus a good hourly rate.
Running a business involves paper and a certain amount of administration,
telephone calls, etc etc etc. All these "nickels and dimes" add up.
Especially your *time*.
Be careful you don't wind up working for what kids make stocking supermarket
shelves. Many people who get into a "business" ofetn wind up this way.
Upping your prices later on is alot harder than making sure you are winning
(something worth your time) from the start. You can always sweeten the odd
client with a "I'll give you a discount" and drop a few percent as you see
fit.
Good luck - I'd go for it!
Cheers, Lee
----Original Message Follows----
From: Sam Shiell <sam.shiell@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: [OM] How to charge
Hi
A bit of advice from some of you pro's out there please....
One of the things my company does is organise corporate events. I've done
loads of unofficial picture-taking at various internal events over the years
so I'm considering offering my services on a professional basis for our
clients. I mentioned this in passing to the events director (an extremely
blousy woman who knows her way around a drinks menu) who started asking
questions about costs and I'm not really sure how to approach this.
How would you charge for these sort of events? I'm not asking for actual
figures here but just some ideas on how you go about calculating how much to
charge.. i.e. would you charge so much per film plus processing plus so much
for expenses; a blanket price per hour of attendance; any other things I
haven't thought of..
This might get no further than just a nice pipe dream but you never know.
Thanks
Sam
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