Like many creative professionals, Web designers and  Web Developers take on widely varied projects and can have widely variable rates. The key question for clients is whether they charge per hour or per project. What clients may not know is that many Web design and development professionals struggle with which method to use. Both have advantages and disadvantages, for both the company and the client. In the end, the most advantageous method depends largely on the project: sometimes it's better to pay a fixed rate, and sometimes it's better to pay by the hour.

 

If a project is relatively simple and straightforward --- something that the designer/developer has done before and that won't change too significantly --- a fixed rate can be advantageous for both the designer/developer and the client. The designer/developer can leverage prior experience to maximize value, and the client will know from the start exactly what the project is going to cost.

 

As long as the scope of the project doesn't change, and the designer/developer can accurately predict the work, a project-based fee will adequately compensate the designer/developer for the work while still meeting the client's budget.

 

When a project isn't so simple or straightforward --- when the scope may grow or change --- an hourly rate is actually better, for both the designer/developer and the client. For the designer/developer, an hourly rate ensures adequate compensation. That is, an hourly rate means that the designer/developer gets paid for all elements of the project and all of the time they actually work on it. For the client, an hourly rate ensures the designer/developer puts full effort into all parts of the project because they are getting paid for all parts. It also gives the client the flexibility to change the project scope as business needs dictate.

 

A nice compromise, for both clients and developers, might be to start with a project fee for the main work and then negotiate hourly rates for any additional work if and when the project expands. That way, the client maintains control over the project budget, but the designer/developer is properly compensated for all of their work. It's the best of both worlds. Click here to get a quote for your projct