Billing Out

BattleRidge

So I am a sider/framer/rocker but I like doing finish work on the side and have done alot. I usually do the interior trim on my projects, but this new one I don't exactly know how to charge. I need to build some custom bookcases that cover 3 different cubbies that are 8ft tall and about 12 feet wide. So I bid it hourly just T and M but they told me they don't know what they want, Just to "be creative" and they would like to see my ideas. So I have spend some time trying to decide what would be best and searching around the net and making drawings. Usually I do things that are pretty black and white. So question is, would you just bill the hours you spent thinking on it and researching it? Or just the time actually building them.

send_it_all

If they don't know what they want, that means YOU are designing it. That is absolutely billable. In fact, from this point forward all time spent drawing, discussing, showing them drawings, e-mailing back and forth about the project...etc. is all billable time.

You will have to let them know this before the clock starts ticking though.

LaurieC

I always charge design time. But like Mike said, I let them know in advance. I'm amazed at how many customers think design is included.

tc7

BR-
Unless you are an experienced designer, you can't charge "as a designer" would, you simply aren't as efficient or as creative as one (assumption on my part, no offense intended ) so how would you charge for that service and be fair to them and yourself?

If you are wanting to take calls for design service in the future, you may have to donate some of your own time now, go through the motions of gathering a scrap book of ideas, sitting with them to discuss their ideas and opinions on styles, colors, wood species, etc.

What you can do is tell them that you can put together a portfolio of ideas for a flat fee of $75, then it will be up them and you to sit and discuss all the options to get final approval and a down payment for materials. Unless you are tooled up with Sketchup or some other architectural software, I doubt if drawings will be something that you will be able to create quickly and expect payment for - any drawings you create will likely be shop grade sketches for your own convenience.

My approach is exactly what I have stated above - show them past projects and other web site ideas I have collected along the way. This idea book is the basis of everything that I do and is a great way to get the conversation going with your prospective customer.

I hope this helps you.

BattleRidge

thats really what I was thinking, was designing isn't my profession, so I would want to bill full price. This is in the yellowstone club and these people literally want nothing to do with it, just want it to have a color matching the trim. I think I am going to bill out at half price because it is taking me quite the while.