Ok.....I want to start doing outside (extra) contract work...independantly.
I have had only
one client....they loved the work.....and I am having problems finding
more...I think I am just not looking in the right spot....where would be a
good spot to drum up bussiness....doesn't have to be a place online....but
how did everyone get so many customers? Where do you get them?
nick
-----------------------------------------------------------
Nick.Stankus
Software Engineer
Logicon/Sterling Federal
402-232-7870
-----------------------------------------------------------
"There are two things that are infinite; Human stupidity and the
universe. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
----- Original Message -----
From: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: "Wade D" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Cc: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent: Friday, February 02, 2001 12:51 PM
Subject: Re: [PHP] Pricing for PHP programming???
| When in doubt, go low - esp when you're just starting out. If you're a
good
| coder, start at USD$20. You may go from there once you're more
comfortable
| with the process, have a small list of clientele, and have refined your
| working environment (it's a little different than working for a company.)
| If you start too high, you risk prematurely damaging your reputation, as
well
| as having difficulty finding clients. Some places, like here in
| California, you
| need to stay within the "going rate" which is all over the place for a
coder.
| You'll have to evaluate it on a job-by-job basis. If you're starting out,
| I wouldn't
| go above $60/hr, but it's entirely up to you. If you don't contract on a
| per project
| basis, and stick to an hourly rate you have the option of raising that
rate
| at a
| later time. If you do it on a per project basis, you can simply raise the
| rate
| between projects. If you're too high, and have to come down it looks bad.
| Tactfully done, it can give the subtle illusion that they're getting a
| "good deal"
| on you. It's all about image at the negotiating table, and -percieved-
value.
| After that it's up to you to make it happen.
|
| Above all, watch them taxes. Independent Contractors get hit (in the US)
| with a business tax as well as the expected income tax. 1099-MISC
| income (ie, independent contract work) can really be a nasty shock if
| you don't account for the extra tax. When I was first starting out, my
first
| year, I didn't know about it and ended up approx $10k in debt, as well as
| being penalized for not making quarterly tax payments. Not a big debt,
| but it was definately an unwelcome shock come April 15th.
|
| In this field your reputation is EVERYTHING. The customer is always
right,
| and you should do everything you can to make them FEEL good. Even if
| thing's aren't going okay, as soon as they start doubting your skill, your
| decisions, they may doubt using you. If they like you they'll return,
| and often times will refer you to other companies. It's all about great
code
| and a "warm fuzzy" for the client.
|
| 'Luck
|
| -Szii
|
| At 11:23 AM 2/2/2001 -0600, you wrote:
| >So how do you know what to charge when youre independent and just
starting?
| >
| >
| >_________________________________________________________
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| >
| >
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