i know we can't talk pricing... but

[captain spanky]

has anyone any clues on how i can find out about the average charge for design work in the north of the UK (without 'mystery shopping' and calling round)... are there any sites that might help?

As you may know, i'm being made redundant and freelancing seems to be a really good opportunity for me. My current boss had suggested that if i put a case to him, he would consider keeping me on as a freelancer and letting me 'hire' the equipment/office space i currently use so i can take on other jobs too... i know how much i am curently earning but could do with knowing how much would a fair charge be... and kind of what to do next... :confused:

[Six]

We have a network of small to mid-sized agencies in the US called Second Wind Network. They survey members and generate the kind of information you want, but they are here and the data is for the US, and you are there. There may be such an org in the UK like Second Wind you can turn to. You will probably have to join to get access to the data.

I can tell you this, prices are all over the place and varies by region in the US. And frankly, I don't see how it would be possible to fix the price; too many variables, too many options, on both sides of the equation to do that.

Six

[chris_bcn]

Gleaned from another forum somewhere - can't remember which:

Monthly overheads - rent etc.
x
12 (Months)
+
Hardware/software purchase/upgrade allowance
÷
50 (weeks) - you want 2 weeks off, if more then reduce this amount
÷
5 (days)
÷
8 (hours - i.e. full working day. if not then reduce this number)
=
Hourly rate - plus a wee markup for profit

[captain spanky]

very useful! thanks chris! :)

["Technical" Terry]

Chirs, I like your equation. The only thing that I would do is double your final hourly rate number you get. (ie your equation says $15 an hour, double it to $30) The reason I say that is you HAVE to be working on client material EVERY hour of the day to make your numbers. If you are just freelancing on the side the equation will be okay on its own, but if you anticipate it being your full time job then you need some cushion time. Nobody works every hour of the day (look at the number of posts here, lol). Secondly, don't forget to account for taxes. Taxes such as sales tax or vendors license or most importantly income tax!

[Ned]

Absolutely you have to at least double that! You can't just work to cover your bills and overhead! You also need a profit margin.

[Seapony]

Creative Latitude's Hourly Rate Calculator (http://www.creativelatitude.com/links/resources_downloads.html) can also assist you, just scroll down to download the form.

:)