I finally stopped charging by the hour for my graphic design work

For years, I thought hourly was the only fair way to bill, but a project last month changed my mind. A client needed a logo and a simple flyer, and I quoted $50 an hour, thinking it would take about 4 hours. The logo idea came to me instantly, and I finished the whole job in under 90 minutes. When I sent the $75 invoice, I felt like I was cheating myself out of the value I delivered. Now I charge a flat project fee based on what the work is worth to the client, not how long it takes me. Has anyone else made this switch and how do you figure out your prices now?

2 comments

2 Comments

the_jake17d ago

Wait, is it really that big of a deal? You did the work fast and got paid for your time, that's how hourly billing works. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. Switching to project fees just means you have to guess what the client thinks it's worth, and that sounds stressful too.

cora_ramirez17d ago

Yeah but you're always losing with hourly. Did a full roof estimate last month, took me 2 hours. Client loved the price. If I billed hourly for that, I'd make nothing. Project fee means I get paid for the value, not just the clock.