Are you self-employed as a web designer or graphic designer and want to ensure that your projects are profitable? The calculation of your services is crucial for success. It is important to realistically assess the time investment, set the right prices, and make your quotation calculation transparent. In this guide, you will learn step by step how to sensibly calculate your services.
Key insights
- The calculation consists of four essential steps.
- Estimate your effort as accurately as possible.
- Determine a realistic hourly rate based on your costs.
- Multiply the workload by your hourly rate for quotations.
- Pay attention to copyright regulations regarding usage rights.
Step-by-Step Guide
Now let's look at the four crucial steps you should go through for a sound calculation.
1. Estimate the effort
The first step in your calculation strategy is to assess the effort. Here you need to estimate the planned time investment for your tasks as accurately as possible.
When estimating, it is helpful to keep track of your working hours or to compare tasks you have completed in the past. Tools like time tracking systems or apps can help you develop a better feel for your time investments.
2. Determine your own hourly rate
It is essential to calculate a realistic hourly rate that is not solely based on recommendations. Instead, you should record all relevant costs associated with your self-employment.
Consider both direct costs (e.g., software, hardware) as well as reserves for taxes and retirement. Once you have the exact numbers together, you can determine the minimum hourly wage you need to survive.
Additionally, you can check whether your hourly rate is competitive in the market or if there is room for an increase. Raising your hourly rate can help you achieve more profit per working hour.
3. Calculate the quote
To create a proper quote, multiply the estimated workload by your individually determined hourly rate. This calculation method is simple and efficient.
It may be helpful to consult the collective agreement for design services or specific tools like web widgets that can help you calculate your workload. Also, seek the opinion of colleagues to get a sense of the expected efforts for projects.
4. Consider usage rights
The final step involves considering usage rights. If your work is subject to copyright law, it is important to multiply the overall creative fee by an individual usage factor.
Discuss with your clients the rights they wish to acquire for your designs. You can address the simple usage right or specific usage rights for particular projects and potentially even offer them inclusively. This way, you avoid difficult discussions during the quotation phase and have the option to recalculate later if the project evolves.
Summary - Calculation of Design Projects - A Comprehensive Guide
In this guide, you have learned how to successfully calculate your services. By systematically recording your effort, realistically calculating your hourly rate, and clearing usage rights, you can design your offers professionally and operate profitably in the long term.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I best estimate my effort?Keep track of your working hours or use time tracking tools.
Where can I find help to calculate my hourly rate?Consider incurred costs and look at market prices.
What should I consider when creating a quote?Multiply the workload by your hourly rate and inform yourself about collective agreements.
How do I handle usage rights?Discuss the rights with clients and potentially grant usage rights for special projects.
