I switched from charging by the hour to a flat project rate last month

Did a logo job for a local bakery that took me about 15 hours total. My old hourly rate would have been $750, but I quoted a flat $1,200. The client was way happier not watching the clock, and I got paid more for being efficient. It completely changed how I scope my work now. Anyone else find flat rates work better for creative stuff?

3 comments

3 Comments

finley_smith20h ago

That $450 extra for the same 15 hours is a huge win. Honestly, it shows how hourly billing can punish you for getting good at your job. Flat rates just make more sense when you know what you're doing.

stella11111h ago

Flat rates only work if you're honest about the real time and risk involved, @finley_smith. You can't just charge for the 15 hours you see. What about the drive time, the equipment setup, or the cleanup? If a job goes sideways, you eat that cost. Hourly protects you when things get messy, which they always do eventually.

angelamurphy17h ago

Totally agree, @finley_smith, switching to flat rates was the best move I ever made for exactly that reason.