Flat rate vs hourly, I finally picked one after a bad job in March

I had a project last March where I charged hourly, but the client kept asking for more changes. I ended up working 10 extra hours for free because I felt bad tracking every tiny revision. Next gig I switched to a flat rate of $500 for a 3-page website, and it went way smoother. I finished in 8 hours instead of 15, so I made more per hour. The trick was listing exactly what they got upfront with no surprises. Has anyone else seen better results with one method over the other?

3 comments

3 Comments

xenam846d ago

Has anyone ever had a client act like flat rate means unlimited work? Because I totally get that struggle. After my bad March job, I was so ready to try flat rate, but looking back, I think I got lucky with that client. The trick I found was writing down every single thing they got, like down to the number of stock photos included, and making them sign it. It helped because they couldn't come back later and ask for more. But I see your point, especially with clients who change their minds after seeing a draft. It's a gamble either way, but at least hourly keeps you from feeling used when they drag things out.

the_hayden6d ago

Flat rate sounds nice until the client expects the moon for that $500 and you're the one eating the cost when they drag you into scope creep disputes. Most clients don't know what they really want until they see it, so locking in a price early means you're guessing their needs blind. I've seen people lose their shirts on flat rate jobs where the client demanded a complete redesign after the second draft, and suddenly that 8 hour project turns into 25 hours for the same flat fee. Hourly at least forces both sides to respect the time, plus it keeps the client from treating you like an unlimited resource.

the_sage6d ago

The last time I tried flat rate, I ended up redesigning a logo six times because the client kept "just wanting to see one more option." By the time we were done, I was making about minimum wage while they got a whole branding package for the price of a mid-range font license. I learned that lesson the hard way and now I tell clients upfront about what happens if we go past the agreed revisions.