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Re: Going rate for freelance CAD Design work?
Re: Going rate for freelance CAD Design work? -- rusty105	Post Reply	Top of thread	Forum

Posted by: randykimball ® 11/17/2005, 23:12:32 Author Profile Mail author Edit

Rusty, It depends on your skills and reputation. A few years ago I was geting $40 per hour, with a strong reputation in my area. That includes time on the phone or face time. I made darned sure the client got their money's worth. Often they got free phone or face time. Sometimes I exchanged client time for my time by asking them questions about their skills which added to my brain tank. When on the client clock you need to be very productive. How to relate that value to today and your skill level is a tough call, you might start out a little low and test the water. Twenty dollars with some work is more money than fifth dollars and no hours, see what I mean. You have to let supply and demand dictate the price. Plus you have to eat. Good luck, -randy- The worst suggestion of your lifetime may be the catalyst to the grandest idea of the century, never let suggestions go unsaid nor fail to listen to them.

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Re: Going rate for freelance CAD Design work?
Re: Re: Going rate for freelance CAD Design work? -- randykimball	Post Reply	Top of thread	Forum

Posted by: rusty105 ® 11/18/2005, 07:45:57 Author Profile Mail author Edit

I am not sure of the scope of the project yet, but I have a feeling it may include some design work as well. In a case like this is it wise to quote a total, or go the hourly route. I have a full time job, so eating is not an issue I just want to set a fair rate that everyone can live with. Going a little low to test the water is fine with me. Thanks Rusty

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Re: Going rate for freelance CAD Design work?
Re: Re: Going rate for freelance CAD Design work? -- rusty105	Post Reply	Top of thread	Forum

Posted by: kelly_bramble ® 11/18/2005, 09:19:32 Author Profile Mail author Edit

What ever you quote, if you are responsible for the taxes, then your effective tax rate will be about 50% of what you make. When I quote a job, I always divide by 2 my estimated hourly wage, then mutiply by 1.3. This represents what I would make per unit of time if I worked directly for a company. This is true because when you work directly for a company, they pay approximately one-half of your taxes. Don't cut you self short by just bidding a fair wage, remember your wage should include insurance, somthing for retirement.

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Re: Going rate for freelance CAD Design work?
Re: Re: Going rate for freelance CAD Design work? -- kelly_bramble	Post Reply	Top of thread	Forum

Posted by: rusty105 ® 11/18/2005, 20:59:52 Author Profile Mail author Edit

Well... I have a little more info about the job. The client has a old / obsolete part that he needs to have reproduced. He has a spare that I can use to take off the dimensions. Then convert to ACAD drawings. I have done this with a few small parts for myself, so I am comfortable doing it, just not sure what to charge. Rusty

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Re: Going rate for freelance CAD Design work?
Re: Re: Going rate for freelance CAD Design work? -- rusty105	Post Reply	Top of thread	Forum

Posted by: randykimball ® 11/18/2005, 23:50:20 Author Profile Mail author Edit

This is similar to what I used to get $40 an hour for. I had a full time job too. You will be doing consultant work. You should be getting a 1099 at the end of the year that you get paid in. The wages will be added onto your taxable income in your tax forms. If you do very much you will need to pay a quarterly estimate into the IRS or pay a fine because of being too far behind at the end of the year. There is a dallar amount of which you do not have to count 1099's until you reach the value of. Also, do the work as if it will effect several other possible future consultant clients ... because that is exactly what is is going to do. This is an excellent way to make extra money and purchase better CAD software or other things that will inhance your chances to make extra cash. Good for you, go to it! The worst suggestion of your lifetime may be the catalyst to the grandest idea of the century, never let suggestions go unsaid nor fail to listen to them. Modified by randykimball at Fri, Nov 18, 2005, 23:57:47

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