What should I charge people for web page development?

I have been designing websites for friends for free and now strangers are calling and wanting me to design their sites for a price. What is the going rate and how is it billed?

What should I charge people for web page development?
Depends on if its just HTML or if youre also using ASP, JAVA, a Server? Or just a bean server?





Will they be able to enter data and collect data and even store data?





If its just a simple html with links page, then I would say $20/hour.





If its more involved I would charge $50/hr.
Reply:The "going rate" is determined by things like.... where you're working (you don't even specify what country you're in, so it's very hard to give even an estimate)... what you can offer, how good you are and how you compar to the others... your reputation and track record...





Do a little market research, find out what the other guys are charging - and what you get for the money.





Then, consider what it will cost you to do the same... your time, your loss of earnings from other jobs, etc... the cost of running your office, your liability insurance, your phone bill, internet connection, hard- and software, and your taxes...





As for billing... you could set up a merchant account (Which costs you more money) and collect credit card payments... or you can have them send you checks, which means you need a business account at your bank - which costs you more money.





Then you'll need to have an attorney draw up standard contracts for you, to make sure that people do pay you...





Plus, you'll need to decide on how much support you're going to offer when they find bugs in your code... How much will you charge for changes to the site, later? And how many years later...? (Don't forget the cost of archiving your code )





How much is it going to cost you to keep up-to-date with changing technology... ?





Are you going to work in an office (costs a lot), at home (check your insurance, zoning laws, and local taxation) or on the customer's premises... (in which case, factor in your travel expenses)





And you'll need a VERY good CPA at the end of the year...





It's fun, being self-employed, but there's a price!
Reply:My son charges $250 for a basic one. Nothing up front, $125 after a preview and $125 on completion.





He has done some as high as $4500.