Graphic Designers...What percentage off do you give friends?

Question

Just wanted to know what to give off as a discount to people I know. But still make it worth my while.

Answer 1

Free is not a good idea because then they will always expect that free will be the case.

Remember although they are your friends that you still need to make money and you work is worth every cent that you put into it. I have only made trades with my best of friends (20+ years). Perhaps 10-20%, but don't forget to let them know this is not going to be the case every time. You could also offer then $ or larger discount on what ever you do for them next if they bring you more business (make sure they know not to say anything about discounts to the person they are bringing to you).

Don't forget to take into consideration materials/proofs/time/etc. costs. Do not discount materials or proofs! Only discount hourly rate. That will keep you from going in the hole on projects you discount. Keep in mind what you want to make an hour. Also make sure you tell them how many revisions the quote includes (usually no more then 2-3 are included in the original quote).

Answer 2

I sometimes do things for free if I think that the project will allow me to be creative. Designers like that. It may turn out to be a piece that I would add to my portfolio. We don't like to just produce exactly what you may already have planned out in your head. We like to use our own heads to create fabulous things. Or you could always try and ask a college design student to do it. They are always looking for projects to expand their portfolio.