Startup designer with first client, how much should i charge?

Question

Hello, I'm a designer whose has a startup business. By referral I have my first customer who wants wedding save the date, invitations, thank you cards, and wedding seal logo. How much should I charge, and should i give a discount price for referral or to increase business? your help would be appreciated, thaks

Hello, I'm a designer whose has a startup business. By referral I have my first customer who wants wedding save the date, invitations, thank you cards, and wedding seal logo. How much should I charge, and should i give a discount price for referral or to increase business?

From the comments below, I will be providing the artwork to the customer where they themselves will send to a Kinkos or Staples to have them produce. Only artwork will be requested of me, the actual cards, etc. will be managed by the client. Thanks for the advice to those who responded, reallys helps!

Recommend any good books for pricing or startup? thanks!

Answer 1

You don't say if you are producing the graphic design for your customer who will then take it to a printer to have it printed or if your customer expects you to put the whole printed project into his/her hands.

EITHER way--if you do your homework on this--you will find that all wedding invitation companies provide design options which are INCLUDED in their pricing. Further, they UPCHARGE the costs if the client--you, provides them with supplied artwork.

So I caution you that unless this is an unusual situation (such that your customer has a huge budget and wants a truly unique design) this project defeats any benefit for your customer.

Finally be wary of discounting any price, customers don't expect that for referrals.

Answer 2

You gave NO clue as to how many invitations nor what grade of papers they wanted .
So WHAT are we suppose to base our guess on ?

As a designer , you should consider these basic business issues .
It is a lot more than what color looks nice with whatever .

Also , you should have asked the client what their budget was .
You do not just go rampaging off into the sunset ,
Then come back with bills .
You ASK the client about the budgets !

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