How much would you charge?

chriselkins wrote on 9/20/2002, 12:04 PM
I have been approached with the opportunity to bid for a contract making a 30 second spot for a small, Ma&Pa carpet cleaning business. Being paid for this would be a first for me, and it's about time! However, I have no clue as to what to charge. I'm sure they will be looking for something simple and basic, for which I'm confident I can do a great job. I think I could do a lot better then basic actually, and will even for less than the price of basic, just to get started. I know there are a lot of variables involved in pricing such a project, so any pointers or clues or "ball-park" figures would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Chris

Comments

Tyler.Durden wrote on 9/20/2002, 12:23 PM
Hi Chris,

This question comes up occassionally at the Business Practices Forum at creativecow.net... you might search the posts there for basic info and post further questions too. It's a good group.

HTH, MPH
DGates wrote on 9/20/2002, 12:32 PM
If it's your first commercial, I'd go alittle on the cheap side. Something that's affordable for them, and makes you a little money. But the most important aspect is that you'll have that commercial to show other businesses. Sort of like when people get into the wedding biz, they usually do a few for free or don't charge much, then use those to show full-paying clients.
chriselkins wrote on 9/20/2002, 12:37 PM
Thanks, martyh, I'll do that!

DGates, absolutely! I am planning on just explaining to the business owner that it would be a first for me, and to charge very little more than my costs. I'm already used to doing freebies for art like stuff, but art stuff is not always understood by Ma and Pa small biz!
craigunderhill wrote on 9/20/2002, 2:51 PM


barter with them. make the video and get them to give you new carpet! :)

wcoxe1 wrote on 9/20/2002, 3:28 PM
Just because you think it is going to be basic kind of stuff, don't expect that THEY will think the same thing. You can get in serious trouble making assumptions. Try your best to get a precise agreement as to what is expected of both sides, IN WRITING. It doesn't have to be fancy, nor does it have to look like or be a contract. Call it a "Statement of Expectations," if you want, as that is exactly what it should be.