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Offline notbanksy

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Price list or contact us?
« on: 29 June 2009, 12:14:26 »
Was wondering what you all thought on this one: I've been considering putting together a price list for my portfolio site, a menu if you will, giving prices for all the elements of a web project, for example starting price ?300, add ?100 for CMS, add ?100 for forum - obviously these aren't the actual prices, cos I haven't decided what to charge yet.
The thing is, I can't decide whether to list prices, or just ask people to contact me for a quote?  I'm concerned that they'll go elsewhere if they don't see anything relating to price at all, but as you know, price depends on so many things, it's not easy to make a price list....
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Offline Dizi

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Re: Price list or contact us?
« Reply #1 on: 29 June 2009, 13:56:51 »
The way the company I work for does it is we say

Web design from xx
......info here (contact us for more information or a quote)

CMS from xx
......info here (contact us for more information or a quote)

I think this works a bit better than giving a sort of price list so people can get an idea of your pricing, but you are not really giving a set price and are still able to price on a project basis.
« Last Edit: 29 June 2009, 13:59:24 by Dizi »

Offline Scott

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Re: Price list or contact us?
« Reply #2 on: 29 June 2009, 14:57:25 »
I have to agree.

The whole "Starting from ?xxx" would probably be the best way, that way you still have the ability to factor in all costs when giving a quote.
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Offline notbanksy

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Re: Price list or contact us?
« Reply #3 on: 29 June 2009, 15:31:06 »
Thanks for the advice folks, much appreciated :)
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Offline ThomasHardy

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Re: Price list or contact us?
« Reply #4 on: 30 June 2009, 21:46:31 »
I just have a contact us, but I think a starting from ?xxx would be good.

Offline wizely

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Re: Price list or contact us?
« Reply #5 on: 02 July 2009, 11:13:06 »
Thought you could escape me? Mooha-ha-ha!

Dizi's 'from' strategy is a good one, on my up-coming site revamp (sneaky-peek http://wizelysworld.me.uk/vividcopy/copywriting-services.html?copywriting=copywriting-rates) I'm going for an average price per page that a client can expect to pay, a typical range and illustrating it with an example. I'm also showing the prices for 'the full monty', for the equivalent of a new design and for a redesign. There's even a 'from' price in there.

Sure every job is different but from experience I know what my average rate is for something and also the top/ bottom rates. It still gives the flexibility to create an accurate quote on each job, but showing an indication of prices is always a great idea if you can. Not showing prices gets on a lot of folks' nerves, it requires them to go to more effort to get answers and means you're open to time-wasters who want the moon on a stick for 20p!

No single approach works for every one, but the more information you can give prospective customers then the less questions they have unanswered and so less reason to continue searching elsewhere.  :)

Offline notbanksy

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Re: Price list or contact us?
« Reply #6 on: 02 July 2009, 12:02:25 »
**bows to Wizely**
Great advice, thanks!
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Offline LadyJ

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Re: Price list or contact us?
« Reply #7 on: 03 July 2009, 02:54:58 »
I have found that what works best for me is to have the prospective client contact me for a quote. I dislike being in the position of having stated a price and then having to vary from it. Clients that I've tried to do that with in the past have attempted to 'hold me' to the initial guesstimate. I try to avoid anything that will lead to a less than positive rapport.
I think it will also depend on a couple of different things. Including your comfort level. One thing to consider is the method you use to obtain clients. If its primarily web based, it may be wise to shop your competition and take a look at how they present their offerings. If a fair number of them leave it contact only, this can be a good thing, because then you don't have to compete with them on pricing if none has been stated anywhere. Conversely if a fair number state a price, you may feel comfortable leaving yours within that range and making it visible.
If you obtain clients via a more direct marketing medium, I would certainly not leave them with a price list! I'd take that as the opportunity to give them a quote based on their exact needs.
As with all ymmv :)

Offline Alex

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Re: Price list or contact us?
« Reply #8 on: 07 July 2009, 11:18:14 »
Thought you could escape me? Mooha-ha-ha!

Dizi's 'from' strategy is a good one, on my up-coming site revamp (sneaky-peek http://wizelysworld.me.uk/vividcopy/copywriting-services.html?copywriting=copywriting-rates) I'm going for an average price per page that a client can expect to pay, a typical range and illustrating it with an example. I'm also showing the prices for 'the full monty', for the equivalent of a new design and for a redesign. There's even a 'from' price in there.

Sure every job is different but from experience I know what my average rate is for something and also the top/ bottom rates. It still gives the flexibility to create an accurate quote on each job, but showing an indication of prices is always a great idea if you can. Not showing prices gets on a lot of folks' nerves, it requires them to go to more effort to get answers and means you're open to time-wasters who want the moon on a stick for 20p!

No single approach works for every one, but the more information you can give prospective customers then the less questions they have unanswered and so less reason to continue searching elsewhere.  :)


I think thats great advice, plus it comes from someone with a  good reputation in my opinion :)

Saying what it roughly will be but make sure (To supply an answer to LadyJ's problem) you have stated clearly that it is an average price or whatever and it can change.
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Offline wizely

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Re: Price list or contact us?
« Reply #9 on: 07 July 2009, 15:34:20 »
I think thats great advice, plus it comes from someone with a  good reputation in my opinion :)


Wow! Thanks for those kind words (cheque's in the post!). Well, in this one thread I've managed to create a digital persona on this forum that's just asking for a cricket bat in the face! Unintentional I promise - just trying to give good advice - I much prefer my reputation to be one of smut-peddler and harasser of female mods (and ex mods)!

I've now "pulled the trigger" and launched the revamp of Vivid Copy and you can see the http://vividcopy.co.uk/copywriting-services.html?copywriting=copywriting-rates in action as it were.

Offline Helen

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Re: Price list or contact us?
« Reply #10 on: 07 July 2009, 16:41:17 »
I use a "prices from........." method....... gives clients an idea of the price.
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Offline Scott

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Re: Price list or contact us?
« Reply #11 on: 07 July 2009, 16:42:47 »
... I much prefer my reputation to be one of smut-peddler and harasser of female mods (and ex mods)!
...

Oh don't worry Wizely, we all know that's the real you. It's only your public persona that is all kind, professional and giving! :p
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Offline Alex

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Re: Price list or contact us?
« Reply #12 on: 08 July 2009, 11:09:01 »
Another topic turning to sex :)
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Re: Price list or contact us?
« Reply #13 on: 09 July 2009, 20:06:51 »
I like the idea of a fixed price list that starts at your mid point, ok you may not get as many enquires but if you quote under your starting point you may convert more.

 


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