Web Design Proposal

[CADbug]

Is their any good guide to building / writing a "web design proposal". I am finding it very difficult to quote for web site design because i am totally unaware about how much time its going to take to design and also its quite obvious that client will come up with changes to it everyday, till the day its on server.

Another thing is Annual Maintenance Contract of a web-site. What are the criterias for deciding the pricing for AMC. (Am I sounding stupid???..but that's what I am.)

I would be grateful if somebody can provide me a "sample of web site design propsal".

P.S. I have already "googled" a bit for this info! looking for more realistic one. Sample proposal from professional web designers is appreciated!

[CADTutor]

If this is the first web design project you've done for money, here are a few tips.

1. Decide what your hourly rate is. Find out what other web designers are charging or what the acceptable rates are in your environment. Don't go too low or too high.
2. Work out how long the project will take to complete as best you can (be realistic). Then add 50% to that time.
3. Your lump sum for the project is your hourly rate multiplied by the number of hours.
4. Although clients prefer to be quoted a lump sum for the initial project so that they know what they are spending, this is not a good idea for post-launch work. This should always be done on a time rate basis.

In order to keep costs down, you need to take control of the project. Don't allow your client to have a daily input, this can be very disruptive and costly for you. Design a schedule of works that includes say, 3 design reviews at sketch design, comp/prototype and beta stages of the project. This gives your client the opportunity for input at key stages and keeps you free to work in between.

Of course, there's lots more but that should be enough to keep you going.

[CADbug]

Thanks CADTutor!

I am sure this method will work out to be efecient for me at this stage! I will try and create one mock proposal and post it here for your feedback/s. If you don't mind!

[HMS_Victory]

Every client is different.

A small business or sole proprietor is likely to want a fixed time and cost.

A larger corporation may be more willing to an open-ended hourly project.

Sometimes to get work you may need to offer more favorable terms to the client. Plan on plenty of revisions and redoing work... it's the way of the business.