I learnt the hard way in 1999/2000. SA’s largest internet company had a glib way of “distorting truths” and I paid much more – much, much more – than was necessary.

There are three levels of pricing, with a whole lot of variants in between.

1. – Rock bottom because someone just needs the job. It hasn’t been properly quoted: the developer doesn’t make money and the client doesn’t get a decent job.

2. – R450-R600 an hour for 10 hours, for a job that should only take 1-2 hours. Why that rate? Because it’s the going rate. Why 10 hours? Because no-one’s sure how long it will take. The client agrees because he/she knows even less. So you’re basically paying for someone to learn their craft & science. Or is it?

3. – R600/hour for 1 hour. That only happens when a client has a very clear and specific brief, all the bits & pieces are at hand. The client isn’t expecting the consultant to provide the business plan too! Unfortunately, few consultants are geared for this type of client and they feel they just have to earn more on any single job, forgetting that saving waste means more money for other productive jobs.

I’ve always said that in most cases its not the bad architect or bad designer, but the bad client.

Thank you. I couldn’t agree more. Increased client awareness will go a long way.

The problem may remain but I do think that over time as the profession continues to mature and we continue to educate clients, the balance will tip.

It is indeed fitting of the classic Seth

The banana question had me stumped for a moment. Then I burst out laughing. It’s brilliant!

Thanks for brightening up my day

We have started an internal process called ” Where is the banana” and its becoming the lingo whihc make my job easier when i get a request for a flash based recruitment website!!

Also, web dev folks should compare their prices to others… R600/hour for an agency in hillcrest that can only do ASP, doesnt compare to a global agency with Full scale dev for R500/hour!

great Post.