DTP Service Rates?

[rishika]

What would be a realistic hourly rate for DTP services at home? I do a pretty good job of brochures, flyers, and promotional material, and lots of people ask me to do stuff like this for them. Mostly charity stuff, so I cant charge too much. I just dont have a clue what is reasonable.

[Ron P.]

Welcome to the forums..

I split your post from the thread where you posted it, starting a new thread, so that you will stand a better chance of getting more responses..

That is a complex question, and the answers will vary depending on location, experience, expertise, and a little ego..

Are there other such services available within a reasonable distance of you, ie; competition? If so see what they are charging and price accordingly. For charity work, of course you could be somewhat lower. Believe it or not, people will pass over services that are real cheap, because they get the impression that the price reflects the quality. People know and expect that high-quality products will cost them a little. Try thinking of it this way... if I told you I could fix the blown engine in your car for $50, wouldn't you question my service? For charity work, how charitable do you feel? Is it a church, that may not have a large budget? Are you in a large city/metro area or a very small rural community? These are all things that affect service rates.

One other thing to consider is what software is involved? For example since you're posting on a Corel Web board, you are (better be) using one of Corel's products...

[Black Lab]

I agree with Ron. The are many, many variables that go into setting a price. Your best bet is to be somewhere near the going rate for your area.