Charging client for tools you'll continue using

Zack Maxwell

When freelancing, I know it's normal to charge the client for tools you need for the job. But would that still the case if you intend to continue using the tools after the job is done? Since you would be benefiting from them beyond the scope of the job you were given.

battlecow

If you need the tool for the job yes, just as it is normal to charge for the maya/max rent or even your rent and electricity and the hardware you use.

kanga

Look at your turnover and spread your costs over a year. You can see what percentage to charge each clent. Taking all your costs into account like BATTLECOW said, should yield you an hour price. Its normal to include, power, rent, hard and software, bookeep charges, advertising etc, etc. So tally all your costs then work out what you need to survive, go on holiday and save and you know how much to ask over the board. You can decide if you have different charges for onsite, panick deadlines, overtime, weekend and holiday work, NDA and so on. Software is but a small part of the pcture but should be in there.

Hope that helps

Zack Maxwell

Thanks, that does help.

Blond

By the way, for those using Blender and that have good extensive set of skills, won't their rates be somewhat lower since they don't charge software costs?

Arguing that most Blender users are freelancers, should these people still charge software costs to maintain the rates competitive and high?

Eric Chadwick

You probably have fingers, shouldn't you charge significantly less than those without fingers?

battlecow

kanga

Cats are always extra!

pigart

Blond said:

By the way, for those using Blender and that have good extensive set of skills, won't their rates be somewhat lower since they don't charge software costs?

Arguing that most Blender users are freelancers, should these people still charge software costs to maintain the rates competitive and high?

Writing down all your expenses and then calculating your price is just a rough guide/estimate. Just because I eat less food or rent in my country is lower doesn't mean I have to charge less. I can still charge however much I want.

PyrZern

battlecow said:

Still Loading icon ?

thomasp

that looks like the porsche i do burnouts with in the car park during lunchbreak. billing that one!

battlecow