Freelancer working for school web site...

Need advice on what to charge!?

[ddesign]

A couple years ago my son's elementary school's principal contacted me to redesign the school web site. I was excited to be 'hired' for the job since I not only love what I do, but had a personal interest in the design because my son had attended school there for five years. To make a long story short, I ended up doing the web site for free, with the exception that I would charge my hourly fee for the site management after the site was redesigned.

Two years later, my son is at a different school and today, I got a call from the principal, who's very interested in talking with me about redesigning 'their' school site. I am very interested in this project, too, but as busy as I am, and as badly as I need to make my living at this, I have no idea what to do about the cost of the site. I know schools have a hard time with budget; that's pretty obvious when they're cutting good teachers every year!

Discounting is difficult to figure out because designer's rates vary so much anyway. Would it be ethical to charge for this prospective client? I'd really like to be a part of this project.

[webwoman]

It would be ethical to charge. And I suggest you ask up front what their budget is.

[jbinbpt]

Just a thought....
As a school, they should have 501(c)3 status. Talk to your tax advisor, there might be some tax advantages as far as charging or giving time as a donation.
jb

[Travoli]

Agreed, they probably have a budget for this already. If you could get that number, you could quote what they could get for the price.

[nakulgoyal]

Yes. As per my experience they have good budgets especially 2-3 months back before their sessions. Suggest some features and you could put them pricey...!