How do you determine pricing for your projects?

[Skape]

I am looking to finally getting into freelancing and I am wondering what is the best way to determine how much I should charge for a project. For the most part, I would only be doing graphic design work such as photo manipulation, logos, etc. and some basic html websites, as well as SEO.

Does anyone know of any good resources to help me determine pricing structures for these various types of projects?

I don't want to sell myself short, but I also don't want to price myself out of a gig...

[rocknbil]

Review some of the freelance sites, see what the going price is for any of those tasks.

After you pic yourself up from the floor and recover from the shock, charge what you are worth, not what everyone else is charging.

Find what separates you from the rest, capitalize on that in your proposals. And one more clue: when you submit a proposal, don't waste space justifying your skills (that is what your portfolio is for.) Concentrate on the project, and how you would solve their problem best.

[lammert]

On freelance sites you will always find someone who bids cheaper. The main problem is to determine which freelancer will really do a good job. I use freelancers from those sites and I often pick the freelancers who clearly understood the problem, communicate on an adequate level and which background matches my criteria. Price and reputation are just secondary for me in the decision process.

Therefore you shouldn't just see what others ask, but what you think you need to keep living and expand your business. You will never be able to compete price-wise with someone from a country where $100 is considered a good monthly salary, but you will be able to compete in terms of quality, reliability and communication.