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Amber,

If you are just starting out you might want to start with flat rate fees. That makes it much easier for a prospect to feel comfortable about the overall cost. You’ll need to write a contract with the scope of work described so it is clear what you are and what you are not doing for the fee. You should state how many revisions you’ll do…[Read more]

In Oregon, any project that exceeds $2000 requires a contract.

Thanks J.

Thanks for your input.

I’m all for 50% retainer, but I know there are some states that limit how much you can take up front. I’m almost certain that California is one that limits it to 10% or $1,000 which ever is more. I might be confusing this with Oregon, but I don’t think so.

There is a lot of good information here.

I am on UpWork and have completed a few jobs since I signed on in March.

I have found that I am hustling for work far more than I am working, but that is the nature of freelancing. What Bob said about the competition and that clients are looking for Filet Mignon on a hamburger budget is absolutely true.…[Read more]

Check your state laws on how much you can legally ask for up front. I think California limits that to 10%.

The simple yet complex answer as to what landscape designers charge is this – whatever someone is willing to pay. We are not selling something that comes in a box that is the same thing in the box that the next landscape designer is selling,…[Read more]

That’s very interesting and helpful! I didn’t know about Upworks. I don’t like how competitive it sounds, but I’ll check it out just in case. Thank you for your time and generosity. I’ll take you up on that! 🙂

Amber

Thank you so much for your thoughtful response! That’s a lot of good information. I’m definitely planning on having signed contracts and I’ll take your advice and add the revisions clause too. I can see how endless revisions could be an issue with some clients. I’m glad to hear that you request 50% up front. I didn’t realize any designers did that…[Read more]