Rates

The System Itself
Our production charges are based on a hourly rate.
Here's how it works:

Every project involves a custom bid. As we determine the elements needed for a given website, we check them off on an in-house production worksheet, where each item has a pre-determined number of hours assigned to it. These allotments are based on the amount of time it would take to complete each task if, in fact, all we had to do was sit down . . . type . . . point . . . click . . . and save. We then add up the hours and calculate the total job to complete the production aspect of the bid.

In a way, it is similar to the method that auto mechanics use to determine an estimate for a repair job. But the similarity ends there.

Unlike the mechanic, ours is creative work, so much more goes into each task than merely the time it takes to strike the keys and click the mouse. Thought time, outlining, layouts, trial and error, variations, proofing, revisions, testing and uploading are only some of the factors that extend the activity well beyond that which is alloted on the worksheet. On average, we put about three times the amount of work into a job than what is bid through the worksheet process.

The System in Practice
Perhaps the best way to understand our system is to consider a custom logo design. Our production worksheet allots two hours to this "task"; which means that if, a) we knew exactly what we wanted, b) got everything right on the first shot, and c) didn't need to review the work or even upload the file to the server, we ought to be able to complete the job in about two hours.

Fat chance.

After initial input from the client, we generally begin from scratch on a single thought process. This inevitably spawns several variations, each of which present a number of unique possibilities of their own. For each variation, we need to save separate files each step of the way -- as many as twenty files for a single version -- in the event that we need to go back and modify any single element. Which we always do.
We then spend a good bit of time refining each version, after which, we review them independently and then place them all together and begin a process of elimination. If more than one version of the logo proves noteworthy, we will show each to the client, who will make a preference, and usually suggest more modifications or additions. Back to the drawing board for the final draft. It is then proofed again and eventually authorized. But we're not done yet.

We still need to size the file and save it to the right directory. Then comes the HTML work to make the graphic load on the initial page where it will reside. This includes assigning the source, border, width, height and alternate text elements and verifying that everything appears correctly . . . and quickly. We then upload it to the server and check it again on the remote site.

Hardly two hours. Indeed, we will generally put in more on a custom logo and we always stick to our primary quote.