Fees are a tricky concept. The client wants to pay as little as possible to get the work done, the designer wants to get paid as much as possible for the specific project. In most instances the client is undervaluing the designer's role and worth, while the designer is probably thinking a little too much of themselves. Seemingly it would be nice to have some sort of formula - getting reasonable rates and not having to worry about being underbid by another firm that has no intention of investing any time or thought into the work. We've actually lost projects where the person bidding against us submitted a proposal that was half our fee. I'll be out of business quick if I charge those other fees without reducing my services.

So what's a reasonable fee? Who decides? It all comes down to trust. Do I - the client - trust you to propose a fee that is in proportion to your worth? Do I - the designer - trust you to pay me a fee that honors my role in the project? In India it seems you must earn the trust over time and experience with a certain client. Often leading to that "first project" where you charge less to "build a relationship." This usually comes with the dangling of a future project (or projects) where you'll make more money...

Published by Brook Louis Meier in office