Be sure to communicate your price to your customer in writing prior to beginning work on the project. Being clear, direct, and upfront is good business practice. Also, if your client updates or changes specifications during the project, be sure to clearly communicate any impact on pricing and costs associated with changes. There should be an amended pricing document submitted to the client in writing that clarifies the pricing changes.

The following section related to contracts further clarifies the elements of communicating price to your client. This is an essential operating procedure to protect you and your business.

And also consider this valuable tip:

Surprise billings and costs will quickly turn customers away and any repeat business from this client will be jeopardized. The best policy is to be direct and clear in anything related to pricing your services. Also, include the timeline for delivery of proofs and final products to avoid any misunderstandings once the project is underway.

Payment options

While we're on the subject of price, it is a good time to deal with questions related to payment options. You must decide how you will accept payment for services rendered. You have the choice of accepting:

• Credit cards

• PayPal, ClickBank (used when products are delivered as downloads from the Internet), or similar online banking services

• Checks (personal and/or business), certified checks, or money orders only

• A combination of the above

This is a personal decision and one that is important to make early in the process. If you decide to accept credit cards, ClickBank, or PayPal payment methods, you need to establish the appropriate relationships with vendors to manage this aspect of your business. Online resources are very helpful when it comes to establishing these payment mechanisms.

Depending on your choice of website hosts, credit card acceptance may be one of your options already included with the service. Be sure to understand how this works and what you need to do to activate this function.

An important consideration is the fact that you will potentially turn away 60-80% of your business if you are unable to accept credit cards or PayPal transfers. Keep this in mind as you decide.

Another important note about pricing and revenue from your hard work. The money you take in from your business is great – but don't forget that it's not all yours. As a self-employed online business owner, you have responsibility to pay your own taxes and cover your operating expenses.

This is another reason that organization is so important – maintaining records for quarterly and year-end tax reporting. More information is included about business management aspects of your graphic design business later in this Guide.

Creating compelling designs, advertisements, and collateral that entice people to buy your client's products will result in highly satisfied customers. Those customers will be back again and again, and they'll bring more potential customers with them. Price your services competitively and the work will follow!

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