Business Tips for Freelance Desktop Publishing and Graphic Design

These aren't hard-and-fast rules or formulas but they are tried-and-true guidelines that hold true most of the time if you're in the design business as a freelancer.

Pricing #1

Don't set prices according to what your work is worth to your customer, but according to what it is worth to you.

Pricing #2

The price is too high only when the prospect falls out of their chair. — submitted by mister_rhee
mister_rhee further explains: DON'T prejudge the customer's ability to pay. Or their desire for YOUR services. After all, they came to YOU, didn't they? You're the "value added" in the equation.

Although some consider it the most difficult aspect of starting a desktop publishing business, the basic process involved in setting prices and estimating jobs is fairly straightforward. How to Set Hourly and Flat Fees

Copyright

When in doubt, don't use it.

At some point you may be tempted to use copyright-protected material. Do you know how you will handle that situation? Plan Ahead for Copyright Infringement

Contracts

Always get it in writing. Think twice, then think again before breaking this rule. If you break it, don't cry when it comes back to haunt you.

Your contract is an agreement between you the designer and your client to provide design and desktop publishing services. You and the client need to be in agreement as to exactly what specific services you are providing, when you'll finish the job, how much money is involved, and ownership of the completed work. How to Write a Contract for a Desktop Publishing or Graphic Design Business

Also see these Simple Guidelines That Work Most of the Time on color, printing, newsletters, and more.