pixomedia

I quite like it - it's unique and has an edge. It's simple and easy to read and connects you with him as a person and not just a website. Although he does have a 'I'm the boss' tone which might turn potential customers off...

I've always liked the way a jQuery slider enhances the visual impact when you visit a site for the first time. But does it detract from the rest of the content on the homepage? I use a slider on my own website www.pixo-media.com (still under construction at the moment) but I can't help but think that it might detract users from scrolling down to the content underneath. Or maybe I've just been spending ages working on the site.... What do you think? Do you use them, or would you use them? Do you place limitations on their use?

Thank you for your replies!

I think that I would be offended that he would use your proposal that was done for him for free so he could potentially get a better quote. However, he may not even be thinking that he is doing anything wrong. I wonder how many other clients have potentially done the same thing, especially for smaller businesses. Technically a proposal would belong to you - legally it is your intellectual property, but you can't prevent a client from using your proposal to get leverage over other web design companies as it's not trackable. If he comes back to you and says "thanks, but no thanks", you might want to gently remind him that it's not good practice to take your proposal as a basis for other quotes, as different web designers approach projects differently dependant on the web design technology they use. And then perhaps ask him if he could provide you with the other quotes that he received so that you can use it for feedback and research.

+1 - thank-you!

If providing a quote based on an hourly rate, you would include in the proposal 'and this includes up to xx amount of billable hours'? Personally, I'm thinking of going with the option of providing a quote based on their preferences once the questionnaire has been received - but which reflects my estimate of the amount of hours I expect to spend on a website. I don't think I'd want to quote them an hourly rate as like yourself I tend to jump around when coding/designing and wouldn't want to be held to ransom. How do you work out a reasonable hourly rate? Checking the freelance job websites?

I would love to know how you all decided on your pricing structure? I've been doing some research and as far as I can see, the designers who quote a price/package price tend to stick to the simpler websites. I could contact web design companies for a faux quote but thought I would ask here first. How did you come to decide on what you would charge?

I work from home currently and I find it hard to switch 'off' - I often spend far too many hours on the computer and neglecting other aspects of my life - socialising being one of them. In terms of where I want to go in the future I will be expanding into an office - currently in London you can rent a desk/workstation in a shared office for as little as £25 per week (easyoffice.com - of course) or for a little bit more you can get an office with a meeting room, reception area etc. which is great if you're looking to impress clients or take on bigger projects which require schmoozing (sp) the clients!

My name is Jules, and I run Pixo Media. I've been designing websites for about 3 years now - mainly using HTML and CSS, but have recently moved into the world of PHP. Current projects are built on the Wordpress Framework for smaller sites although I will be using MODx for larger projects in the future.

Hi everyone, I have recently started up my own web design company as a sole trader - Pixo Media. I am currently reviewing my business model and would like to talk to those interested in collaborating with me on future projects - essentially a business partner. Ideally this would suit someone who is highly experienced with Web & Graphic Design but is not so good with running the business side of things and who is looking to 'be the boss' but doesn't know where to start. Alternatively, this would also suit those who are freelance web designers and looking for alternative means of income whilst still being able to maintain their own source of income. Currently this will be a work-from-home role until the business is in a postion to work from separate premises, which will be located in London. You must located within a reasonable distance from London, have proven experience in web design and a native English speaker. All enquiries to Jules c/o info@pixo-media.com.