I'm a generalist, a freelance web/graphic designer. So, I deal with a lot of projects that I have a "working" knowledge of, but am not an expert. Plus, technology is changing so fast, its hard to be an expert at more than a few things nowadays.
For example, a restaurant client wanted an online calendar where people can click on a date and register for wine tastings. Ive done countless contact forms over the years, though never one like that, so Im looking at all of the options, making test calendars, trying them out.
Another example would be a client who runs a counseling center, and wants electronic signatures added to their referral forms, but with the option to forward the form, etc. Something more complex than the simple esig widget I added.
So, I spend a lot of time these days researching different options for my client. I dont charge for this, only for implementation. And I dont think I should charge for every second I spend on their projects, though Im wondering if anyone out there does charge for research, or if they handle it differently? Thank you for any feedback.