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This is an interesting discussion.  

I'm intrigued by the fact that most of the guidance seems to suggest a higher freelance daily rate than what I'd usually charge, but looking at some of the recent freelance contracts which have been circulated on this message board, most organisations are offering considerably less than what I'd consider reasonable. 

What does this tell us?  That most freelancers end up charging a lot less than the recommended rates?

I think this is a timely discussion; there have been a couple of really interesting contracts circulated recently, but when I looked at them, calculated the real costs of doing the work (travel, prep, time doing the work, plus all the other hidden costs outlined by Alison) I realised I would have lost money doing them, so I didn't apply. I'd have been surprised if anyone could really have made them pay. Is every contract taken on by someone as a loss leader, in that case? 

Elspeth



On 14 Jan 2011, at 15:10, Nigel Sadler wrote:

John Bibby's response was interesting as it highlights some of the problems there are when trying to assess the real rates charged by freelancers. Few freelancers include their rates on their websites (is this in fear of putting off clients?) and in most cases freelancers generally charge on a sliding scale, as one colleague once put it 'with what you can get away with', but in reality freelancers generally charge based on the type of work and who the organisation is. This makes it almost impossible to look online to find out what other freelancers are charging.   
 
Nigel Sadler


Sands of Time Consultancy
http://www.sandsoftimeconsultancy.com
 
The Slave Trade book http://www.shirebooks.co.uk/store/The-Slave-Trade_9780747807087/


From: John Bibby <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask]
Sent: Friday, 14 January, 2011 14:54:54
Subject: Re: Freelance rates

Nigel's 2004 document quotes £240 pd as an average: so has it not gone up since 2004?

I generally quote 'up to £600' say, making it clear that the price can be considerably lower if the assignment is particularly easy (no preparation or follow-up needed), near, interesting, longterm (many days) or charitable etc.

JOHN BIBBY

On 14 January 2011 14:01, Nigel Sadler <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
I have attached a document which I think GEM issued in 2004 with regard to setting freelance rates. I think this covers the basics of why a freelancer/consultant fee can appear quite high.
 
as a freelancer in the museum sector I think I can say that we all try to keep our costs as low as possible but in reality our overheads can be quite expensive and this must be reflected in the charges we make. 
 
Nigel Sadler


Sands of Time Consultancy
http://www.sandsoftimeconsultancy.com



From: Alison Bodley <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask]
Sent: Friday, 14 January, 2011 13:37:31
Subject: Freelance rates

Hi,

 

I’ve just been keeping my eyes on freelance rates and talking to a few freelancer friends. Some contracts are around £100 a day.

 

It might seem like a fair sum that is similar to what you would pay an employee or contract staff but I was just wondering if the rest of the sector is aware, that by the time a freelancer takes their costs out of this it’s not far off the minimum wage. And yet I am assuming that museums are wanting to employ fairly experienced people for these roles.

 

Most Freelancers need to allow for:

·         Office costs

·         Public indemnity Insurance

·         Professional Indemnity Insurance

·         Pension – no employers contribution

·         Sick leave

·         Holiday leave

·         Training

·         Time for preparing applications and attending interview

·         Expenses in the brief that a normal employee would get such as travel

·         Risk of not being employed all the time

 

I am sure other freelancers can add to this. We all know times are tough, but I just thought I would raise the issue.

 

Ali Bodley

 

Heritage Consultant

[log in to unmask]

01904 637339

07884444675

 
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