How do you price your product design services?

When it comes to pricing our product design services, experience is a big part of the equation. We’ve spent years honing our skills in everything from concept sketching to 3D modeling and prototyping, so clients are getting the benefit of tried-and-true expertise. Here’s how we approach it: we start by looking at the project’s needs. Smaller projects or single tasks, like a quick sketch or concept model, may have a flat rate, which keeps things straightforward. 

For more complex projects, we price in stages—like initial concept development, CAD modeling, and final manufacturing handoff—so clients see clear deliverables at each stage. This experience-based, milestone approach lets us bring valuable insights into each step, which can actually save time and cost in the long run. And for highly customized projects that need flexibility, we offer an hourly rate, reflecting the deep level of expertise we bring to every challenge. In the end, our pricing is about transparency and value, ensuring clients know they’re getting experienced hands guiding every part of their design journey.

Product design service pricing is determined by several factors, such as the complexity of the design, the time and costs required, the designer’s skills and level of experience, and market demand. It’s important to set prices that fairly reflect the quality and value of the work while remaining competitive in the market.

As an agency,

We offer the price of our product design services based on several factors, including the project’s complexity, the scope of work, the estimated time required, and the specific deliverables. We also consider our experience, the tools and resources needed, and the industry standards. If revisions or extra features are needed, those are factored in as well. This approach ensures that the pricing is fair for both parties and aligns with the value provided 

We are a small agency, but I respond as an individual freelancer, as the principles are essentially the same. When pricing my services, I consider several factors:

Determining a Reasonable Salary: I start by setting a reasonable monthly salary based on my actual needs, then estimate the work timelines accordingly.

- How to Determine Salary: There are various methods you can use. One way is to look at your average earnings over the last three months, then set a slightly higher amount as your target salary—something you'd be happy to earn. Consider whether you'd be satisfied doing the work for that price, including making revisions to meet the client's expectations.

- Growth Over Time: Your salary should increase as you gain more experience, develop new skills, and build expertise. As you grow, you'll work faster, pay more attention to details, and take on greater responsibility for entire projects.

Project Complexity and Expertise: Projects that require more creativity, experience, or specialized expertise should be priced higher, even if they take less time to complete.

Communication Evaluation: If a client provides a clear and detailed brief and knows exactly what they need, the project may be priced lower. However, if extensive discussion and decision-making are required, that process adds to the cost.

Flexibility: Flexibility in pricing and timelines is a valuable tool for building long-term relationships and earning the client's trust.

In conclusion, if you provide a service to your client as if it were for yourself—with love, care, and a genuine desire to be helpful—your client will be happy, even if your prices are higher than similar services in the market.