So, I've been developing websites for some 6-7 years now. I've recently started being a freelance web consultant and wondered if anyone had experience with either or both and which they stuck with and why?

Can web firms really charge that much more?

Is 2 individuals sufficient for a start up web firm?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you!

I used to work at a web firm and was disturbed how they treat their clients. I become tired of working for 'jerk's' who I felt ripped off their clients because an extra buck meant that much to them. I'm not a freelance web design and developer for roughly 2+ years but have 6+ years with web design and development.

I think with web firms they have a fancier name then 'freelancer' and freelancer can have an amature name behind it. I've worked in the field for many years so to me their is some difference but you have good and bad freelancers / firms just like any other business. I think you can be considered a 'firm' if you have 2 people working together but everyone's opinion is different and you just have to go with what you think is right and professional. Best of luck!