I've been trying to determine what is fair to charge people for web sites, graphics, brochures, catalogs, etc...so i've been browsing around some web designers web sites.

Some web sites will have a link to "Prices", and will specifically state their prices for the work they do (1 page site: $xxx.xx, 3 page site: $xxx.xx, etc.)

Is this a good idea or not? Some people have a contact form and say "contact for free quote"

What are your thoughts on this, and what method do you use? What are some pros and cons to each method?

I give general guidelines about pricing on my site, but I price based on the project. I want to know the requirements of the site and then I'll estimate how long I think it will take to get the work done. I usually bump that time estimate up by 20% or so since everything always takes longer than you first think.

Once I have an estimate of the time I multiply by the hourly rate I want for the project and that's the price I give to the client.

I have been known to charge more or less depending on the client and how much I do or don't want the work.

I'll also give more breaks to repeat clients and some of their work I may just charge by the hour. Once you develop a relationship with a client you both trust each other more and you can relax some of the standard rules.

I do it the same way as Steven does. Usually a quote based on an hourly rate that I predetermine based on the client, if I want the work, whether the client is a butthead or is actually okay to deal with, etc.

I've always had a big problem with standard pricing because it doesn't fit most business models. "A website for $299" usually sucks, and anything that's half-decent is "budget-priced" at prices that I could do twice the job for half the money, and better suited for the client's business.

Not everyone needs everything. Not everyone needs the same things. Every business is different and should be treated differently.

Those responses are noted and very much appreciated. It makes a lot of sense to me

Now...I've got to figure out pricing. Any advice for that?

I do have advice on pricing, actually. It's the simplest advice to give, and the most difficult to truly master. But if you master it, then you'll succeed both for yourself and for your clients.

"The value in something isn't what it's worth, but what someone is willing to pay for it."

You're new to this. So your value will be lower. Price yourself so that you can break into your market. When you become experienced, as Steven and I are, your value becomes higher. But don't go in right away expecting to dominate the market and charge $75 an hour and people will flock to pay it...if you do, you'll be sadly disappointed. Go in with something reasonable (gauge your market...and it will take a few tries), and you'll be fine.

"The value in something isn't what it's worth, but what someone is willing to pay for it."

Memorize that.

Setting an hourly rate to base this on can be tricky when you're first starting. When I first started out I set in my mind the rate I wanted and I'm still working to get there. I actually do get there for some projects, but most I'm still below where I want to be, but more than enough for what I need.

You do have to take your experience into account and how much people are willing to pay you at first. Try to increase that a little with each job you do.

Also keep track of your time on every project. The more detailed you can be the better. After a few projects you get pretty good at knowing how long the next one will take and how to estimate things. The better your estimate the closer you'll end up making the rate you really want.

It does get easier in time. In the beginning you tend to be more guided by knowing you need work and so dropping prices just to get work. In time you'll see it's better to let work go if it's undervaluing you. It's a hard thing sometimes to turn away work when you think you need the money, but it ends up being the best way to earn what you really deserve.