Getting paid: how much to ask for

[palmfron]

I'm a musician/composer and I've recently been asked to contribute music to a web-site made with Flash. The job might take about 10 hours of work just to make the music, not including the amount of time it will take me to learn how to use Flash...I'm totally new to this. I really don't know how much money to ask for. I'd like to work for these people again as I think they could give me more work in the future...any suggestions? (BTW I live in Berkeley,CA).

[ApeXX]

For a job that will take 10 hours of composing music, I would ask a final payment of $200.

[alexandergre]

ask most u can . ex 300 is ok and ask what he thinks. u have to know the person . some of the people are rich and they pay too much. for ex . i made a site for an advokat from italy . he was rich and i made 550 euro of making a site in flash just in 4 days. hahahahahaha

[ApeXX]

Alexandergre,

Please refrain from using profanity in your posts.

Thank you.

[wise]

Originally Posted by palmfron

I'm a musician/composer and I've recently been asked to contribute music to a web-site made with Flash. The job might take about 10 hours of work just to make the music, not including the amount of time it will take me to learn how to use Flash...I'm totally new to this. I really don't know how much money to ask for. I'd like to work for these people again as I think they could give me more work in the future...any suggestions? (BTW I live in Berkeley,CA).

It's more than just an hourly rate - are these people getting the copyright on the music after?? How long has the music to be?

If it's original copyright free music - then I would be asking $1500 + it's basically a commisioned peice of work.

[palmfron]

Originally Posted by wise

It's more than just an hourly rate - are these people getting the copyright on the music after?? How long has the music to be?

If it's original copyright free music - then I would be asking $1500 + it's basically a commisioned peice of work.

I never really thought about the copyright issue when it comes to music for a web-site...thinking of it as a commissioned work is a lot different than say a composer for hire at some hourly wage.

I like the idea...the project is for a vinyard in Sonoma, CA, but $1500...can I really ask for that much? I have a feeling that is for something a bit more involved. I tried to make this first project as easy on myself as possible, so I talked about giving them a 2-3 minute piece that will be put into a loop.

Also, I'm wondering if it's normal to ask for half up front and then the remaining half upon completion?

[wise]

Originally Posted by palmfron

I never really thought about the copyright issue when it comes to music for a web-site...thinking of it as a commissioned work is a lot different than say a composer for hire at some hourly wage.

I like the idea...the project is for a vinyard in Sonoma, CA, but $1500...can I really ask for that much? I have a feeling that is for something a bit more involved. I tried to make this first project as easy on myself as possible, so I talked about giving them a 2-3 minute piece that will be put into a loop.

Also, I'm wondering if it's normal to ask for half up front and then the remaining half upon completion?

When composing - always think about who owns the copyright in the end - it makes a big difference on price and stops future legal problems.

Why dont you aks them what budget they have for a 2-3 minute loop?

Half upfront is normal - or at least 25% deposit for the contract.

I have a diverse music background not just in I.T - what you are doing is commissioned work, its just that you havent got it in writing or fee fixed yet ;-)

[palmfron]

Originally Posted by wise

When composing - always think about who owns the copyright in the end - it makes a big difference on price and stops future legal problems.

Why dont you aks them what budget they have for a 2-3 minute loop?

Half upfront is normal - or at least 25% deposit for the contract.

I have a diverse music background not just in I.T - what you are doing is commissioned work, its just that you havent got it in writing or fee fixed yet ;-)

Thanks...I'll see what I can do...I've got a better idea as to what to try to negotiate with these folks...nice to find a fellow musician who knows about this sort of thing, I'd say most haven't a clue.

[Asvegren]

You have to think about competition too. Even though $1,500 may be reasonable, you must remember that they can probably find someone who will do it a lot cheaper on the same premises.

[ImRichBitch]

Between 300-500 I would guess