Question : How much to charge - Experts only please

Hey guys

I have been approached to create an ecommerce site for a friend of a friend. Ive been developing for about 5 years but haver never actually done a private jobs for anyone, my job pays well enough and i simply didnt have enough time. But as a result i do not have a clue how much to charge.

He wants an ecommerce site that sells sunglasses. Obviously il have to design an admin panel for him to manage his products etc aswell.

Does anyone have any idea how much i should charge, and how i should estimate how much i should charge in future?

Also what is the general etiquette on hosting, should i purchase the web space and charge him monthly, or put the hosting in his name so i can walk away when the prioject is finished?

Also should i charge a site maintenance fee or just charge for call out?

As you can see, i really dont have a clue about private work so any help is greatly appreciated.

I would prefer advise from those of you who have actually sold websites and done provate work please

Thanks

Apresto

Answer : How much to charge - Experts only please

Place an advertisement for the same project on a dedicated site such as Freelancers.net or RentACoder.com, and ask for the members to suggest costs involved as if you were the client.

Select bid(s) from those with suitable references (and past examples of similar work), double the rate(s) charged, and submit to your client.  Having more than one cost option, depending on the variations you have listed above will help secure the contract.

If successful with your tender, sub-contract the work to the party you have sourced & project manage between the two sides of the contract.

Ensure that both sides of the equation sign a contract to describe explicitly what is expected by each, by when, and for how much.

Consult legal advice if necessary.

Invest the profit wisely.

Repeat.

BFN,

fp.