19/06/2024
If you don't know how to charge as a professional, study the way graphic designers do it.
Graphic design has gained recognition in the last seven years, largely due to the rise of the internet. What was once not considered a professional skill has now evolved into a respected career, incorporating elements like advertisement and packaging. Graphic designers charge well for their services.
Failing to charge professionally as a professional is a serious issue and not something to be proud of. If you don't know how to set your rates, take a lesson from graphic designers. They transformed their skill into a professional, highly-valued service, and charge accordingly.
The average graphic designer charges very well, earning a good income for their creativity and expertise. In contrast, many professionals in other fields charge peanuts, working hard but earning very little.
Visit areas like Yaba, and you’ll see experienced structural engineers in their old age waiting for stamping jobs just to get by, while graphic designers own homes in prime locations. The difference lies in branding, knowing how to charge, and understanding their value.
Many structural engineers do not understand their own value or the risks involved in their work. If a building they designed fails, their reputation and career are on the line. Yet, they might charge only enough to survive for a project that involves design, printing, stamping, and sealing, without considering the cost of their practicing license and potential legal fees if something goes wrong.
Some professionals lack the wisdom to charge properly. They ask online how much to charge for a job, revealing a lack of self-worth. If you had paid for training and licensed software, you wouldn't be asking such questions.
Graphic designers know their worth and maintain consistent standards. They charge appropriately for their services. In contrast, many in structural and architectural design lower their prices, leading to clients receiving subpar value.
Quantity surveyors are the exception in the construction industry; they know their value, have excellent training, and charge appropriately for their services.
This is a call to action for structural engineers and architects this Democracy Month. Reflect on your value and your future. You didn't go through extensive education and training to earn peanuts. That's why some of you have been riding bikes to meet clients for the past 20 years.
I'm not saying you should charge exorbitantly, but you should charge professionally and earn what you deserve for your creativity. Ask for what you deserve, not just what is available. Ten percent agent fees on the property you design can be multiplied by 100 of your fee.
Learn from graphic designers, and you'll do well. If you are not yet qualified to charge correctly, upgrade yourself by learning and becoming better at what you do.
Concerned colleague
