I've been exploring freelance opportunities recently and I'm confused about the pricing for web development. In my research, I've found that the typical rates for designing a fully responsive page from a Figma layout hover around $25 to $40. However, I've encountered clients rejecting a $30 quote, claiming it's too much. Additionally, some clients seem to expect extensive features like a sticky header, admin panels, and seamless mobile functionality at very low prices. Are these rates reflective of the global market for web development, or are there issues with the pricing on these freelance sites?
5 Answers
Freelance sites can be really tough. If you bid low, there’s always someone who will go even lower. It feels like a race to the bottom.
Some clients will insist that any price is too high just to negotiate. Freelance sites often attract those who are just out for a cheap deal and don’t understand real market values. Sometimes, you need to let a few bad offers go to find the good ones.
It seems to me that the expectations for what a $30 site should deliver are unreal. You get a high volume of applicants from places where that money goes further, and it's tough for those of us in other areas to compete. Pricing needs to reflect what’s reasonable in our respective economies.
Exactly! $30 is an attractive rate for some but essentially not practical for those with living costs that are higher.
Creating a decent HTML/CSS page based on existing designs usually takes me 10-20 hours, depending on complexity. Multiply that by what you think your hourly rate should be and you’ll get a realistic price.
Honestly, for $30, I’d not even bother responding. It’s hard to make a living at those prices, and many developers find themselves wasting time for little return—especially when clients expect a lot for so little.
Totally agree! It’s wild how some folks are willing to grind for 12 hours just to make that $30, while others fear asking for decent pay because they think someone will undercut them.
Exactly, it’s hard to have any respect for your own work when you’re competing with people willing to work for almost nothing.