negotiating pay with freelance work

[kattwalk]

I've been offered an opportunity to do some graphic design work for a non-profit agency. I have a full time job already, so any work I would be doing for them would be after hours or on my own time on the weekends. i do have a family so the time I do with them would be taking away from that, so I feel my not only my talent and services, but my time as well, is valuable.

I've asked around a few different friends I know that do this sort of thing so I've got a rate down what I expect. Now, the hard part: How to approach it and put that expectation on the table without them looking at me like I'm ready to rob them. I think the rate I'm looking for is fair. They will be treating the position as a part-time hourly, and not a 1099 contractor, so they will be handling the taxes and withholdings (which is fine with me, I don't want to mess with all that and complicate my income taxes). Therefore, my time, resources (car/gas/personal equipment), and services should reflect what I should expect if I was paid outright.

I'm wanting to be professional and amiable to the organization because they do good work, but I'm also not a volunteer. I'm planning to meet face to face with the director of the agency and bring a portfolio, resume, etc. just like any other job offer and perhaps ask if term of a services contract would not be out of line (like expectations for time tracking, what do I actually deliver..the files only, or do I work with the printers, etc.?).

Do I say something like "Based on field research and talking to people that provide similar services, I think that X is a fair compensation amount....if that's ok with you?? please hire me? i could really use the extra money? please please?

Anyone with this experience, if you can give any insight or advice, I'd love to hear it.

[snoopy]

I contract graphic design occasionally with a non-profit. If I were you, I'd say something along the lines of "My basic hourly rate is X, but I can work on a sliding scale. Because you are a non-profit, I can give you a discount of Y." Just make sure it's worth your time. Good luck!
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[Indie Craftstravaganzaa]

[midnightsky1686]

[kattwalk]

Thanks. I did ask a few people i know that are in the field in my region and I think I came up with a fair rate that should sound good to them. If not, I can compromise a little off of it. Ultimately, I'm going to be doing this job in excess of my regular job and I am not going to work on this stuff during my time at regular job.

I hope it works out because it sounds like a good opportunity but it's not like I'm going to count on it. It's extra income that will be put directly into savings, and won't mess up my regular budget if it doesn't go through.

[brookeandcamera]

When I do design work I always tell people my hourly rate and give them a time estimate. Usually I will say I think it will take me about x hours, but will not take longer then y hours. That gives them a better idea of end cost then the hourly rate alone.
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