Ask HN: What are OK tasks for a freelancer to bill?

by toumhi on 9/20/2011, 2:12 PM with 2 comments

I'm currently working with a (good) freelance designer via oDesk, however she has spent quite some time installing/configuring her system in order to work on my project (git, python, mysql, installtion problems etc). She already billed more than $300 for that and given I'm spending my hard-earned money, it's a bit hard to swallow. She also billed time for looking at inspiration websites in order to get a feel of what needs to be done.

Do you consider it normal for a freelancer to bill for inspiration research/system installation?

  • by jgavris on 9/20/2011, 2:27 PM

    I would consider anything on the path of providing you with your end result billable by the hour. Especially spending time setting up her environment according to your specifications. If you're not providing her with detailed instructions on what you want done (ux / ui design), then you're asking her to come up with the design, which takes time.