This is why it's sometimes better to go free than charge a low price.
One arts group site in particular I transitioned to a CMS, redesigned, did training with several members, implemented dynamic galleries, ... that would have been way beyond their means to pay; instead they pay me for hosting (a pittance!) and I get to support an arts group that create some great inspirational work.
If I low ball it and charge them then the publicity is "this guy is really cheap" and there'd be no way to live on what I'd earn from that. As it is I get to charge a normal rate and the arts group get to tell everyone how generous I am!
Arts is a tricky area. I started out on the bridge between arts and software and I've learned that that is charity work.
I agree with you that if you want to do that sort of thing it is better to charge nothing. The 'lowballing' I had in mind was more of an incentive to pick you over a contender with an established reputation.
I'd see if you could get them to provide you some free advertising in return for your goodwill. Good word-of-mouth advertising is worth it's weight in gold.
One arts group site in particular I transitioned to a CMS, redesigned, did training with several members, implemented dynamic galleries, ... that would have been way beyond their means to pay; instead they pay me for hosting (a pittance!) and I get to support an arts group that create some great inspirational work.
If I low ball it and charge them then the publicity is "this guy is really cheap" and there'd be no way to live on what I'd earn from that. As it is I get to charge a normal rate and the arts group get to tell everyone how generous I am!