Hiring Drupal Designers

Try reading this thread: http://drupal.org/node/487142

An NDA will protect you in all Western Countries and other signed up to International Agreements. However if something goes wrong it is a lot easier to deal with in your own country than overseas, but as the web gets bigger that problem gets smaller.

Also you keep using the word "designer" when I think you mean "developer". A designer draws pretty pictures, which has nothing to do with Drupal, while a developer does Drupal stuff.

My experience agrees with some opinions expressed in the thread noted above. Outsourcing rates are between $5 and $30 an hour and US rates are from $40 to $90 for an independent contractor and up to $150 for a firm.

As far as the amount of work involved to create a "page" this is not a question which can be directly answered because not all pages are created equal. A "static" page of two paragraphs could take 5 minutes to create whereas a complicated "view" page with custom templates and header etc. could take a few days to finish. Not to mention that "page" creation is only one aspect of building a site.

No one takes offense for mistakes made, by the way--we're happy to help you understand how Drupal works and how hiring a professional works also. Don't forget, everyone here was a beginner once. :)

I often see people looking for average (average hourly rates, average time to create a website, ...).
I think this is not the ggod aproach: When you hire a deveopper based on these kind of criteria, you often regret it because can hire an average skilled developper.
I think a better approach, is to first retain offer that fit in your budget and that have good references; then you can try to discuss with the developpers to choose those who understand well your project (these developpers often suggest you solutions on how to do your job).
If your project is not a big one (say less than $1000) you just now to choose the one who convinced you the most (follow your instinct).
At last, try to contact one or two people they cited as reference to know what they think about the developper (this can help).

About the Non-Disclosure Agreement: If this is very critical to you, i think you better hire a firm.
but i think that most experienced developer (me at least) forget everything critical information about a project when the project is done.

I saw your request for quote and i think it is an interesting project.

Hope this help you.

1- Does the Non-Disclosure Agreement protect me from hired help in other countries?
>>>>>>> YES IT DOES. BUT IT WOULD BE RELEVANT ONLY FOR REGISTERED COMPANIES, DONT THINK AN NDA WILL HELP YOU MUCH FOR FREELANCERS.

The rates I have been given vary GREATLY. (I am sure it is because I am getting offers from other countries.) I would like to know....
2- What is the average hourly rate in the US for a Drupal Designer?
>>>>>>>>>> US RATES WOULD BE USD 50-100 PER HOUR. WE ARE IN INDIA AND CHARGE 15-20 USD AND HOUR

3- What is the average per page rate in the US for a Drupal Designer?
>>>>>>>>> NOT TOO SURE, CONSIDERING THAT THE PRIME PURPOSE OF THE DRUPAL CMS IS TO ENABLE BACKEND CONTROL OF CONTENT AND PAGES I AM NOT TOO SURE IF NUMBER OF PAGES IS RELEVANT. FOR EXAMPLE IF YOU ARE MAKING A MODULE FOR CREATING A PRODUCT CATALOGUE. THEN IT SHOULD BE THE SAME EFFORT TO CRETE A CATALOGUE WITH 3 PRODUCT OR 30 PRODUCTS (AS LONG AS THE FORMAT REMAINS THE SAME)

4- Are there other ways that Drupal Designers charge for their services (other than hourly & per page)? If so, what are the average rates?
>>>>>>>>>> WELL OUR MOST COMMON FORM OF ENGAGEMENT IS ACTUALLY A FIXED PRICE PROJECT. THIS HELPS PUT ALL ANXIETY AROUND PRICING AT REST WHEN THE PROJECT IS EXECUTED. OF COURSE THEN THE FELXIBILITY OF CANGING THINGS ON THE FLY DOES GET HAMPERED A LITTLE. SO THIS MODE IS MOST USEFUL IF THE REQUIREMENTS ARE RELATIVELY CLEAR.

5- What is the average price that is paid for a Drupal Designer to design an average site? I know this can vary greatly too based on the site, but I honestly have NO IDEA so any indicators will help me in my decision.
>>>>>> ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT DESIGN OR DEVELOPMENT? FOR DESIGN THE FIRST PAGE TAKES 3-4 DAYS TO GETS RIGHT (INCLUDING ITERATIONS AFTER DISCUSSION WITH THE CLIENT). I GUESS ITS REASONABLE TO EXPECT 1-2 PAGES A DAY AFTER THAT. FOR DEVELOPMENT I GUESS THE EFFORT IS SIMILAR HOWEVER SINCE THERE ARE LESSER ITERATIONS (AS THE CREATIVES ARE FROZEN) THE OVERALL TIME WOULD BE LESS. OF COURSE, THIS IS JUST FOR SIMPLE PAGES WITH LITTLE DB INTERACTIVITY. PRACTICALLY SPEAKING THE DEVELOPMENTAL TIME IS MORE A FACTOR OF THE COMPLEXITY OF THE SITE AND NOT THE NUMBER OF PAGES.

I know how much time it takes me (just learning) to complete one page in Drupal.
6- How much time (on the average) does it take for an experienced Drupal Designer to complete one average page?
>>>>>>>> I GUESS POINT 5 COVERS THIS

Hi Tami,

We have burnt our hands, time and money developing Drupal outside. Its a nightmare. Finally we developed our own team to execute it. I suggest you develop it within the Country you stay.

Your IRP is only protected where you stay and can fight for it, rest is just on paper.

Dilip Bhanushali (+91 9004374370)
ceo@biigpiic.com
CMD
www.biigpiic.com | www.biignetwork.com | www.biigjobs.com
Mumbai, India