The way I see it….

I do contract work for a large web hosting company in Southern California, and often do miscellaneous small jobs that interest me.
I have often run into prospective clients who, upon recieving a bid from me for design or development services, say something to the effect “Well my neighbors cousins sons girlfriends brother says they can do it for cheaper, they have [insert name of any WYSIWYG Editor/ Graphics program] and know Photoshop”. I try and contain my need to laugh, and thank them and I go on my way. Does this mean if I buy a bunch of Craftsmen mechanics tools, I can call myself a mechanic.

I think not.

I have learned, that as a designer, I must provide a explanation of how my design/development will best benefit the client. If I can sell them on the benefits, the cost doesn’t necesarily need to be an issue.

I no longer do sites for friends, family or friend of a friend, unless they understand that this is my job. When I get the question “Well couldn’t you do it for cheaper?”, I ask them “if you went to work tomorrow and your boss asked you to work for less than your normal pay is, would you do it?

I think not.