Mr. Mike in the forums brought up an interesting question... we all have our hourly rates for design work, but what should you charge for other tasks, such as quoting, phone calls, research and travel (including sitting in the airport)?
This really comes down to personal preference. It isn't uncommon to have a lower rate for such work. Often, the best solution is to work it into a flat rate, based on your estimated hours. Every individual task doesn't need to be outlined in a quote, but be up front with clients about what they are being charged for. After all, just because your title might be "graphic designer," there is nothing wrong with charging for non-design tasks when working on a project.
Graphic designers could factor the time and cost of doing these tasks when determining their hourly rate or submitting their quote. I don’t think you need to split out these fees out for customers to see unless you have spent an an abnormally large amount of time on these tasks for that client.
Alec
Director
DesignBay
Most clients appreciate the project has a value, if it’s a fiddly one they naturally expect it can cost more, but if you think things need clarification its best to do as early as possible so you don’t get frustrated and they aren’t surprised when you try and cost in non-design items such as travel, meetings, corrections and excessive redrafts. Talk first, bill later is the more palatable way to go.