14, 17, and have no clue.

limezor

I really don't know how to put this, so if this sounds...wrong then whatever.
My friend(17, PHP, JS coder) and I (14, CSS, HTML designer) want to start a web design company. We have a few projects amongst ourselves to show that we really can compete with some of the companies out there. But the one question I have is whether they would care, or even need to know/ask our age?

Also, how would getting paid work? Does the average client have enough e-ability to know how to use Paypal? Or would we/I get checks in the mail?

Thanks!

c010depunkk

Hmmm. Depends on the country.

In Germany it is a bit difficult to start an official business. I still do all of my stuff "unofficially" and under the table. Otherwise I would lose more than 30% of my income to taxes...

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Web design is the creation of digital environments that facilitate and encourage human activity; reflect or adapt to individual voices and content; and change gracefully over time while always retaining their identity.

~ www.c010depunkk.com ~ the hang-out of a web developer

sannbe

You have to be very careful when you move to paid professional. How clients view you will all depend on how you present yourself to them? If it is as a 14 and 17 year old, yes, you will probably have lots of problem.
But if it is as two Professional Web designers they probably won't care how old you are as long as you can give them what they want...

You will find that many designers start with non profits or offer to do a free site for a local company to build a professional portfolio. When I started in my present work, I had some clients I took from my former employer and some cold calling and some referrals. As I became known and my work appriciated, by client base grew...so now I only take referral from existing clients.

You have to be very proactive when you start out because unfortunately 'web designers" are a dime a dozen. It is what I call a 'fun, scary' time as you go from amateur to professional. If you are ready to try, we are here to help you become the best designers you can be.

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Sannbe "To the Future!" JMS

pa007

You could run into legal problems because of your age though I'm not positive on UK laws on this let alone other countries' laws on the matter. I'd check it out first. It might be better if you had an adult front. Just someone (a parent, brother, etc.) who could make sure everything is in order and to make sure that you don't get screwed over. People try to do it to experienced pro's you can bet that they'll definitely try to do it to two kids.

I think it's a good idea but stay focused; do it to gain experience, prepare you for extra study as you get a bit older and maybe to earn a little cash on the side. A serious business venture at your age is possible but in most cases not practical. That said there are a few wealthy teenagers out there who wouldn't have gotten anywhere if they'd have heeded my advice.

Pete.

Lchad

I find in my business (US) that the majority of my clients choose to pay with a check. I think it's because most use their business checking account and they are better able to keep track of business expenses. I do have a small amount that choose to pay by paypal regularly.

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Maine-ly Web Design- My Photos

timshih

You can do everything over the internet and not have to mention your age.

alexgeek

Not quite,
that's why a lot of sites require some form of ID,
be it a credit card or something else

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Pádraig

Check out the digitalpoint. I have made close to $300 there by making templates for people etc.

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Me.