Fixed project pricing is usually better for a defined video because you know the cost up front. Hourly works for open-ended or ongoing work, as long as you set a cap.
Video editors quote in two main ways. Each suits a different kind of work.
Project (fixed) price
You agree on the scope, the number of revisions and the deadline, and you pay one price. Good for: a single video, a clear brief, a launch date. Watch for: unclear scope. If "one video" later grows into several versions, expect a new quote.
Hourly rate
You pay for the time worked, often with a weekly or monthly limit. Good for: ongoing work, editing a large batch of footage, or a project that will change as it goes. Watch for: open-ended hours. Ask for time reports and agree on a cap.
A simple comparison
| Fixed price | Hourly | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost certainty | High | Lower |
| Flexibility | Lower | High |
| Best for | One defined video | Ongoing or changing work |
| Main risk | Scope creep | Hours adding up |
What affects either price
Length, style, amount of footage, script and voice-over help, number of revisions and deadline. More on this in my guide to what a SaaS explainer costs.
How to decide
- If you can describe the finished video, ask for a fixed price.
- If you can't yet, start hourly with a cap, then switch to fixed once the scope is clear.
- For regular monthly work, agree on a package of videos per month.
Ask for a written quote
Whatever you choose, get the scope, revisions, delivery date and file formats in writing before work begins.
Cheap is not the same as good value. A low price with unclear scope can cost more once the changes start.
If you'd like a fixed quote for your video, send me the details.
A hybrid that many clients like
Some projects mix both models. You pay a fixed price for the first video, which has a clear scope, and an hourly or per-video rate for later changes and extra versions. That gives you certainty where the work is defined and flexibility where it isn't.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Accepting an hourly rate with no estimate or limit
- Accepting a fixed price with no list of what is included
- Treating the lowest rate as the lowest cost, since a slower editor may bill more hours
Frequently asked questions
Is a higher hourly rate worth it?
Often, yes, if the editor finishes faster and needs fewer revisions. Compare the expected total, not only the rate.
What should a fixed quote include?
Length, style, number of revisions, delivery date, file formats, and whether voice-over, music and captions are included.
What if my project grows?
Ask the editor to write the change down and quote the extra work before they continue.
How do you price your work?
I quote a fixed price after I understand your video. Send me the details.
Bhavesh Vaghela
Freelance video editor and motion designer in Rajkot, India. I make short-form videos, motion graphics, SaaS explainers, logo animations and AI video for clients worldwide.
