Ask HN: Questions about iOS Freelancing

#1

Post by AppsAndiOS » Wed, Mar 20, 2013, 10:42 PM UTC

Hi HN, I have been developing for iOS for a few months and have recently released an app that is fairly simple, but shows well-rounded iOS development skills. I have someone that would like me to develop an app for them, but neither he nor I have any experience with freelancing. I am mostly aware of what is fair as far as pricing goes, but I have a few other questions.

Side note: After this client, I plan on continuing as a freelancer. I am a student now and I want to freelance and work on my own side projects while working towards my degree in Comp. Sci.

Do I need to establish a business, and if so, what kind? What should I know/be aware of in terms of taxes? In terms of an iOS Developer Account, how would I go about setting one up for my client and publishing the application through his account? Obviously, when I start building an app, the source code is automatically copyrighted in my name; should I just change the name? How much should I charge as a 'beginner'?

In general, I am just looking for what I need to get started.

Also, any advice, guides, or blog posts for someone that is just starting out as an iOS freelancer are greatly appreciated.

Re: Ask HN: Questions about iOS Freelancing

#2

Post by michaelpinto » Wed, Mar 20, 2013, 10:49 PM UTC

Talk to an accountant: My understanding is that in most places you don't need an incorporated business, but that isn't the case everywhere.

In terms of publishing that depends on who your client is: An established client may already have an account with Apple while a first time publisher may not. In fact some of your work might be to set that up for a new client. And in terms of copyright that would depend on your relationship with the client.

Re: Ask HN: Questions about iOS Freelancing

#3

Post by AppsAndiOS » Wed, Mar 20, 2013, 10:52 PM UTC

michaelpinto wrote: post #2

Talk to an accountant: My understanding is that in most places you don't need an incorporated business, but that isn't the case everywhere. In terms of publishing that depends on who your client is: An established client may already have an account with Apple while a first time publisher may not. In fact some of your work might be to set that up for a new client. And in terms of copyright that would depend on your re…

All right, thanks. It seems that the entire task isn't formatted as strictly as I expected.

Re: Ask HN: Questions about iOS Freelancing

#4

Post by Zeeshank » Wed, Mar 20, 2013, 11:51 PM UTC

Side note: if you are planning on continuing your career in freelancing for now then please contact me at 610198@gmail.com. I am currently looking for an iOS developer.

Thanks

Re: Ask HN: Questions about iOS Freelancing

#5

Post by michaelpinto » Thu, Mar 21, 2013, 2:53 AM UTC

AppsAndiOS wrote: post #3

michaelpinto wrote: post #2

Talk to an accountant: My understanding is that in most places you don't need an incorporated business, but that isn't the case everywhere. In terms of publishing that depends on who your client is: An established client may already have an account with Apple while a first time publisher may not. In fact some of your work might be to set that up for a new client. And in terms of copyright that would depend on your re…

All right, thanks. It seems that the entire task isn't formatted as strictly as I expected.

You're really in the service business when you're a freelancer, otherwise you're just a pair of hands. So your greatest value is when you aren't giving cookie cutter service.