I own and run http://andrewluke.net, a software/hardware development firm. In there I mostly program all day, but do take time to talk to clients. Love it.
If this is a new product project, a firm is simply positioned better than a sole freelancer. Business value stability, and a firm provides the perception of stability.
As a freelancer, I was seen as disposable. Akin to a construction worker standing in front of Home Depot waiting to get some work. As a firm, people see it as a place that provides solutions to their problems. If they need some software written, they can come to the firm, and it will be done dependably. As a freelancer, they would call me, and hope I was available.
The only downside to the firm is that people believe it is more expensive to employ it, than to hire a freelancer. I still work for the same rates as before (lower than in the Valley). If another developer has to be sub-contracted, then I start to negotiate from the developer's rate. I only charge a bit more to cover risk (insurance, mostly). But all of the people in the my network have proved to be reliable and hard workers. Once (we) programmers find a good source of work, we treat it with love and respect.
I will take the opportunity to invite anyone who might be interested in getting to know the firm to contact us through our website(in my profile).
One thing freelancers should consider is how they present themselves to the market. I used to simply knock on doors as a sole freelancer. That would get me some work, but it was inconsistent. I would be booked for two months, then out of work for three. After reading patio11's blog, and some marketing books, I decided to stop marketing myself as a freelancer. From that point forward, I would lead a software/hardware development firm. It made a big difference. I now market more easily, and land better clients. Plus it allows for me to hire other developers and share the work between all.
It also allows for me to launch products through the firm. Which improves our market presence, and increases our workload. Its a win-win.
CONTACT ME IF YOU WANT TO GET THINGS DONE.
Python/Flask/Django/MYSQL/PostgreSQL/Jquery
Experience in e-commerce, search, automation, testing, QA, API design/deployment, and more.
[email protected]
http://andrewluke.net
PS. I do hardware based projects, too. Contact me.