There are a few things here that I can see are overhead.
- It was an established design consultancy, that takes time and money to create.
- They charge the customer 3x what they paid you, but you dont know if the customer paid up. The had a contract, but then so did you, and you only got 8% of the bonus. You got pad your wage regardless of if they got paid.
- The pulled in the big client, this is almost important as a solo contractor, its their reputation on the line if you mess up. Its really hard to get those contracts or you need to have a contact. It's not uncommon for sales people to make 30% on big sales to land the contract on good terms.
- You did all the work, but could they have employed someone else, or are you the only person that could do it?
- Did they pay for health insurance, sick days etc?
- Have you thought about suing for your bonus?
- It was an established design consultancy, that takes time and money to create.
- They charge the customer 3x what they paid you, but you dont know if the customer paid up. The had a contract, but then so did you, and you only got 8% of the bonus. You got pad your wage regardless of if they got paid.
- The pulled in the big client, this is almost important as a solo contractor, its their reputation on the line if you mess up. Its really hard to get those contracts or you need to have a contact. It's not uncommon for sales people to make 30% on big sales to land the contract on good terms.
- You did all the work, but could they have employed someone else, or are you the only person that could do it?
- Did they pay for health insurance, sick days etc?
- Have you thought about suing for your bonus?