Pricing a Job

karmaman's picture

He has: 82 posts

Joined: Nov 2003

Hi I don't know if we are allowed to discuss this topic but here goes,
How do others go about pricing up jobs I am NOT talking about actual number just the process.
How do you accurately estimate time needed for a project?
I often find clients are more ready to commit to a project if I provide them with a quote for the whole job than propose an hourly rate but this can lead to massive scope creep.
How do others break down the job and start to quote for it?

benj's picture

They have: 36 posts

Joined: Apr 2007

I make a very clear description of what the web design will include (actually in my contract), make a quote for the entire site. Then, if the job goes on and on, and the client keeps adding to what they want, I say it was not included in the initial quote, and charge from there at my hourly rate.

When I started out, I charged per hour, people didn't really have a problem as far as I know. Once you've done a couple jobs and get the hang of things, then you can start making a quote for the entire site.

karmaman's picture

He has: 82 posts

Joined: Nov 2003

benj;221054 wrote: then you can start making a quote for the entire site.

this is what I am getting at benj how dose one accurately arrive at this magical number? as far as I am concerned I always seem to misjudge the time needed for a job, people I have dealt with DO seem reluctant to go via the hourly charge route as they often feel that things can easily overrun.
Any thought gratefully received.

Shoptistic.com's picture

He has: 7 posts

Joined: Jul 2007

A large part of being able to quote based on hourly rate is experience.

You soon learn, because generally, if you over-quote your time, you may do well but probably wont get the job and if you under-quote, you will soon realise and resent it.

Mistakes tend to teach you!

Dave Jones

Shoptistic : Custom eCommerce Websites At Just $395!

They have: 5 posts

Joined: Mar 2011

It totally depends on experience how much experienced you are you have worked on different projects and brought results in 6 months so you are prepared enough to commit for duration..

They have: 8 posts

Joined: Apr 2011

When I started out, I charged per hour, people didn't really have a problem as far as I know. Once you've done a couple jobs and get the hang of things, then you can start making a quote for the entire site.

She has: 11 posts

Joined: Apr 2011

That's actually hard to answer. With me, the client pays me after I've given him the output. Good thing he never fails to pay me afterward. This, I think, also depends on the profession you have. I am a freelance writer.

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