Re: QUESTION: freelance rates

Subject: Re: QUESTION: freelance rates
From: Fabien Vais <phantoms -at- POP -dot- TOTAL -dot- NET>
Date: Fri, 16 Jan 1998 10:02:14 -0500

Kristen,

The only way I would give a proposal for a flat rate in your case is if the
project is VERY CLEAR, and you are able to estimate fairly accurately how
many hours it will take you to complete the job. I would provide them with a
separate ESTIMATE for EACH project, stating exactly (or as accurately as
possible) what needs to be done, and include a "proviso". This proviso would
state that this is your best estimate "provided that" certain things happen
the way you were told they would. For instance, provided you get the
cooperation from SMEs, and that they return reviewed documents to you in due
time, or provided that no additional modules, functions, etc. are added to
the project. IF THIS PROVISO IS NOT RESPECTED, THE ESTIMATED TOTAL WILL NEED
TO BE REVISED.

You have to protect yourself. Many people love to have a "flat rate" because
they hate surprises or open-ended contracts, but then they feel no remorse
about adding things for you to do and keep you working on the same contract
for weeks more than you had planned. With a clear estimate and a "proviso",
if this happens to you (additional functions, etc.), you can refer them back
to your original estimate, and tell them to re-read the proviso. I've had no
problems with this in the past.

Good luck!

Fabien Vais
phantoms -at- total -dot- net


At 04:48 PM 1/12/98 -0600, you wrote:
>Here's the situation. I'm leaving my current position to take advantage
>of another full-time opportunity. My current employer has not found a
>replacement for me, yet, and we have a major software product release
>that I am seeing through before my departure. There are some projects
>beyond this release that, if completed, would benefit the company. I
>have offered to take them on a project basis.
>
>Now the question: They have asked me to come up with a proposal for
>a flat rate (not billable hours). I have no idea how to calculate this
>estimate,
>or if I should high-ball in anticipation of a negotiation. Can anyone
>help me?
>
>Sincerely,
>
>Kristen
>
>
>
>
>




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