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Subject:Re: IS AN ESTIMATE A COMMITMENT? From:Kim Keegan <keegan -at- EXPLORERS -dot- COM> Date:Fri, 12 Jun 1998 12:04:34 -0400
I agree - an estimate is an estimation of the effort required and/or costs to
do the job. An estimate might include a reasonable range of hours or dollars.
Hit somewhere in that range, and most clients should be agreeable to paying
what you invoice for.
A quote, on the other hand, should be firm, as in you can positively say that
it will take this much effort and/or cost exactly $X. A quote should clearly
delineate what is and isn't included. If specs change, issue a new quote, and
don't proceed (with any of the new specs) until the new quote is approved.
My opinions only.
Anthony Markatos wrote:
> To All Technical Writers:
>
> Is an estimate supposed to be a commitment (i.e, a promise to work
> "whatever hours necessary" to meet the date)? I have always read that
> an estimate is just that - an estimate.