Comments on: There’s No Such Thing as a Quick Estimate

By: Monique Perwin Troell

Monique Perwin Troell — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 01:46:30 +0000

I agree that it is difficult to find a balance. Clients want to know ballpark prices, but the first thing you need to do is explain the difference between custom and template web site services. You are selling your time, concern for the project and expertise. So I agree you shouldn’t be afraid to say that you would be happy to meet and put together a proper bid.

But I am working on learning how to better pre-qualify my clients, so I can weed out the ones just looking to “kick the tires” and not actually invest any of their time and money.

By: Valery

Valery — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 14:16:10 +0000

Yes it’s a really tough stuff to make a client happy. This is a story from my experience as a client.

I published a project on Freelancer.com for creating a dating website, actually to I needed a script installation.

While I was waiting for good freelancers to have it done I tried myself and very easy installed an osDate dating script to my server.

Although one freelancer asked me for $200 for installation.

So guys , just think- are so stupid that you cannot learn or just try to do things yourself?

Will you ask freelancer every time you need to change a comma on your site?

By: Rick Vidallon

Rick Vidallon — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 03:51:35 +0000

Throw out some rough pricing along with your email and see if they actually email you with their information.

However there’s an old axiom that still hold’s true; ‘If any one calls or emails you and asks how something costs’… bet that they can’t afford it.

By: Chris Costello

Chris Costello — Fri, 30 May 2008 17:56:56 +0000

A bulk of my work is website design and I’ve found that it also helps to let the client know what is NOT included in the estimate. Flash animations, forms, scanning and blog designs are extra.

Many of my clients are not aware that they actually need to purchase their own domain name and find a hosting company. Helping them set-up a hosting account is also an extra fee. The time you spend educating clients on their specific needs via e-mail or phone conversations must also be rolled in with the design and production fees.

I don’t assume anything anymore…it’s too expensive.