Cost Estimation Documents

[hoffmandirt]

I have recently decided to start a small freelance business on the side. I met with my first client and he wants an estimated cost before we get started. Is their a certain type of document I should be typing up for him that would outline each and every hour or is it OK to send the estimated cost in an e-mail and be done with it? How do you all go about this? I appreciate all of your help.

[WebJoel]

A detailed or even, summary proposal, -an overview of services to be rendered and payments requested/estimated, whatever, is always a good idea. Some sort of guideline for what creative talents the client is paying for (design, coding, image-editing, cross-testing, etc). You could also have clause for per-hour or per-half hour of updating the site when completed.

I like to offer a first-consultation for free, to get their ideas, etc. Do a couple or three 'mock-ups' for their inspection (powerpoint or paintshop images, -just to show the 'look' we discussed, get color, placement ideas, functionality ideas, etc) and, if they pick one, we sign and commence the build. I usually like to ask for half up-front at some point... all too often they expect to pay when the site is 100% done and hosted. That could be a bad time to expect to get paid..

It is legally-binding, btw, their signature on a proposal. Especially useful for large build that involve large sums of money (and just a reminder, -to not discuss the actual cost amount in the forums).

[Reli4nt]

Make sure to provide a summary as well as a detailed breakdown. Some clients can't handle the details and just want a brief overview but feel more confident in you, and your work if the details are available to them.