Originally posted by cyberhh:
What you need to do is as follows:

1. Setup a prelimenary meeting with your client, have a few databases of various styles along with you. - charge for this meeting (at least track the time spent and include it in the bid)

2. Work with the client and draw up a prelimenary database flow chart - detailing the input and output methods (Print, screen, web, other format) that they would like avail. As well as find out how large a database you will be building. - BTW Access and SQL/Oracle are two different pricing classes - VERY important.

3. Have some numbers in your head - know what you can and cannot do - what you will have to learn and what you know wrote - as your customer details the basics - over estimate a basic figure in your head (maybe write it on your notes) then for each addt'l non-mandatory feature - write and addt'l figure. Remember - this is "PROGRAMMING" and will not be billed hourly to the client - it will be a bid job. If they ask give hem and haw a little - have not drawn up a comprehensive plan about what this will entail, etc.. however somewhere in the nieghborhood of .....$ and explain that the basics are ..... and the addt'l features add ..... - figure out timelines (can add a ton of $$$ to the mix)

4. Submit to them a comprehensive bid - what they can expect - what you expect and exactly what and when they will get and EXACTLY what it will cost - as well as the bid terms - if it is a short job you can do: 100% on completion, 50% down, 50% on completion - 10% down +10%/mo until complete, etc...

5. Make sure to update your client often, let them know the progress and maybe demonstrate for them how the project is coming along (all about the client having the warm and fuzzies.)

Some rules to live by:

1. I always come in under bid - if that means that I have to add a little cushion to my bid, so be it.

2. NEVER make changes without documentation from the client - these should be documented in the final bill - even as NC (No Charge) - when you give something away - let the client know

3. Be reasonable - as the job gets bigger - your hourly should be cheaper.

4. Always finish early - leave out a few features if neccessary, but you want to tbe done on time.

5. Make sure it is stable and works well. Again, leave out the features (they can be added later) but make sure the mandatory pieces are fully operational before the deadline.

6. Make money - if your client has a problem with your offer, let them counter - but DO NOT feel like you should do the job at a rock bottom price - you are providing high quality service and that is worth something. You want a mercedes - you are not paying for a yugo. But - this does not mean that you should retire on a 3 week job either - be fair.

Let me know how I can be more specific, or help in any way.
didn't i say that? lol