Ask HN: How does billing in man-days work?

[agilek]

Hey guys, I would like to get your opinion on billing in man-days. Take this example:

- you are billing in MD - you have a client who requests some work on Tuesday and you finish it the same day in 2 hours and send it back to the client by the end of the day - on Thursday there's a call from client with a new work, the same scenario happens, you finish it in 2 hours and deliver to the client by the end of the day.

My question is: how much would you charge your client?

1.) 0,5 MD 2.) 1 MD 3.) 2 MD

[patio11]

You worked on two days, you charge two days, as agreed in the contract.

In the unlikely event that your client is unhappy with this result, you assist them in batching their work together to be scheduled more efficiently, but -- and this is very important -- you don't second guess their business decisions like wanting that original work to be started on Tuesday. At many places that is a totally reasonable thing to want which they are happy to pay for and you owe no apology or explanation for charging as agreed.

[brudgers]

My advice:

1. If it is reasonable, consider delivering the work the following day unless there is compensation for for fast turn around. Otherwise, when busy enough that a project cannot be completed the same day, the client's expectation of same day service will still be there.

2. The agreement with the client should state the minimum amount to be invoiced (for example one day).

3. Invoice along with the completed work so that each project remains separately billable.

4. Raise your rates per Thomas 'patio11' McKenzie.

Good luck