[geekdesigngirl]

I have to agree with a lot of the posters here that fixed bids are better than hourly. I've been doing the freelance thing for a while, as well as working for another company, and have a very good understanding at how long it takes me to complete task X.

When looking at a new project, I can usually estimate the time it will take me to within a few hours and then I always add an additional 25%. I don't ever bill a client for phone calls or emails and even when the project is completed will answer emails/phone calls from them to assist. Yes, my prices are a bit higher than average but my clients don't mind paying it and don't mind passing my name along.

When dealing with a new project that I haven't a clue as to how long it will take me, I give an estimate about how many hours I believe it will take me and, if it gets close to that, the client is immediately told and we decided together how to move forward.

My contracts are also pretty detailed. I learned early on that specs that aren't spelled out in a contract have a way of coming back to bite you.