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by bena 5502 days ago
An estimate should always be a range. And it should always cover the "cone of uncertainty".

If you don't know, reflect it in your estimate. Get the client prepared for falling within the range. And comfortable with the cost on the far end. Because while you hope it doesn't happen, it very well could.
1 comments
kingofspain 5502 days ago
In my experience a range of, say, £5000-7000 usually means £5000 to the client and it can take hours/days/weeks to budge that perception no matter how initially prepared they seem. I've also found people who, while comfortable with the upper estimate if it goes there, will then expect freebies on top as recompense for making them pay 'extra'.
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bena 5502 days ago
Contracts and making sure you have fully prepared the client go a long way here.

If they consistently believe/say/whatever the low end, you have not done your job in preparing them. Every single time they mention the low number, you mention the high number.

If they expect freebies or feel as if they are paying 'extra', you have failed in setting expectations.

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