[kingofspain]

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'.

[bena]

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.