[adamors]

> needs to reinforce the idea that there are no fixed cost estimates prior to the completion of the discovery process and sign off by the client on the wireframes and/or software specification document

I've also found that this is the best way to approach estimation. Granted, I'm not a freelancer, but at my current job we were quite dreadful at estimating so we had to figure out a solution.

Basically one of our developers sits down with either a client or QA/BA type person and for 1-2 weeks constructs a lengthy document (that can be later turned into user stories etc.). Based on these, developers can make estimates etc.

Then and only then we present the client with a timeframe. It worked out well for us so far, especially since it also acts as a filter and keeps clients who only have vague ideas out.