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by cshipley 4158 days ago
Thanks for your reply. I hear what you're saying about hourly, and completely agree with your points -- if it is hourly without structure.

The difference is I treat each milestone/iteration as a small project, requiring assesment, scoping and client buy-off (A change order to the contract, along with an estimate). If they want time limits before continuing past x number hours, I'm fine with that too.

I see the advantages are:

* Lower risk to me because the price is not fixed

* Lower customer risk because they see progress and can adjust as the project unfolds.

* Lower cost to them -- they don't pay extra to cover my risk.

* The client has more control since they can make course corrections along the way.

* Regular client touch-points are built in - they get more visibility, I can adjust expectations

* Scope changes just mean more billable hours

The feedback I've gotten is they like the flexibility, and are often more willing to say yes because of reduced risk.