Flat fees

[geoff-h -at- MTL -dot- FERIC -dot- CA]

 Bobby Collins wrote <<I've just completed two small
 jobs for which I billed $25/hour ($300 total). They
 are suggesting an on-going relationship (probably
 similar assignments monthly), but would prefer a flat
 fee.>>

 Before you contract yourself into a corner, confirm
 what they mean by "a flat fee". This needn't
 necessarily mean that they want a single sum for any
 job, no matter how complex... some clients just want
 a firm estimate that you won't exceed on each job
 (for budgeting purposes), or don't want a freelancer
 who pads the bill by stretching a job for more hours
 than it's worth.

 If they do honestly want a flat price for all jobs,
 build yourself some slack in the contract by defining
 the terms under which you'll do the work. For
 example: "maximum 2 pages, research fees (e.g.,
 long-distance phone calls) extra" or whatever is
 involved. (Haven't seen the original message yet, so
 don't know the particulars.) You could still probably
 talk them into working by "firm quote" if you explain
 to them that some jobs will cost less, and they'll
 save money this way.

 --Geoff Hart     @8^{)}     geoff-h -at- mtl -dot- feric -dot- ca
 Disclaimer: Speaking for myself, not FERIC.