Re: Biding oh Projects - New to this concept
All:
I've been asked by a client to bid on two projects, one for a hard copy run of the mill Frame manual (no template creation involved), the other is online help.
I've never done this before (normally work at an hourly rate) and I don't want to underbid myself, nor do I want to submit a proposal that's outrageous either. So:
1.Does anyone out there have advice regarding biding on jobs: the pluses, minuses, pitfalls, etc.
I estimate the number of hours (based on my experience and a good look at the software being documented) and then I multiply the estimate by 1.2. I put the range of hours (estimate to estimateX1.2) into the contract with the provision that when I report weekly I will let the client know if my initial estimate is still accurate. My goal is to come in on time and under budget on every project I take on; sometimes I will underbill on the final invoice just to leave a good impression. This tactic has produced some lucrative repeat business and I consider it a worthwhile sacrifice.
I also list conditions in the contract under which my initial estimate does not apply, e.g. when new features are added to the software AFTER I have begun work, late deliverables, and other speedbumps. In such cases, the client and I will discuss these changes and adjust the price of the project accordingly. I keep copies of earlier drafts so that I can clearly demonstrate how much extra work a last minute change has created. I also include language in the contract to the effect that I will immediately notify the client if something happens that will affect the amount of time it will take to complete the project.
I always turn down projects where the client asks for a firm price because, as far as I'm concerned, the writer winds up not being paid for the additional work created by a client's failing to live up to initial promises (you'll have a 90% locked executable 4 weeks before the manual/online help is due).
2.Does anyone out there use specific templates that outlines a project's breakdown: word, frame, excel to submit to the client, if you could share, I would be extremely grateful.
I've never had a client ask for a breakdown of costs. I represent myself as the expert during negotiations and portray my estimate as a product of my experience and my knowledge of the software to be documented. I will not bid on a job where I am not provided with the opportunity to closely examine software prior to bidding.
Russ Shade
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References:
Biding oh Projects - New to this concept: From: Anachie Shakespeare
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