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Subject:Re: flat fee question... From:Gurudutt Kamath/Technical Writing Centre <guruk -at- GIASBM01 -dot- VSNL -dot- NET -dot- IN> Date:Thu, 28 Nov 1996 10:04:23 +0530
Hi all,
I write user manuals for applications and charge $1000 (USD) per manual
of about 300 pages. Clients prefer a flat fee. But the problem is that
they don't appreciate the time limit of 60 days (flexi-time basis). As
the application gets fixed, and re-fixed, another 30-60 days get added,
albeit the number of days worked maybe 5-10 days. This is really
troublesome. I think flat-fee has this problem. And everyone says, "The
product is 95% ready." Whatever that means. So do define the boundaries
clearly for the flat fee. How about maximum of XX hours? Or, work should
be over by so and so date. Just thought I will share this with everyone...
Greetings from a technical writer in Mumbai (formerly Bombay), India.
Guru
<*()Technical Writing Centre, Mumbai, India
<*()Email:guruk -at- giasbm01 -dot- vsnl -dot- net -dot- in
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On Wed, 27 Nov 1996, Bobby Collins wrote:
> Another question...New client is a small ad agency in Arkansas. 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. I would like to develop a regular relationship
> (spell that: I-need-the-work), and am therefore open to the idea.
> Having considered the possibilities of long-long assignments, short-short
> assignments, research-intensive assignments, and familiar themes, I am
> thinking of a number between $200 and $400 per assignment.
> So, have I missed anything? Any thoughts or suggestions?