CompuServe Messages

Pricing is always a difficult job. I have charged $100 an hour for my consulting services (very short job) and as little as $20/hour. On a one price basis, it is a little more difficult to estimate. Sometimes the project prices itself out of existance because of the work. You can try and do an estimate based on the amount of time to complete the project (months/weeks or so) and then divide that into an appropriate annual salary for your work. This usually comes out a bit lower than an hourly rate and can make the project go. Be willing to negotiate and more importanly, make sure that your estimates are accurate. Many a programmer has underestimated a task and ended up losing money on the proposition. Also, consider issues such as support and training.