Re: Billable hours versus fixed bidding and flat rates for IBM i developers

[Booth Martin <booth@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I usually explain the old phrase "Its your choice: any two out three, 
fast, cheap, accurate."   This is not so much a plan as it is a tool to 
help define the client's expectations and my limitations.  In discussing 
the idea of two out of three it helps to frame expectations. for both of 
us. 

If they want fast and cheap then I will find them someone to do the work 
that might not be their first choice. If they want cheap and accurate 
then the work has to fit around any other existing work I have, plus 
they have to come up with work if I am short.  If they want fast and 
accurate I can get a couple of folks to help and it'll be done pretty quick.

But in all instances I bill the way I say I will bill.  My preference is 
for flat rate, even though usually I end up taking a beating on the 
rate, but thats OK with me.



jde iSeries wrote:
> If you bill by the hour, do you try to prolong/stretch the project as long
> as possible so as to earn more money?
> Is your approach to your work different on fixed bid projects than it is on
> billable hour projects?
> IBM i consultants may find this informative:
> http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/30/business/30hours.html
>   
>