Chapter 43. How to Create Accurate Freelance Bids?
Being able to give good estimates is one of the most critical tasks you can do as a freelancer. If you quote too low, you'll end up with an angry customer because even if you did great work, he's having to pay more than he budgeted. And if you bid too high, there's a good chance you won't get the job and the potential client will go to a competitor who gave a lower bid.
Over the years, I've been guilty of erring on both sides of the spectrum and I've had to deal with the consequences. Those consequences were not fun, which is why I've put together a formula for you in this chapter that I follow for building bids:
- Get a detailed drill down of the project requirements. Without this you won't be able to create an accurate bid no matter what else you do. Imagine if an architect had to give an estimate to a client who said, "I want a nice house with a cool fence." He wouldn't be...