Can I just take that into account by padding the number of hours I report, or is that totally shady?

That's totally shady. You can play it one of two ways: One, estimate a fixed price for the entire job and stick to it. If it takes you less time than you estimated, you profit. If it takes you more time, you lose. Two: be paid per hour, and report every hour honestly.

(Off to choir practice, so if I get any beta volunteers, I'll send you the stuff when I get home at 9:00ish.)

OK, thanks, Betsy. I literally can't even imagine how long things take in real time anymore because I've never had a job where I didn't spend huge amounts of time screwing around, but still getting my work done in time.

I'd be happy to, Susan, but I'm kind of out of historical practice.

Yeah, the fixed rate thing can screw you over, too, if the project does end up taking significantly longer than you (and your client) agreed to. Buddy of ours just ran into this with a recording project and, through his generosity, ended up screwed out of four grand.

Anyway, I dunno the going rates, but I also think it's fine for you to offer a higher rate than your friend. Just remember that they're also totally free to tell you, no, that rate is too high for them.

I can look at it, Susan. I can have it back to you by Saturday.

Yeah, the fixed rate thing can screw you over, too, if the project does end up taking significantly longer than you (and your client) agreed to.

I just have no experience to base a time estimate on, sadly. Eh. It'll be fine -- what my friend is charging is still several times what I make in my office job per hour.

I hate fixed-price contracts for exactly the reason Liese gives. It means that the client can waste your time for free. When it's on the clock, at least you get paid for taking commas out and then replacing them.

I wouldn't go near a fixed price contract without a billable change control mechanism in place.

Insent, erika and Ginger.

Anyone else wanna play?