i got a freelance programming project

[flexy]

the project is pretty involved, ASP.NET, database interconnectivity in MS SQL.

Basically, the guy wants me to do a interface for creating newsletters, eg. a customer can log on to a page and create/write, insert pictures etc, upload this to a server and clients can then pull-up those newsletters in a browser.


We have a preliminary time-line set that the project should be finished 3 to 3.5 weeks from now.

I am thinking just quoting him the hours i am sitting on this and charge 25/hr...which could result in anywhere from 2k-3k for the project.

Would that be reasonable ?

I am aware it is hardcore-programming stuff...and if i were back in Chicago contracting for a BIG company i would probably take much more, 35/40hr...but he is a one-man company and he also knows how to program *well*.

It might *probably* be unreasonable when the total then would be 5k or so....also in regards to MANY other projects he has lined up and a potential full-time position if everything works out.

Need some input from guys who do the same.

thx

 

[Drakkon]

ask for 3K...post on rentacoder/guru.com get it done for $500 by some dude in india....$2.5K profit

 

[jaybert]

Originally posted by: flexy
the project is pretty involved, ASP.NET, database interconnectivity in MS SQL.

Basically, the guy wants me to do a interface for creating newsletters, eg. a customer can log on to a page and create/write, insert pictures etc, upload this to a server and clients can then pull-up those newsletters in a browser.


We have a preliminary time-line set that the project should be finished 3 to 3.5 weeks from now.

I am thinking just quoting him the hours i am sitting on this and charge 25/hr...which could result in anywhere from 2k-3k for the project.

Would that be reasonable ?

I am aware it is hardcore-programming stuff...and if i were back in Chicago contracting for a BIG company i would probably take much more, 35/40hr...but he is a one-man company and he also knows how to program *well*.

It might *probably* be unreasonable when the total then would be 5k or so....also in regards to MANY other projects he has lined up and a potential full-time position if everything works out.

Need some input from guys who do the same.

thx

meh, $100/hr is about average for an entry level programming for contract work. I know my internal rate is $60something/hr (what my division charges an hr for me to work for another group in the same company). This amount is considered my break even amount (if I bill 93% of my time, this covers my salary, benefits, etc. My group is considered break-even, so they dont need to make a profit, just not lose money, as it is up to the other groups who actually own the projects to make $$

Then the group that hires me to work on the project, charges the company that the project is for probably somewhere around $100+, where the extra money helps pay for management and the leftover = profits.

From what I've been told, this $100/hr is actually somewhat low, which is why out utilization target is so high.

I am entry level...so imagine what the skilled people make.

 

[Beau]

$25/hr is undercutting yourself.

Break the project down to tasks, and assess the details. Also be sure to have very clear understanding of the requirements.

 

[mugs]

Originally posted by: jaybert

meh, $100/hr is about average for an entry level programming for contract work.

$100/hour is not about average for an individual doing entry-level programming. Based on the OP if he tries to go that high he'll price himself out of the project.

$25 is too low though.

 

[thirdlegstump]

My advice is to break down the project into manageable modules that can set easier expectations on the client. This is what will determine your progress from the client's point of view. Don't approach the project as a whole or you'll be in for a big mess. Remember to value yourself at at least $100/hr, or per module.

 

[Gunslinger08]

I'm billed out at a minimum of $160/hr. I'd say atleast $40 is reasonable.

That said, you can do this very easily with any free CMS.

 

[flexy]

josh.

could you give me any pointers to good CMS ?

That guy wants me to do a flowchart to document my progress...and as an overview over what parts of the projects i am sitting on and review of the program logic etc. Makes defintly sense.

Do the CMS programs support something like that ?

thank you

 

[Codewiz]

Personally I think something like Wordpress and some plugins would do everything you would need.......

 

[amdskip]

That would be great if a CMS would do this for you. I always ask myself why re-invent the wheel?

 

[FP]

Originally posted by: joshsquall
I'm billed out at a minimum of $160/hr. I'd say atleast $40 is reasonable.

That said, you can do this very easily with any free CMS.

Agreed... This has been done a million times before.

Check out:

Plone
Mambo

Both are open source which may not fit your needs/experience.

In any case, you should be charging way more than $25/hr. Also, getting a project of that scope done from scratch should take you 3-6 months, not 3 weeks.

 

[mugs]

Originally posted by: binister
In any case, you should be charging way more than $25/hr. Also, getting a project of that scope done from scratch should take you 3-6 months, not 3 weeks.

Depends on how ambitious and feature-rich they want to make it.