[disco]

so when you give a client an estimate for a project, saying this will take x amount of hours, and they come back to you and say "no, it should take you only X number, TOPS! i know how it works. now give me a real estimate..." what do you say to them?

[mike_m]

You Say, "Sorry but that is my estimate - I've been doing this long enough to know how long something is going to take me - If the quote is outside of your budget then maybe we can trim down some of the work involved?

Never back down with estimates, otherwise you'll be thier bitch from there on in.

[disco]

thanks mike. your reply is much much appreciated.

[pgo]

Do what Mike suggested.

Or get them to provide you a detailed outline of the steps involved in the project and their time requirements. Make them prove to you how they know how long it should take. Of course, a stunt like that is liable to lose you a client.