How can you invoice for hourly versus fixed-fee projects?

Una utilidad que he encontrado en trabajar por hora es que después de un tiempo puedo calcular con bastante exactitud cuánto va a llevar un trabajo. Siento que al cliente le da más seguridad saber cuantas horas le dedicas.

Four hourly projects, 1.Keep detailed records of the hours worked on the project, including start and end times for each task. 2. Determine your hourly rate based on factors such as your expertise, industry standards, and project complexity.

Suitable for projects with flexible or uncertain scope, duration, or complexity Invoice by tracking time and multiplying by hourly rate Advantages: charge for actual value of work, adjust rate based on market demand or experience Disadvantages: disputes or delays from clients questioning time records or expecting more work for less money

Suitable for projects with flexible or uncertain scope, duration, or complexity. Invoice by tracking time and multiplying by hourly rate. Include any expenses or fees incurred. ?? Advantages: Charge for actual value of work, adjust rate based on market demand or experience. ?? Disadvantages: Disputes or delays from clients questioning time records or expecting more work for less money

Suitable for projects with clear scope, deliverables, and timeline. Invoice by dividing the total fee into milestones or phases. Include a deposit or retainer upfront. ?? Advantages: Avoid scope creep or negotiations, and set clear expectations with clients. ?? Disadvantages: May undercharge or overcharge depending on accuracy of estimate or project changes.

Suitable for projects with clear scope, deliverables, and timeline Invoice by dividing total fee into milestones or phases Advantages: avoid scope creep or time-consuming negotiations, set clear expectations with clients Disadvantages: may undercharge or overcharge, depending on accuracy of estimate or project changes

Combination of hourly and fixed-fee projects Invoice by specifying which parts are fixed and which are variable Advantages: balance benefits and drawbacks of both methods, adapt to different situations and client preferences Disadvantages: may complicate invoicing process or create confusion or conflict with clients

Combination of hourly and fixed-fee projects. Invoice by specifying which parts are fixed and which are variable. Include a contingency or buffer in a fixed fee for changes or risks. ?? Advantages: Balance benefits and drawbacks of both methods, adapt to different situations and client preferences. ?? Disadvantages: This may complicate the invoicing process or create confusion or conflict with clients.

keeping accurate records to promote billing transparency is key - Clients don't want to waste time/energy asking for details and you don't want to have to answer those questions. I often charge a retainer equating to a few hours a month expected for general inquiries/small projects. For project/work taking a significant amount of time, I send an additional invoice with all the details laid out, specifically including any out of pocket expenses. Never had a client argue about such a supplemental invoice yet.

Es importante compartir con el cliente las horas que trabajas antes de efectuar la factura. Puedes usar plataformas de control horario que son muy útiles. Allí pueden interactuar el cliente y tu. Cuando realices la factura detalla las horas y los días, y enviala por mail junto con el calendario ejecutado ese mes. Es importante ofrecer facilidades de pago para evitar retrasos.

Para evitar cualquier disputa sugiero hacer contratos detallados del tipo de proyecto, las horas y el costo, además de un detalle de las tareas y equipo. La transparencia a la hora de cerrar un acuerdo es fundamental. Plasmarlo en papel es la base de un buen entendimiento.

Again - transparency upfront and during the working relationship is my best practice. Clients hate being surprised by bills they consider either excessive or for something that they thought was free or otherwise already taken care of.

Make sure that you explain your system/process/billing principles to the client early on so as to avoid suprises and misunderstandings. Best to build a solid foundation for teh relationship early than have to explain stuff later once a misunderstanding has already occurred.