Why Are Fixed Rate Jobs Made So Difficult?

[Preston H]

Santiago and Susanne, thank you for your interesting perspectives about the time tracker.. Clearly there are certain types of jobs for which some contractors prefer fixed-price jobs and do NOT like using the time tracker.

I previously did many fixed-price contracts, but now my contracts tend to be hourly. Much of what clients want me to do is difficult to estimate a fixed-price contract for. So I calculate my fixed-price quotes at the amount of hours I estimate the project will take times my hourly times 2. And I tell the clients this. Some still choose fixed-price, but others choose hourly.

[Douglas Michael M]

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@Santiago G wrote:

The other side to this is that not everyone can do/say the same things. Some do need it. So those that need it are also stuck with and bugs/problems associated with the time tracker.

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Absolutely, Santiago!

As you and others say, we have to use whatever tools—trade-offs and all—best suit our business. I do use hourly rates for research jobs, where a billable result might be: I didn't find what you wanted me to look for in the place you told me to look for 5 hours; that'll be $400, please! Of course, if that's archival research, there are expenses to add, and no possibility to use the tracker.

Best to all,

Michael

[Paul M]

Personally, I'd be happier not using the time tracker, but it won't stop me taking a job.

I don't wander off doing other stuff whilst the trackers running, so I have nothing to hide in that respect. I admit though, that I don;t like that if I happen to be doing something work-related in the browser, my bookmarks toolbar and anything else I've got running are all visible to the client. I do find this invasive.

There have been times with an hourly contract that a fixed number of hours have been agreed, and these have been added manually with the client's approval. No tracker involved.

I can see why it's attractive to a client, of course.

[Jean S]

I've started to notice recently that some overseas contractors who do hourly jobs have been lowering their rate to get a job and then logging twice the normal hours for that job. Maybe it's just my category but I see it happening a lot lately.

I charge $40 an hour but prefer fixed price. I see freelancers bidding $20 an hour and spending twice the amount of time doing the job than what I would have spent, and often the clients end up paying more than they should have.

I'm not sure, but this looks like a new way to scam clients.

[Stephen B]

You're an overseas contractor, Jean. everything is relative...