Always respond verbally. It's more direct, allows for some back-and-forth,
and more personal. It gives the client more of a sense of connection to
you. After the phone call, follow up with an email message.
In your follow-up email, recap what was discussed in the discussion and
reiterate that, at this very early stage, with minimal definition or
analysis of requirements, what you're providing is a very general estimate.
Make sure you say it over and over again that as the requirements change,
the estimate must also change. And make sure you estimate high. Depending
on the client, maybe very high.
HTH
--
Mosh Teitelbaum
evoch, LLC
Tel: (301) 942-5378
Fax: (301) 933-3651
Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
WWW: http://www.evoch.com/
-----Original Message-----
From: Jeffry Houser [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Sent: Thursday, March 25, 2004 6:36 AM
To: CF-Jobs-Talk
Subject: Verbal or Written Estimates
A client was pushing me into a ballpark time-frame and estimate using a
half-written spec (they provided, not myself). They made the request via
email.
Is it better to respond via email or verbally over the phone?
Discuss amongst yourselves.
I understand the written word can be powerful; but I'm sure it will be
used against me 3 months down the line when they try to scope creep a cure
for cancer into their project.
They sent the request around 8 o'clock last night. Knowing I would be
off site today, I'm not sure if they were using sly negotiating tactics to
try to push me in a corner or if they are just busy and disorganized. ( At
this point, I could go either way )
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