Question about charging a project fee instead of hourly

I always thought hourly was the only fair way to work, but a friend in Chicago convinced me to try a flat fee for a website redesign. After tracking my time, I made 30% more on that project and the client was happier with a fixed cost. Has anyone else switched their billing method and seen better results?

4 comments

4 Comments

alexpalmer1mo agoProlific Poster

Yeah, it forces you to get better at scoping the work up front too. You stop adding little unbilled extras that eat your time, so your effective rate goes up. It's a win-win when you do it right.

derek_park1mo ago

Honestly, I see this same thing happen with home contractors all the time. My neighbor got a flat fee for a patio and the crew was in and out in two days. Last year they did hourly work on another house and it dragged on for a week with constant small delays. The fixed price just makes everyone move faster and cuts out the fluff. It forces a clear plan that both sides actually stick to. Tbh it feels like the hourly model almost encourages slow work, even if that's not the intent.

mason.drew3d ago

Switched to flat rate for service calls after losing money on a simple furnace fix that turned into a three hour hunt for a short. Now I have a clear list for each common job. My time is protected and the customer isn't guessing the bill. It took a while to price everything right, but my take home is way better now.

rosecarr1mo ago

That part about tracking your time and making 30% more really hits home. I was the same, swore by hourly for years because it felt safe. But after a few flat-fee jobs where I worked way more efficiently knowing the price was set, I had to change my mind. The client stress goes way down when they know the total cost up front.