Last updated: July 2026 · Pricing worksheet
Fixed-fee formula
A practical fixed-fee quote starts with realistic delivery days multiplied by your baseline day rate. Then add buffers for discovery, revisions, meetings, admin, client delays, and payment risk.
If your target day rate is AED 2,000 and the project needs 6 delivery days, the raw delivery value is AED 12,000. A healthier quote may be higher if the client expects fast turnaround, uncertain scope, several stakeholders, or multiple revision rounds.
Quote checklist
- Define deliverables in plain language.
- List what is excluded from the fixed fee.
- Set the number of revision rounds and approval deadlines.
- Separate discovery, production, handover, and support time.
- Name the hourly or day rate for extra work.
- Use payment milestones instead of waiting until the end.
Risk buffer guide
Use a small buffer when the scope is narrow, approvals are fast, and the client has one decision-maker. Use a larger buffer when the brief is vague, stakeholders are unknown, assets are not ready, or deadlines depend on client feedback.
Never quote a fixed price without defining deliverables. That is not entrepreneurship; that is volunteering with invoices.
FAQ
Should a project quote match my hourly estimate exactly?
No. A fixed-fee project carries scope, timeline, revision, and payment risk. The quote should reflect those risks clearly.
What is the safest milestone structure?
A common low-risk structure is deposit, midpoint payment, and final payment before full handover. Exact terms depend on the client, project type, and agreement.
Is this professional advice?
No. This is an educational pricing checklist, not legal, tax, contract, or financial advice.