Gavin Blue

Value yourself.
Commercial Pricing.

Basics of estimating:

-Know what it costs to run your business.
-Always submit estimates in writing (don't give verbal estimates) and list all costs & possible costs.
-Get confirmation for all estimates.
-Create a rate card for quick reference on the go.
-Communicate with the client.

Find out what it's cost to do nothing:
-Overheads
-Fixed costs
-Equipment etc.

Compare yourself to other professionals (i.e. lawyers)

Pitfalls of estimating:

-Not saying no.
-Quoting out of desperation (thinking it's the only work you ever get and therefore under charging.)
-Being vague about whats included.
-Under quoting.
-Verbal quoting.

Summary:

-Know your business running costs
-Estimates in writing
-Have a terms of trade
-List all possible additional costs
-Get confirmation
-Have a rate card
-Communicate with the client
-Join the ACMP (plug for ACMP)

In terms of ACMP Vs AIPP the ACMP come across as real professionals as apposed to the AIPP who oft seem like a boys club.