My advice is to start out keeping things simple:<p>1. Charge by the hour. Don&#x27;t discount.<p>2. Provide an estimated range of <i>your time</i> based on your understanding of the scope  work at the start of the project. Let the client work out how much it costs on their own.<p>3. Make it very very very clear that the estimate is non-binding. If it takes more time, the client pays more. If it takes less time, the client pays less.<p>4. Require a retainer for a large portion of the estimate. The retainer is to be applied against the last invoice so that you are never in a situation where the client owes you money.<p>5. Have an invoice schedule. Invoice on the schedule.<p>6. Walk away, if the potential client doesn&#x27;t like your terms. Preparing proposals is a way of <i>qualifying</i> potential clients. Good clients, accept and pay under your terms.<p>Often, just saying, &quot;I charge X per hour&quot; is enough to determine if a client is serious. Amateur clients have unrealistic expectations. People you know will expect you to work for free. Don&#x27;t. It&#x27;s not worth it.<p>Good luck.