Yes, my first customers! But i don't know how much to charge him :(
-
No, I'm a thoroughbred Jozi boy.
No problem, bru. As long as we are all in Mzanzi :)
-
I am a c and C++ programmer. I have about 4 years of experience with console applications. I am a researcher (computer vision). If this project was a console application i would do it in maximum 2 weeks. I have used the MFC framework before but, i'm not very familiar with it. That is the only part of the project that will take longer to do. I have been playing with windows forms this past week and it is pretty fun.
So basically you have no experience building applications with a UI. As BC suggested go with winforms and C#, the transition will be pretty painless. As the project will not be specified in detail and the specification will not be signed off and nailed down I suggest you double the 2 weeks development time. This will cover you for some scope creep and testing, you probably have not factored in testing. I used to take the 2 weeks, double it and then double it again, this would be my opening estimate, then allow the client to wittle it down by 10-15% to make them feel better and you might break even. I'd use BCs hourly rate. [edit] for gods sake factor in down stream support, this sent me broke when I was doing this type of work [/edit]
Never underestimate the power of human stupidity RAH
-
An estimating formula I was shown recently is (2*B + E + 3*W)/6 B = best estimate (optimistic) E = expected W = worst case A good way of correcting your initial estimate on time required.
Join the cool kids - Come fold with us[^]
That makes it about R6000. Not bad. :)
-
But in fixed price consulting projects there is another huge risk, and this must be kept in mind. The customer will "always" come with changes along the way. (modifications, extensions, he sees the first GUI : "How about adding a button for this?", "I really need a graph of this too", "I need to add this data to the database, but the app must remain compatible with the old DB" ) That will cost you extra work. So... methinks you need to have the guts to inform your customer that such changes will add to the total cost of the job. Not so east, especially if both customer and consultant are relatively fresh in the business of ordering/delivering contract work. And when he comes with those changes during the project (trust me he will, everybody does), you must stand up and hold your ground. You need to agree that: "Change Requests will be charged on a per case basis.", depending on your relation to the guy you may put it down in writing (good idea) or agree verbally. Good Luck!
..................... Life is too shor
Thanks. Very good advice.:thumbsup: I don't want to give the guy a hard time though. He is my first customer
-
Ditto. I charge 30% to start, 30% on delivery of a working prototype, 30% on going into production, and 10% after three months warranty, or close of last bug reported during warranty, whichever is the later. Never had a payment problem.
Thank. I think i will do the same.
-
I think Leppie might be the person who can give me the best advise (he also lives in South Africa) but, i need words of wisdom from anyone who is willing to give me some... I finally have my first customer. That is a good thing :thumbsup: The only problem is that i don't know how much he should pay me. He would like me to tell him how much i charge. This is what the project looks like: There is a database with a dozen tables. Some basic processing have to be done on those data. He want me to develop a windows application with a user interface. It is a application that will be used in a gym: Every time you go to the gym you have fill in all the exercises you have done. The program is supposed to show you your progress. There are also other details like food recommendation.... I am meeting him on Saturday to give him a presentation of what i will do. I have a UML diagram and i am done writing the prototype of my classes. But I also don't know how long i should tell him the project will take. :confused: Anybody, please, give me some words of wisdom. Please Leppie, don't let me down! Regards, Herve
Rate Calculator[^] Bill hourly
Need custom software developed? I do custom programming based primarily on MS tools with an emphasis on C# development and consulting. I also do Android Programming as I find it a refreshing break from the MS. "And they, since they Were not the one dead, turned to their affairs" -- Robert Frost
-
But in fixed price consulting projects there is another huge risk, and this must be kept in mind. The customer will "always" come with changes along the way. (modifications, extensions, he sees the first GUI : "How about adding a button for this?", "I really need a graph of this too", "I need to add this data to the database, but the app must remain compatible with the old DB" ) That will cost you extra work. So... methinks you need to have the guts to inform your customer that such changes will add to the total cost of the job. Not so east, especially if both customer and consultant are relatively fresh in the business of ordering/delivering contract work. And when he comes with those changes during the project (trust me he will, everybody does), you must stand up and hold your ground. You need to agree that: "Change Requests will be charged on a per case basis.", depending on your relation to the guy you may put it down in writing (good idea) or agree verbally. Good Luck!
..................... Life is too shor
-
-
Rate Calculator[^] Bill hourly
Need custom software developed? I do custom programming based primarily on MS tools with an emphasis on C# development and consulting. I also do Android Programming as I find it a refreshing break from the MS. "And they, since they Were not the one dead, turned to their affairs" -- Robert Frost
Thanks, the calculator is quite helpful! :thumbsup:
-
Hmmm, I would recommend going with WinForms with C# given your experience/qualification. The jump to basic C# shouldn't be any problem, but maybe you should look at something like MS LightSwitch, which allows you to build apps using a designer and very little code. Also, you can always shout if you need any help. Where do you stay?
Brady Kelly wrote:
Also, you can always shout if you need any help. Where do you stay?
Hey Brady, The guy want me to develop the application for him and want me to be his partner. He is starting a business. :thumbsup: C# is the easiest language to learn in the world. :) I have been developing the application and haven't had any problem so far. I am also working on another project. (Big money) I have to use machine learning in that project. Which is great because machine learning is my area of expertise. The only problem is that i have to develop an internet user interface. I'm still trying to get used to desktop applications :( Anyway, i would just like to know if your offer still stands. I will be needing help soon. I spend my days in my room in front of my computer and really don't know anyone else who can help me. Please let me know. My email address is hervechubaka@gmail.com and my Skype id is hervebags
Regards, Herve