Freelance Project Quote Builder
Good quotes have three parts: labor, a revision buffer, and expenses — plus a deposit and kill fee. Build a professional fixed-price quote that protects your time and sets clear payment terms.
Your quote
Anatomy of a quote that gets signed
Clients don't just buy hours — they buy certainty. A quote that lists labor, buffer, and expenses separately looks professional and justifies the total. A single mystery number invites haggling; an itemized quote invites questions you can answer.
Always include: what's delivered, how many revision rounds, timeline, payment schedule (50% upfront is standard), and the kill fee. The deposit isn't about trust — it's about commitment. Clients who pay upfront give better feedback and cancel less.
Fixed price vs. hourly
Fixed pricing wins when you're fast — you keep the efficiency gain. Hourly wins when scope is uncertain. This builder produces a fixed quote; if the project is exploratory, quote a paid discovery phase first ($500–1,500) then fixed-price the build. Never start a vague project on pure hourly without a cap — it creates the wrong incentives on both sides.
The kill fee clause
"If the client cancels after work begins, a kill fee of 25% of the total is due for work completed." This isn't aggressive — it's standard. It prevents the nightmare scenario: 15 hours in, client ghosts, you invoice, they dispute. With a signed kill fee, you have leverage and a floor.
Frequently asked questions
How do I quote a freelance project?
Estimate hours × your rate, add 15–20% revision buffer and any expenses. Require 50% deposit upfront and include a 25% kill fee clause. The builder above computes all of it.
Should I charge hourly or fixed price?
Fixed when scope is clear and you're efficient (you keep the upside). Hourly when scope is uncertain. For vague projects, sell a paid discovery phase first, then fixed-price the build.
What is a reasonable deposit for freelance work?
50% upfront is the industry standard for fixed-price projects. For large projects, use 30/30/40 across milestones. Never start without at least a third upfront from a new client.
What should a freelance quote include?
Deliverables, revision rounds, timeline, itemized price, payment schedule, kill fee, and expiry date (quotes valid 14–30 days). Everything in writing before work starts.
How much buffer should I add to a quote?
15–20% for familiar work, 25–30% for new territory. The buffer isn't padding — it's the statistical reality that estimates are optimistic. Track actuals to calibrate.
Estimates for planning purposes only. Not legal advice — have a lawyer review your contract terms.