I'm sure someone has posted a similar thread but I haven't ran across anything that has specifically answered my question.
How do you determine how many hours it will take you to do a specific project. I know as I become more experienced, I'll be able to bid out jobs more accurately. But as I beginner, when I give a proposal charging the hourly rate, how do I determine the amount of hours it is going to take me to complete a project? In your contracts do you include the exact amount that will be due? I prefer to have my clients pay me 50% up front therefore I need to have a total.
I also offer retainers. I think initially that will work better for me but I still want the hourly rate to be an option.
Thanks so much for your help in advance!