About Estimates and Bids

Estimates (ballpark prices) and bids (guaranteed prices) are provided only when requested. These are customarily provided free of charge only to new clients. If you are an existing client (meaning we have done work for you before), and you request an estimate or bid without special arrangements otherwise, you are placing a billable order for an estimate or bid.

Developing an estimate or bid is a billable service because it is necessary to conduct research and develop strategies upon which estimates or bids are based. These things take time and expertise.

Do you really want an estimate/bid? It is less expensive to work without estimates, because then you do not have to pay for the extra time it takes to conduct advance theoretical research and develop advance theoretical strategies. It is less risky to work with estimates, because then you have a ballpark idea of what it will cost before making a decision (or with bids, because then you have a guaranteed price before making a decision).

Please choose the cost/risk level that is best for you. We will support your decision and provide services appropriate to your decision.

Complete documentation describing a complex requirement is necessary before a bid can be offered. That level of documentation may be overkill for simpler requirements. Partial documentation is sufficient for an estimate. An estimate is appropriate for situations where detailed documentation is not available in advance.