Estimation process

Hi Folks,
We have an application with 178 forms.
The client decided to replace all third-party controls with microsoft controls.

So we decided to go with basic controls like command buttons / check boxes / option buttons / frames / date controls etc.

This took about 6 working hours for 1 form. Now this was a fairly large form. So I averaged out to 3 working hours per form for estimation purpose.

Now I estimated that the change will take 178 * 3 = 534 working hours. That translates to roughly 66 person days. I informed the client about it. He says its crazy and tells me that it should be done in 20 days. Though our negotiation has not yet finished, how do I convince him to accept my estimate?

My developers are the ones who are terribly upset and are talking of quitting all the time.

You have some solid information upon which to base your estimate. I would want to know upon what is your customer basing his estimation of 20 days.

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Originally Posted by Hack

You have some solid information upon which to base your estimate. I would want to know upon what is your customer basing his estimation of 20 days.

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I agree - this customer is asking you to take all the risk. If there is such a wide difference in estimate and anticipated time, then create an open-ended agreement where you are not doing a fixed cost project.

tell him if you pass, then you will not be open to further offers. he may be trying to lo-ball you.

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Originally Posted by dglienna

tell him if you pass, then you will not be open to further offers. he may be trying to lo-ball you.

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I suspect thats what he is trying to do. I have a meeting today with him. If he doesn't agree to the estimates, then the project goes out of the window.

Good thing for me, but bad for the business. :(

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Originally Posted by szlamany

I agree - this customer is asking you to take all the risk. If there is such a wide difference in estimate and anticipated time, then create an open-ended agreement where you are not doing a fixed cost project.

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All our projects are done at fixed-price.