Estimation process

[abhijit]

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.

[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.

[szlamany]

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.

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.

[dglienna]

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

[abhijit]

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

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.

[abhijit]

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.

All our projects are done at fixed-price.