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張旭豐
張旭豐

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A tiny pricing calculator for freelance scope changes

#freelance #pricing #calculator #programming

The Pricing Formula I Wish I Had When I Started

You built something great. But when it comes to pricing — you freeze.

"Am I charging too much?" "What if they lowball me?" "I don't even have an offer page..."

This formula fixes that in 10 minutes.

The Formula 

PROJECT_PRICE = HOURLY × ESTIMATED_HOURS × COMPLEXITY × 1.2
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  • HOURLY: Your base rate
  • COMPLEXITY: 1.0 (simple) to 2.5 (very complex)
  • 1.2: Scope creep buffer (20%)

Example: $100/hr × 20hrs × 1.5 × 1.2 = $3,600

Copy-Paste Calculator (Works Immediately)

Option A: JavaScript (embed anywhere) 

function calcPrice(hourly, hours, complexity) {
  const base = hourly * hours;
  const withComplexity = base * complexity;
  const withBuffer = withComplexity * 1.2;
  return Math.round(withBuffer);
}
// Usage: calcPrice(100, 20, 1.5) → 3600
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Option B: Google Sheets

Field Your Value
Hourly Rate $
Estimated Hours
Complexity (1.0–2.5)
Scope Buffer (20%) × 1.2
Final Price =B2*B3*B4*B5

Option C: Markdown Pricing Table 

| Service | Base Price | Add-ons |
|---------|-----------|---------|
| Basic | $___ | Extra revisions +$___ |
| Standard | $___ | Priority support +$___ |
| Premium | $___ | Full ownership +$___ |
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Why the 1.2 Buffer?

Every project gets scope creep. The 1.2 multiplier (20%) covers:

  • Unclear requirements that surface mid-project
  • "Can you just add..." syndrome
  • Revision rounds you didn't plan for

Without it, you're guaranteed to lose money on complex projects.

Need Help?

I offer $5 quick pricing reviews:

  • I read your current offer/description
  • I give you 3 specific fixes to increase your close rate
  • 24-hour delivery

→ PayPal.me/cheapuno/5usd

Then send me your current pricing page or project description.

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