Support topic
Estimates tutorials.
Build, style, send, and track estimates — and turn them into work.
Quote vs estimate: what’s the difference (and which should you send)?
"Quote" and "estimate" get used interchangeably, but they set very different expectations — and using the wrong one can cost you. Here's the plain-English difference.
How to write an estimate that wins the job (and gets approved fast)
A good estimate does two jobs: it wins the work and it makes saying yes effortless. Here's a simple structure — and the small details that get estimates approved the same day.
How do I prove a client agreed to the work?
Get approval in writing before you start. A timestamped, itemized acceptance is your best protection — here's how to capture it cleanly in the portal.
Approvals
Client Portal
Estimates
How do I politely ask for a deposit?
Frame the deposit as standard practice that secures their start date, then build it right into the estimate so your client just approves and pays in one tap.
Client Communication
Deposits
Estimates
How do I raise my rates with existing clients?
Give notice, explain briefly, and apply the new rate to the next engagement or renewal. A respectful script for raising prices, then the steps to update your hourly rate and reflect it on the next estimate or recurring invoice.
Estimates
Pricing
Rates
How do I handle scope creep?
Name the extra work, get agreement in writing, and bill it as a change rather than absorbing it. A calm process that protects the relationship.
Client Approval
Estimates
Scope Management
Hourly or Fixed Price — Which Should I Quote?
Quote hourly when scope is uncertain, fixed when it's well defined. Here are the tradeoffs and how to pick for each job.
Estimates
Pricing
Time Tracking
Should I charge a deposit?
For most freelance projects, yes — a deposit lowers your risk and signals the client is committed. Here's when deposits make sense, typical ranges, and how to collect one in Fee-Lion.
Deposits
Estimates
Getting Paid
How much should a freelancer charge?
Base your rate on your costs, target income, and market rates, then choose hourly or fixed. A framework for setting prices you can defend.
Estimates
Pricing
Rates
What is a kill fee?
A kill fee is a partial charge a client pays if they cancel a project after you've started but before completion. Here's how freelancers structure one and bill it in Fee-Lion.
Cancellation
Deposits
Estimates
How do I prove a client agreed to the work?
Get approval in writing before you start. A timestamped, itemized acceptance is your best protection — here's how to capture it cleanly in the portal.
Approvals
Client Portal
Estimates
How do I politely ask for a deposit?
Frame the deposit as standard practice that secures their start date, then build it right into the estimate so your client just approves and pays in one tap.
Client Communication
Deposits
Estimates
How do I raise my rates with existing clients?
Give notice, explain briefly, and apply the new rate to the next engagement or renewal. A respectful script for raising prices, then the steps to update your hourly rate and reflect it on the next estimate or recurring invoice.
Estimates
Pricing
Rates
How do I handle scope creep?
Name the extra work, get agreement in writing, and bill it as a change rather than absorbing it. A calm process that protects the relationship.
Client Approval
Estimates
Scope Management
Hourly or Fixed Price — Which Should I Quote?
Quote hourly when scope is uncertain, fixed when it's well defined. Here are the tradeoffs and how to pick for each job.
Estimates
Pricing
Time Tracking
Should I charge a deposit?
For most freelance projects, yes — a deposit lowers your risk and signals the client is committed. Here's when deposits make sense, typical ranges, and how to collect one in Fee-Lion.
Deposits
Estimates
Getting Paid
How much should a freelancer charge?
Base your rate on your costs, target income, and market rates, then choose hourly or fixed. A framework for setting prices you can defend.
Estimates
Pricing
Rates
What is a kill fee?
A kill fee is a partial charge a client pays if they cancel a project after you've started but before completion. Here's how freelancers structure one and bill it in Fee-Lion.
Cancellation
Deposits
Estimates