[Jexley]

Mate, I see how you're all about looking out for the client in that scenario and such, but I still think the statement about hourly rates being unethical is a bit over the top.

I do both, hourly and fixed, and base all of my fixed quotes on my hourly rates and the estimated amount of hours I think it will take me to complete each task. I tell the client this, and they know that they're paying for my expertise and my time and they're getting good value because I'm good.

If somebody out there wants to undercut me on hourly costs, the client has to be educated enough to see which vendor will possibly bring them the better ROI, not just who's cheaper. If I'm more expensive, they'll know to go with me because I'm better. If I'm cheaper, they know they're getting great value because I'm still better.

To be completely honest, I don't know that I'd want a client that went with me solely because my hourly rate was cheaper than somebody else's. There's much more to it than that and I want to work with people that are smart enough to see that on their own.

As far as Invoicing Disputes (to pull it back on topic), that's complete bullsh*t for them to try and complain after an agreed-upon price and time frame. They're either a whinger by nature, or think that you're acting suss in some other area and think that they can call you out on it in the invoice thing. Have a good long look at them as a client, learn from the situation, and watch out for their type in the future.

Good luck mate.