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I am so incredibly horrible at estimation that I bid more with emotion.

If I find the project very interesting and I can fall in love with building it, the client is going to get a good deal. Boring or otherwise tedious projects engender some stone-cold, take-it-or-leave-it negotiation. I mean, this is my free time.

Edit: Nevermind that extra bit, however true. :)

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I wrote a blog post you might find interesting that talks specifically about quoting web design projects: http://devgrow.com/how-to-properly-quote-a-client/

That's how I go about it and have found it to be the best/only way to ensure I don't overwork myself.

A great tool that I've come across for helping out with setting your rate is at http://freelanceswitch.com/rates/. It got me thinking of many areas of expenses that I hadn't considered. It is geared more to those of us doing it full-time.

Check out (non-aff link) http://www.amazon.com/Software-Estimation-Demystifying-Pract...

It's a good summary on a several techniques, how to apply them, and how to pick how in depth of a one to do, as well as how to talk with people who try to negotiate with them.

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