>So I presented a potental client a proposal for an Access app she wants done. She is an executive with a restaurant chain, and needs a simple replacement for Excel. I figured I could do it all part-time in 1 week, and I quoted $900.
>
>She wrote back "Any wiggle room on the $900? Any chance of partial payment in gift certificates? Sometimes vendors will do business with us in a semi barter fashion. If this is not your style, no problem, just let me know."
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>My first thought was "Gift certficates for free food don't pay the bills". I wouldn't mind doing the project, and I feel like the price is fair.
>
>How would you answer this?

Tell her no unless you intend to be eating at the restaurant in the near future so the gift cards make it worthwhile for you.

On a $900 project where the customer seems tight-budgeted, I'd make absolutely sure you and the client are REAL clear on project scope, interface, and milestones (ie: when is the project considered done and payable).

Access... ugh...