How hard would this be? (Email Service)

[SplinterDesigns]

I am a fairly proficient programmer. I started with C++ and now mainly work with PHP / MySQL because I am mostly doing complete websites.

I own a web design business ( http://SplinterFreelance.com ) and I got a quote request from a potential client.

Here is the request:

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

I was wondering how much would it be for you to code a custom email service script.

Like normal email service scripts, people can sign up, use pop3 access, mail forwarding etc etc. With admin panel to control users. But with the following
extra options:

Paid accounts with paypal intergration,
WAP access (quote with and without this please ),
Text message notification (i have a script which can send text messages
just need it intergrated to the script you might make).

//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

I havent done anything similar to this before, so before I reply, I need to find out if I would be capable of doing this and how much I should charge.

If you could answer the following questions for me, Id really appreciate it.

1. What would I need to know / learn in order to complete this project

2. How long would it take a moderatly advanced programmer to complete a project like this?

3. How much should I charge? Preferably as a whole project.

Thanks very much

Sam Simmons

Splinter Freelance
http://SplinterFreelance.com

[bpat1434]

Well #3 is completely up to you. I would charge them as much as I see fit to compensate me for my time. I don't think anyone else here can say differently.

1) You would need to know how an email server works, and how PHP can integrate with it so that you can add users as you please. You'd also need to know how to differentiate between a WAP browser, and a regular browser (for WAP integration). On top of all that, you'd need to be able to read up on the Paypal IPN feature.

2.) I'd say that it might take a week to two weeks non-stop to code it. I mean, that's a big project, especially if you're not familiar with certain email servers. You'd have to essentially cater to that server, or type of server. So you'd need to read up on the exchanges between PHP and the email server, and how to do that. The time also depends upon how fast you code, and whether or not you can actually test locally/remotely or not. But I'd give yourself a weeks leeway so that way: if you finish early, you're a godsend. If you finish by your deadline, you still met your goal. If they don't like your deadline, they can find someone else. If you pass your deadline, you can explain to them what is taking so long.

3.) I've already said it. It depends on you, and only you. I usually alot $15 - $45 per hour for coding depending upon the complexity. On top of that, I give them a usual time estimate (once again depending upon complexity) of from 1 week, to 3 months. So it's up to you. Compare it to what you normally charge your other customers, and base it off of that.

~Brett

[SplinterDesigns]

thank you for your post. I will read up on the things you have listed 🙂