Define the decision before calculating
Record these inputs and boundaries
- State the question discovery must answer and the decision it enables. (not complete)
- List access, information, workshops, interviews and named participants. (not complete)
- Define the deliverable and evidence of completion. (not complete)
- Set the time, revision and dependency boundary. (not complete)
- Choose what happens when discovery cannot resolve the uncertainty. (not complete)
Compare a labelled base and downside scenario
| Decision input | Base case | Downside or boundary case | Decision checkpoint |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deliverable | Findings and scoped recommendation | General understanding | Do not quote the vague outcome |
| Discovery-line calculation | 12 hours × 80 + 120 direct costs = 1,080 neutral currency units, tax-exclusive | Unlimited meetings and revisions | Quote 1,080 only for the capped discovery stage; otherwise re-scope before quoting |
| Decision point | Proceed, revise scope or stop | Automatic commitment to delivery | Keep discovery and delivery approval separate |
- Define the decision output and completion evidence.
- Estimate the bounded work and direct costs on one basis.
- Price discovery as its own line or separately approved stage.
- State excluded delivery work and the change trigger.
- Review the result before quoting the later delivery phase.
Interpret the result and choose the next step
Discovery is priceable when it has its own outcome, evidence, limit and hand-off. An open-ended promise cannot be repaired by adding hidden hours to the delivery rate.
Run the exact calculation in the registered planner
- Service Rate & Quote Planner
Set a viable rate and project quote
Decision questions
- Should discovery always be free?
- There is no universal rule. Keep the work and decision outcome visible so any choice to charge, waive or credit it remains an explicit commercial decision.
- Can discovery be included in the project price?
- Yes, when its scope and cost remain visible and the later delivery commitment is not made before material uncertainty is resolved.
Method and source scope
- Service Rate & Quote methodology — Margin101: Product-owned calculation, units, assumptions and limitation contract used by this guide.