Anonymous wrote:"Not more than" means exactly that. They will pay your hourly rate UP TO that amount. If you go over (if it takes you longer than originally quoted), then you have some leeway to charge more.

Got it

"Not more than" means exactly that. They will pay your hourly rate UP TO that amount. If you go over (if it takes you longer than originally quoted), then you have some leeway to charge more.

If you were happy with your first offer, keep it, but for any contingencies, change, unexpected occurrences, have the ceiling be what they offered.

Ha, right, what a problem to have. But not sure how to navigate.

I'm self-employed. Got offered a cool gig. Gave my estimate. They agreed. My point of contact was then transferred out of the department before I signed on.
New person said I'd be hearing from their HR shortly.
Got letter from HR outlining our arrangement saying their understanding is they'd pay me "not more than" ... and then a # twice what I quoted!
All that's left to do is sign.
Do I flag this? Can I bill more if it takes me more time than anticipated? Am I a fool for flagging it? WWYD?