For anyone who doesn't want to repeat this experience: you can almost always come down in cost, by also coming down in scope -- and retain your hourly rate. I

For anyone who doesn't want to repeat this experience: you can almost always come down in cost, by also coming down in scope -- and retain your hourly rate. I can't speak to the project above, but typically starting with a smaller-scoped project at the original high rate is a good way for both sides to evaluate whether the relationship is working without a huge commitment.