I prefer fixed price / fixed scope. Inevitably clients try to reverse engineer and turn it into an hourly rate anyway. If I have to quote an hourly rate I make

I prefer fixed price / fixed scope. Inevitably clients try to reverse engineer and turn it into an hourly rate anyway. If I have to quote an hourly rate I make it very high... lots of reasons but mainly as you say, people want to find ways to underpay you, so it needs to be a rate thats worthwhile regardless of how few or erratic the hours are. Though in my experience and line of work, if you're quoting an hourly rate you've probably already lost and won't get the contract (worse would be to get it at a mediocre rate). I have a standard consulting agreement and then add on statement of work for specific pieces of work. Actual pricing is basically trying to understand the budget the client has, then proposing a scope that they'll be comfortable spending the budget on.