Also, if my timeline starts slipping because of changes, the timeline will be immediately revised to account for changes, whether they entail more or less work. Keeping everything on the table from the start seems to help everyone involved.

When I need to wait on a client before I begin work, I’ll tell them, “depending on the amount of ___ you need, it will take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.” If they can be specific about exactly how much work there will be, then I can say, “from the time you hand me all your assets, I expect it to take ___.”

All that being said, I still do underestimate sometimes, and that’s usually fine too. In that case, I can immediately contact the client and inform them, and they are generally accepting. Sometimes they’re not, but hey…the nature of the proverbial beast.

Insert further rambling response here.