SPAM-LOW: [Hidden-tech] Consulting fees?

[Don Lesser]

Sure. Ask the easy questions:

1. Site visits - your normal rate for each hour on-site. What should you
charge for an hourly rate? That is a discussion in itself. Between $25 and
$300, based on competitive rates, the financial stability of the company,
the size of your ego, etc.  Remember--once he hires you, you're not his
friend. It is a business relationship and treat it as such. You'll all be a
lot happier. 
2. If there is significant phone/email, I would charge usual rate in 15 or
30 minute increments. Or charge a block of money for "up to x hours." Or
charge a higher day rate and figure it covers phone support. 
3. Where is the job? If it is nearby, throw in the travel. If it is a drive,
you can charge travel at full rate, half rate, a special "travel rate," or
no charge. I've seen all 4.
4. You want at least a letter of agreement so there is some record that you
can take to court. You will only need it if things go bad so write it for
that eventuality. Don't assume anything--spell it out.

Get regular payments, esp. if they are a startup. Limit how much they owe
you.

Set limits on when they can call--do you really want a 3 AM Sunday call to
say "my web server's is down. Fix it." Or change extra.

Welcome to high paid world of data processing. 

Don Lesser
Pioneer Training, Inc.
14 Bobala Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
(413) 536-1030 (phone)
(413) 552-0472 (fax)
dlesser at ptraining.com
www.ptraining.com

-----Original Message-----
From: hidden-discuss-bounces at lists.hidden-tech.net
[mailto:hidden-discuss-bounces at lists.hidden-tech.net] On Behalf Of Seth
Seeger
Sent: Wednesday, August 09, 2006 8:09 AM
To: 'Hidden-Tech'
Subject: SPAM-LOW: [Hidden-tech] Consulting fees?

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Hello everyone,

I may have the opportunity to do some on-the-side IT consulting work 
for a friend's company, setting up some mail and web servers.  However, 
I have never done consulting work before.  I'm looking for suggestions 
on fees, etc:

-How much do I charge for site-visits?
-How much do I charge for phone/email support?
-Do I charge for travel time?
-Should I worry about a contract?

Thanks in advance!
-Seth

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