Consultant Fee?

[Prairieboy]

The how much question gets asked alot here. But I have a new one. I have rates for shooting, and for editing, but my wifes old company called me in to help them with a problem that they had with some video files. Now I was in the neighborhood having lunch with my wife and I was happy to stop by for a bit to just help them out. But I ended up being there for a few hours and they told me to send on invoice. I charge 100/her to edit, but that is with my suite. Any ideas.

 

[DVX100Shooter]

You bring up a good point because it seems like I do a lot of "impromptu" consultant all the time! I told someone that I need to start charging people for my time. Like you I have no idea what to charge...might just have to call around to some consultants and see what they charge and base it off that.

 

[galt]

Well, how much would you want to get paid to do the same job (same number of hours, etc) again next week? This is your minimum billing amount, since they WILL likely call you again and you do not want to be in position of renegotiating your rate. Nobody wins that one. Don't forget about travel time, if they want you to stop what you are editing and drive to their office, yada yada.). $100 an hour is fair, but so is $60 an hour or $150. Pick one. Don't try to be a hero or a jerk. I think $100 is a good rate, but include what your travel time would be if you had to go there from home (or your office).

If they are really upset with your bill, they will let you know or drag their feet in paying it. But otherwise, high consulting bills only garner respect (along with cash).

 

[Pais]

It's true. The game is a balancing act -- although I don't consult for video production, I figure it's probably the same story. Too low, and you'll be wasting your time with lots of nonsense, and too high, and you might scare your customers off.

If you are confident in your abilities, however, I think it's hard to go "too high." It's also far easier to re-negotiate for a slightly lower [perhaps "promotional"] rate if the client begs you, but it's impossible to ask for more money when a project evolves into a total nightmare. If you think you're worth it, don't be afraid to charge a fair rate!