What do you guys figure is fair for a minimum time charge.
I was called by a developer to provide a stamped letter of opinion about a gas vent. The inspector had required it. He asked about my hourly rate and I told him. But when I billed him it was for my minimum 4 hour charge and he hit the roof. Wanted to pay only half.
While I was only on the job for 20 minutes, it was a 30 minute drive each way, 20 minutes waiting for him to get off the phone, an hour writing the letter, etc. What with time away and every thing I have always figured any time I went out on a job it was effectively half a day. I know some engineers charge bucks just for the stamp.
Replies
I think a half day charge for an opinion is excessive. I give plenty of free ones all the time. What was the rate?
Tom
Four hours sounds fair. If you hadn't dropped everything and taken the time what would it have cost him? More then your four hours I'm sure.
Who Dares Wins.
Tell him the time he`s wasteing bickering is running into the full day.
Geez.....ask him what he charges for the expertise he can`t be held accountable for!
J. D. Reynolds
Home Improvements
"DO IT RIGHT, DO IT ONCE"
Your rates ok, the delivery sucks.
Next time, quote, (over the phone ahead of time,) either a flat fee equal to your four hours or say, "My rate is $60.00 per hour with a 4 hour minimum.
The guy hit the roof because the total amount of your fee came as a suprise to him. Never, I mean never, surprize a client with an amount AFTER the service..........................always surprise them before!
Mark-
I TOTALLY agree with you on this. My own experience has taught me to put the estimated (or fixed) charges completely out front. I learned not to be afraid to shoot high- if that scared a potential client off, then so be it 'cause it ends up working to your benefit by weeding out the riff raff, cheapskates, and looky-loos. If they don't like the price, then surely there's someone else down the road who'll do it for less (always is).
Ken Hill
Remember we don't just get paid for what we do, we also get paid for what we know. Your rate is fair for a consultation and report. People always think trades should earn less no matter what we charge.
Cheers John
Janation ---
Bet you forgot to tell him this part "minimum 4 hour charge."
Explain it was YOUR mistake in forgetting the minimum. Settle for the 2 hours he is willing to pay.
4 hour minimum for an engineer is a bit much. Unless I had other work that HAD to be done, I would have billed for 1 hour or less.