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How much should I charge?
A client of mine is asking me to do a conversion of one accounting software to Quickbooks 2012. Just curious on how much I should charge?
A client of mine is asking me to do a conversion of one accounting software to Quickbooks 2012. Just curious on how much I should charge?
Something to think about: If you go for an elaborate charge, you could wind up taking charge of the whole thing - tech support for example.
If you do charge such a fee it's best to state what is and isn't included and have some type of signed agreement. It doesn't have to be so elaborate, but people will expect some level of support for say $95 bucks an hour.
I'm not saying don't charge, I'm saying be wary of what you charge, and the expectations that go with such a charge. Charging someone $10 bucks an hour is one thing, $95 is another.
Just something to think about.
As important as what to charge is to spell out EXACTLY what is to be done for that amount,
It can bite you later if you dont.
If you possibly can and the customer will stand it, (always think of return business ), charge as the local going rate for the type of work. Always provide full details of work proposed and what you expect to receive from the client to meet any estimate of time needed to complete, you may give, This should include access to information and resources.
One tip I always give is the use of delay notices ....
If a client asks for a change to spec part way through a job get them to sign a document stating the estimate of additional time this change will take. You should also give a change notice when they come back and say they want it back to the original spec this way you have an additional estimate plus a set of signed agreements to extensions of that estimate (Clients always seem to see the words "Fixed Quotation" when they read "estimate")
It does not say where you live. $95/hour may be OK in NYC - but if you try that in North Dakota, they will probably chase you with the dogs.
I live in San Francisco, CA and the local rate here is around $130/hr for residential and $150/hr for small businesses.
I agree with everyone that stated I have to be very specific on what I'm charging my client as to avoid any friction or disputes.
As a matter of fact, I will be taking over tech support for the business after conversion. Which leads me to the question, should I offer a annual plan or pay as you go rate for same day business hours tech support.
It may be worth your while to take the time to draw up contracts offering services both ways and let them choose which way they prefer.
JMHO
Fabe
I agree with thefabe.............draw up two contracts and let them choose.
Make sure there is a disclosure if something happens to you, then contract is terminated, or their business.
Also include in disclosure there is a guaranteed amount like a quarterly, semi-annual or annual dollar figure. JMHO
i charge $35/quarter hour in St. Petersburg, FL of course that leaves me room to help them out as appropriate. When a Vet clinic needs help, I pretty much charge what I say, a friend maybe shave 25% off the labor or better even....One customer was a teacher that just got layed off, and her deaf daughter computer died, I have no gripes just charging for parts there, or even a rare no charge, it all averages out
mike