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Subject: Re: [Hx] Typical Fees
From: Steven Finder <sfinder@me.com>
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Date: Wed, 25 Aug 2010 14:11:29 -0500
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To: Helix Discussion List <Helix-L@realpeople.com>


On Aug 25, 2010, at 1:07 PM, Wade Brezina wrote:

> Steven,
> 
> I would be happy to build any job like a construction project. Unfortunately, unlike a construction project, people do not want to provide accurate plans to build to. They want to give me a sketch on the back of a napkin and expect me to deliver a code compliant building meeting every idea that they imagined was outlined in the sketch.
> 
> You don't do business the way you expect a helix consultant to. Perhaps that is why you do your own work.

I assume you are speaking hypothetically here. In my own situation, I decided that I understood my business and what I wanted well enough to design it myself rather than paying someone to build it. But that was the choice I made because of my unique situation. On the other hand, I contracted out to a consultant to build my website. I maintain it myself (within my business) because he wanted to charge me an hourly rate for maintenance.

> You expect us to take our own time to design a solution for you and then tell you what it would cost for us to build that design. If you don't like the cost you say no and we loose the money we invested in building a quote for you.

Wade, that isn't what I said. What I said is that if the job and requirements are simple, then you can quote for free from there. But if the requirements are complex, then it makes sense to have an initial project whose only purpose is to evaluate and define the scope of the main project. Especially if you can't make a reasonable estimate otherwise. You should bill for that. I was just giving you my preference against billing by the hour. I will invariably not consider someone who bills by the hour. Lawyers, I am stuck with.


> 
> When someone wants hair removed you charge them for developing the plan to do it and then charge them for the procedure. If they don't like the plan or the price they don't get the procedure but you get paid for your time in accessing their needs. This is something you see fit to charge for but refuse to pay for.

Hair removal is too simplistic so we don't charge for that (Your consult is Free!!!) but look at consults for aesthetic services. Usually you pay for the consult and that payment if often applied to any procedures if you plan to go forward. My dentist did the same thing many years ago when I first went to see him. That visit included Xrays. So paying up front for a "consult" isn't unreasonable. It is how you sell it that matters.

Steve