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Fees and Options
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While I certainly enjoy the work of IT Consulting and teaching, this is a business
and I don't do it for free. There are fees. There are also options. I'm pretty
flexible. We'll begin by discussing what you have in mind, what issues you're facing,
and what you wish to accomplish. It's best if we talk about this in considerable
detail, as the more we understand each other the better. Once this is fairly clear,
we can discuss the fee arrangements.
Keep in mind what I call the "customer choice wheel" on the right. You may select two
of the three priorities from the wheel. There are always trade-offs. Recognizing
this up front is very important. As long as these trade-offs are considered and anticipated,
our project will go well.
About payment: Most people would not extend credit to someone else without first getting a
clear understanding of that person's ability and willingness to pay. Achieving that
understanding is the purview of bankers. I am not a banker. I don't like making
unsecured loans to clients who want me to work now and get paid later. It's for
this reason that I prefer the replenishable retainer. The initial retainer amount will be based
on an estimate. I will refund the unused balance or invoice additionally, depending on the
time and cost expended. Contact me to learn more.
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Project-based
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One consulting fee for the entire project.
When it is very clear what you want to accomplish and why, I will prepare a proposal that identifies our
responsibilities, your responsibilities, shared responsibilities, the time frame, the consulting fee,
and the terms and conditions. Out of pocket expenses like travel, lodging, meals, etc.
may not be included. These expenses are generally charged separately from the consulting fee. (It makes
everybody's accounting easier.) I don't charge for talking on the phone or via e-mail, I like to
know what's on your mind.
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Retainer-based
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The consulting fee is the same each month for a specified period of time.
A retainer basis is often used for long projects, or projects in which it is difficult to
anticipate how much time is going to be required, or when our role is to be available on an
as-needed (not full-time) basis. This arrangement provides flexibility to the customer
while avoiding the pitfalls of scope creep.
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Hourly-based
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You can hire me (and others on my team) for an hourly rate.
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