Independent consulting prices

laloosh

Since I don't have any professional experience and can't seem to get a job without it, I figure I've got nothing to lose by creating my own opportunities for experience.

So I'm curious to know who has done this, and more importantly, what is considered a reasonable rate. Do you charge by the hour? By the type of service provided?

I checked out the Geek Squad and it looks like they charge flat rates anywhere from $49.99 to $299.99. I'm just trying to gauge what would be a fair starting point.

netBooger

When I did consulting for a short period of time I charged $30 an hour as a base rate. Then beyond just the basic stuff the price varied.

xenodamus

Depends on what exactly you mean by consulting. What is it that you plan on doing? I do PC repair/Network stuff on the side and charge $50/hr if I have to work onsite.

NetAdmin2436

Generally whatever you would want to make per hour as a full time employee with full benefits, you double it as a contractor. So if you'd be comfortable with $15/hr full time, then charge $30/hr as a contractor, since you have to pay for your own benefits, taxes, social security and all that jazz.

I don't know about your experience and background, but I'd say $30/hr would be a good starting point for someone just starting out. I wouldn't go any lower than that though, you don't want to seam 'too cheap'.

For reference, I have roughly 7 years experience and have my certifications (listed to the left) and I charge $50/hr to a handful of small businesses.

laloosh

For now my focus will be mostly on in-home troubleshooting, installation, repair, etc. Nothing too complicated, since I'm not really qualified to do much other than the basics right now.

I'm guessing cost of living is a big factor. I live just north of Los Angeles (still in L.A. County), and I had people telling me $75/hour would be low-balling myself.

Hyper-Me

Just tell clients that you will undercut their current provider by 10-15%.