Found a great contract work site

themagicone

AFAIK They don't take fees from contractors. The people offering work pay a % of the payment. That what I was told anyways.

2E151

themagicone wrote: »

AFAIK They don't take fees from contractors.

That sounds like a good deal for the contractors.

themagicone

I forgot the other part though, I was multitasking and forgot to add: It's nice until you realize that they cut the payment amount by X amount to cover their fees. You don't pay fees out of what you get paid, but you got paid less to cover the fees. I'm doing work directly for a company now due to this and I'm getting around 20% more over what they would send me in WM.

Priston

Everyone wrote: »

Hmm, an hour after signing up, I got an assignment sent to me, flat fee of $200 to run 3 CAT5e drops of approximatey 120ft each in a town about an hour drive from me. They want me to provide the cable too... pfft.

Not my kind of work, so I declined.

a 1000ft box of cable can cost around $200

themagicone

Priston wrote: »

a 1000ft box of cable can cost around $200

Where you buying a 1000 ft of Cat 5e for $200? I've never paid more than $50-60. Bulk Cable, Network Cables, Audio Video Cables, Cat5E, HDMI Cables, Computer Cables, Networking Cables and Structured Wiring, Fiber Optic and more!, monocable.com etc Now, if it's plenum that may be a different story.

mattlee09

themagicone wrote: »

Where you buying a 1000 ft of Cat 5e for $200? I've never paid more than $50-60. Bulk Cable, Network Cables, Audio Video Cables, Cat5E, HDMI Cables, Computer Cables, Networking Cables and Structured Wiring, Fiber Optic and more!, monocable.com etc Now, if it's plenum that may be a different story.

Well, if the job has some sort of desired timeline, I could see having to go to Home Depot or Lowes to get a box of cable. You can bet that'll be pricey (whether it's $200 or higher/lower, haven't looked in awhile..)

Not to mention wall plates, jacks, etc. I usually charge $150 a run minimum, and that's in ideal conditions, not messing with raceway and junk like that. Doing things the right way costs everyone money, but is usually worth it.

ScottFern

I just tried to register and I never received the confirmation email. Yes, I checked my gmail spam folder.

cgrimaldo

ScottFern wrote: »

I just tried to register and I never received the confirmation email. Yes, I checked my gmail spam folder.

I'm having the same problem. I forwarded my "approved for work" email they sent and asked for assistance. I'll let you know what I get back.

instant000

I've only been sent stuff for printers and what not. I've not accepted any of the assignments, as they keep sending them during my work hours.

esswok

This may possibly be a Middle school class project.
The level of intelligence of who ever creates “TASKS” is lower than that of a newly divorced wealthy lady that just lost her help staff, and has never been to the super market herself.

I was just offered a “task”
1 printer repair
@ a
US Air force base =(from the gate (getting on base and to destination)= 1~?? Hours.)
Then locate parts at some USAF , PX desk???, pay any additional parts fee's (get reimbursed later).
The location 100 mile drive 1 way
Their offer of pay $75.00 (but not deductions)

(edit)
the DAILY humor report

theitpro

I wonder do you have to fill out a 1099 for this type of work?

themagicone

You want a good laugh a day? Sign up for Electronics Field Service | Independent Field Service Technicians | FieldSolutions! Just got one here:

Order for (2) Complete On Wall Installations of TV's sizes 50 inch and 50+ inches. The second part of the installation is to terminate (2) existing coax lines. The first installation will be in the basement above a fireplace on drywall. There is not drop-ceiling or access above the room to run the cables. The customer is okay with providing patch and repair work on the drywall in order to run the cables in-wall and install the electrical outlet relocation kit. Techs are to install the relocation kit, run low-voltage cables in-wall, mount the TV, and connect all video components (cable box, DVD, etc.). The second installation will be on the main floor and will consist of relocating an electrical outlet above a fireplace on drywall. There is attic access directly above the room of the installation. The TV had been previously mounted but the customer will have the TV dismounted prior to the arrival of Zip technicians. Techs are to relocate the electrical outlet, run low-voltage cables in-wall, mount the TV and reconnect all video components (cable box, DVD, etc.). Finally, the technicians are to terminate and ensure operation of (2) prewired coax lines in the basement bedrooms.

All that for $450. There is almost 2 days amount of work there, not to mention you're going to need to have a 2nd person with you (that you have to pay for out of the $450) <-- This is required per WO

**_All TV installations over 37 inch require 2 techs, provided by you.

I wouldn't touch that for less than $600 to $700.

ScottFern

cgrimaldo wrote: »

I'm having the same problem. I forwarded my "approved for work" email they sent and asked for assistance. I'll let you know what I get back.

The confirmation email is now working and being sent.

Everyone

Bringing this back up... This site may actually do something for me now. Up until now, I'd only received offers for little jobs that I don't care to do. Mostly stuff like go fix some consumer PC or laptop for someone who lives out in the middle of nowhere, or go fix a POS device at some store in the middle of nowhere. Usually some flat fee of $60-$80, not worth my time.

Yesterday I was contacted through this site for project involving upgrading an SBS2003 server to a full blown 2008 AD + Exchange 2010 environment. The company wanting the work done is some big national firm that has a new customer in my area, but they don't have anyone in my area to contract the work out to. The customer is some small medical company that has outgrown SBS.

I spent some time talking with the Project Services Manager at the Technology Services company that is looking to subcontract the work out today. I made it clear that I work full time, and am just looking for some small projects here and there for some extra income. We agreed on $70/hr as my rate. Once he checks out my references, I should get the project.

It should be a pretty fun (and easy for me) project. I'll have to go in, evaluate their current environment, architect a new environment, submit the design for approval, then implement whatever gets approved. After implementation, I hand it over to their IT staff, which sounds like it's just 1 guy.

N2IT

Fixed contract for the seller equals high risk. I wouldn't touch that unless the contract was T&M based.

Everyone

N2IT wrote: »

Fixed contract for the seller equals high risk. I wouldn't touch that unless the contract was T&M based.

I'm not sure what you mean. I won't touch any of the flat free contracts. No way I'm accepting $50-$100 to fix something that could end up taking several hours to fix. Which is why I said the usual garbage I get sent from this site is not worth my time. The one I'm considering here is an hourly rate, $70/hr. I'll get paid for however many hours the project actually takes.

N2IT

Everyone wrote: »

I'm not sure what you mean. I won't touch any of the flat free contracts. No way I'm accepting $50-$100 to fix something that could end up taking several hours to fix. Which is why I said the usual garbage I get sent from this site is not worth my time. The one I'm considering here is an hourly rate, $70/hr. I'll get paid for however many hours the project actually takes.

That is my exact point. Fixed contract is only good for a standard contract that has been scoped properly and well defined. These one off run arounds involve a high level of risk for the seller (you). If your scope of work increases as it likely could your profit just decreased and your cost went up. It's no wonder these buyers are throwing fixed rate contracts out there. They can forecast their cost accurately and could careless if the "projected time and cost increases".

themagicone

I've had a lot of luck with workmarket lately. I've done around 30 jobs in the last 2 months. Just finished up installing a ASR 1002 and 3825 Router for a large company. Got $40/hour on that. Last 3 weeks I've closed on about $1800 to $2500 in work.

Forsaken_GA

N2IT wrote: »

Fixed contract for the seller equals high risk. I wouldn't touch that unless the contract was T&M based.

Well, it depends. I've been following Alan Weiss's advice for a few years, and I won't accept hourly rate contracts anymore. I'll scope the project appropriately, and give me fee for the entire project. Most companies don't realize it, but it's better for them. No unexpected costs, if the money is budgeted, it's budgeted, simple as that. It also provides the contractor to finish the work as quickly as possible so they can move on to their next gig. I'll admit, when I was doing hourly contract work, there were times when I took longer than I had to in order to increase my bottom line.

However, the contractor has to know their worth in the market, and not undercharge, and you have to estimate your costs appropriately. After all, it's not what you make on a job that matters... it's what you get to keep.

Essendon

Forsaken_GA wrote: »

After all, it's not what you make on a job that matters... it's what you get to keep.

So true!

N2IT

Forsaken_GA wrote: »

Well, it depends. I've been following Alan Weiss's advice for a few years, and I won't accept hourly rate contracts anymore. I'll scope the project appropriately, and give me fee for the entire project. Most companies don't realize it, but it's better for them. No unexpected costs, if the money is budgeted, it's budgeted, simple as that. It also provides the contractor to finish the work as quickly as possible so they can move on to their next gig. I'll admit, when I was doing hourly contract work, there were times when I took longer than I had to in order to increase my bottom line.

However, the contractor has to know their worth in the market, and not undercharge, and you have to estimate your costs appropriately. After all, it's not what you make on a job that matters... it's what you get to keep.

I would agree if you have the time to plan the project, but if you are just taking some random one off work effort, then T&M would make the most sense. It's a great short term solution for both parties. T&M contracts are fairly easy to draft as well.

I agree though, if you take the time to plan and create your scope, cost, and schedule baselines you are in shape to discuss other contract types. Are you going with a fixed price with fee added or cost plus with fee?

Just curious I like to learn from other peoples experiences as well as sharing mine.

Dsmith81

Seems like an interesting site, I will check it out.

Forsaken_GA

N2IT wrote: »

I agree though, if you take the time to plan and create your scope, cost, and schedule baselines you are in shape to discuss other contract types. Are you going with a fixed price with fee added or cost plus with fee?

I tend to go at it the other way, fee plus cost. I expect the client to pay for reasonable expenses (ie, coach airfare, reasonable hotel room... if i want to fly first class or get a suite, then I'll cover the difference in price). I don't charge a per diem for food or anything like that, just what it will actually cost me to come on site (I have to eat one way or the other, so it doesn't sit right with me charging for it). Likewise, I expect them to purchase their own hardware/software with the necessary support contracts if they want them. Alot of the work I do doesn't require travel, so that simplifies it even more.

I try to keep my costs as low as possible, so I get to keep more of my money. This simplifies everything for everyone around. Companies are alot happier if they can just pay out a fixed amount and not have to worry about any further expenses. I also offer a 10% discount if they pay my entire fee up front, otherwise, I want half up front, and the other half 30 days later.

I also don't screw around with binding contracts (non-disclosure agreements, I'm fine with). Contracts don't actually protect either party. Unless you're talking about some serious cheddar, it'll usually cost you more in legal fees to get them enforced if a company decides not to pay you than you'd make on the entire deal. So screen your clients carefully, and if you get even a whiff of shadiness, don't work with them. If both parties have integrity, then contracts aren't necessary.

echo465

Ugh, I don't understand this site. A transcript straight from Cisco or Comptia isn't good enough, but an uploaded .jpg of the certificate is?

I did get my first work offer though. Apparently I'm supposed to use the skills I gained from earning my Security+ certification to replace a circuit board in a TV.

ptilsen

Got myself setup on the site, but skipped the drug test, background check, bank account. Uploaded my certs downloaded from CompTIA and MS and sent them access to my MCP transcripts. I got my first offer today. It was $65 to drive 100 miles south (and back, of course) and setup a printer. I put my minimum rate as $75/hr.

Sadly, this offer was much, much closer to the mark than anything I've seen on Freelancer.

themagicone

Those who are on WM in the Twin Cities/MN... PM me. I have PM'ed a few people already but anyways, there is a good size project coming up next month that I can get a few people on. Got a few people in line already but I am getting new stuff all the time. This month has been slow but it will pick up. If you have any questions on offers on WM, ask me. I've done work for a few of the big name companies so I have an idea of what they are willing to pay. I.E., if you get an offer from Tolt Service Group - forget about it, they won't pay nothing.

joshmadakor

echo465 wrote: »

Ugh, I don't understand this site. A transcript straight from Cisco or Comptia isn't good enough, but an uploaded .jpg of the certificate is?

I did get my first work offer though. Apparently I'm supposed to use the skills I gained from earning my Security+ certification to replace a circuit board in a TV.

lolol

Everyone

Man do I need to cut-out the middle man...

I just got a copy of the proposal going to the customer... the labor charges in the bid come out to roughly $193/hr! When I was contacted, I asked for $75/hr, they asked if $70/hr would be ok, spouting off some BS about how they need to make a little off it too, blah blah blah whatever. Sounded good to me. Easy project for me, doing everything after hours.

So yeah the MSP is charging the customer over 2.5 times what I am billing them for, that's one hell of a profit margin.

cyberguypr

Everyone wrote: »

Man do I need to cut-out the middle man...

I just got a copy of the proposal going to the customer... the labor charges in the bid come out to roughly $193/hr! When I was contacted, I asked for $75/hr, they asked if $70/hr would be ok, spouting off some BS about how they need to make a little off it too, blah blah blah whatever. Sounded good to me. Easy project for me, doing everything after hours.

So yeah the MSP is charging the customer over 2.5 times what I am billing them for, that's one hell of a profit margin.

Oh my. I am toying with doing some consulting/small projects for 2012 and was looking into these people. Note to self: Start a consulting company instead.

instant000

themagicone wrote: »

I've had a lot of luck with workmarket lately. I've done around 30 jobs in the last 2 months. Just finished up installing a ASR 1002 and 3825 Router for a large company. Got $40/hour on that. Last 3 weeks I've closed on about $1800 to $2500 in work.

You're getting between $600 and $833 per week in side work, how many hours does this take? The offers I've seen, the math isn't there for me.

Anyone found anything legitimate in San Antonio yet?

It hasn't been worth my time to go repair the POS in Gamestop, or to repair a dot-matrix printer. I'd rather spend my time working on this Task 4 Paper for LHT2 (Cyberlaw) that I've been working on for what seems like two months now ... or watching videos for CEH. The money isn't justified yet for me.