How to charge for consultation

[scovilletech]

What is a good/fair way to charge for consultation? I have a business customer who I did some work for. She called today with viruses. She is pretty tech savvy, so I was able to help/advise her over the phone for about 30 minutes. Any thoughts?

[Xander]

I'd take your on-site rate (eg. $80), reduce it for not needing to travel/use gas (e.g. -$20), and charge for the half-hour ($30).

I don't mind spending a few minutes on the phone with someone but, generally, after 10 minutes I warn them that I'll need to start the clock.

[scovilletech]

Sounds good. My onsite is $85 and offsite is $60. I was thinking around $30 or so. Just haven't done this before.

[Xander]

One thing to consider is whether or not they knew they were on the clock. You might find yourself eating the loss for the sake of keeping a good customer (we all do it from time to time) but educating her that your time is your lifeblood.

[scovilletech]

Absolutely! In this case, she suggeated that I charge for consulting. I was just helping her out since yesterday was impossible for me to get up there and she is tech savvy enough to handle things. She even told me that she didn't want me to think that she was taking advantage of my knowledge.

[YeOldeStonecat]

I'd still without question charge for that kind of time...
Our minimum charge for an onsite is 1 hour at 125/hour for basic break/fix...higher rates for higher skillset stuff (active directory stuff, etc). Plus 1x way travel time. But for remote calls/remote support/phone support...drops to 100/hour, and we'll do 30 minute minimum charge.

They are still using your services...you dedicated 30 minutes of your time to her (plus if you used your cell phone..ate at your monthly plan..gotta cover that).