Am I undercharging?

[Tech Savvy]

I have no idea what other companies are charging for network configurations. I’ve learned my time through a lot of trial and error. Lately every network config job I submit an estimate for its approved within 2-3 days.

Everyone is pretty much different so I don’t reuse configs and most of them are Cisco appliances which is my bread and butter.

So when giving an average estimate For a generic firewall setup with camera network, voip network, inside, and possibly WiFi network . With a remote vpn that authenticates locally, and a certificate installed , and UTM setup I estimate between 20-30 hours and this works very well for me.

Simpler installs I.e. only one data network. I tend to charge 10-15 hrs

With the more complex ones: LDAP integration, multi-site VPNs ... etc north of 30 hours.

I know this is a general question, but where do I stand? My hourly is a little lower for the area. $120/hr and competitors are anywhere from 100-200/hr. Average being 150. But I think to normalize the estimates it’s easier just to say hours.

P.s. this is just for the firewall config, not for the entire network setup (switches, APs, ... etc)

 

[Slaters Kustum Machines]

If you are getting business and are happy with the pay, leave it alone. Otherwise move to the $150 area.

 

[Markverhyden]

The numbers do not sound out of line to me.

 

[Your PCMD]

Exactly what @Slaters Kustum Machines said above. There is no competition if your happy with your pay and are maintaining business.

 

[NETWizz]

You are okay.

Here is how I do it:

One to Two hours of charting and diagramming an existing network if there is one that isn't being completely gutted.

One hour for planning and diagramming WiFi (includes configuration planning)
One hour for planning and diagramming VoIP (includes configuration planning)

Configuration/deployment/testing:
1 hour per switch
2 hours per router or Multi-Layer switch (static routing only)
3 hours per firewall

Add 1 hour per IGR or Area (for example OSPF or EIGRP). Each device that is an Area-Border-Router or an Antonymous-System-Border-Router add an extra hour.

Add 1 hour per WAN or Internet Circuit install.

************

Hence, let's say you are setting up a new site with WAN and Internet as well as VoIP and WiFi.... and 7 Switches in 2 closets and 6 APs.

Planning and Diagramming WiFi & VoIP 2 hours
You are looking at 2 hours for turn-Ups (Internet and WAN)
You are looking at 2 hours for the WAN router configureation
The WAN router is running BGP AND OSPF making it an ASBR with two routing protocols. (2 hours)
Another 2 hours for the multi-layer switch ... the CORE which is the head-end router for the firewall and has connectivity into your network.
That core surely runs an IGR like OSPF (+ 1 hour) with its neighbor that WAN router above.
Two physical closet locations (cabling etc. testing connectivity + 2 hours)
Seven switches (7 hours)
Another 3 hours for said firewall connecting to the Internet its zones etc.
First access point or controller +1 hour
Each additional AP 0.5 hours *5 more... 2.5 hours

Total 26.5 hours