Originally posted by TommyQ
View Post
- Visitors can check out the Forum FAQ by clicking this link. You have to register before you can post: click the REGISTER link above to proceed. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below. View our Forum Privacy Policy.
- Want to receive the latest contracting news and advice straight to your inbox? Sign up to the ContractorUK newsletter here. Every sign up will also be entered into a draw to WIN £100 Amazon vouchers!
Double Billing 2 Clients
Collapse
X
-
-
Originally posted by TommyQ View PostFor client A - I normally charge my client for the time the automated test is running. They are paying for my expertise and I have to monitor the tests regularly. If there's a failure, I'm expected to triage, escalate, repair and restart testing as soon as possible. It's sort of a "firefighter" type role. I have other roles for that client, but usually get that done earlier in the day.
Currently, I do not double bill the clients at all, which makes for ridiculously long days. For the most part, my day is either working for one client or the other. It's only during those 3 hours that I really am working for both clients. I don't feel it's unethical to charge both for that time, but maybe I'm wrong? I don't want to do anything illegal and lose a contract.
That being said, I wouldn't lose much sleep over it, ethical or not. You wouldn't be the first, nor will you be the last business to engage in double billing.
Large consultancies would do this without blinking, not just in IT too.
So your little 3 hours every now and again is not the crime of the century.
It's up to you though, some will be outraged at what I've just put.
And if you get caught, then there is a good chance you'll get terminated.Last edited by jmo21; 21 March 2014, 13:45.Comment
-
Originally posted by jmo21 View PostThe long days are neither clients problem.
That being said, I wouldn't lose much sleep over it, ethical or not. You wouldn't be the first, nor will you be the last business to engage in double billing.
Large consultancies would do this without blinking, not just in IT too.
So you little 3 hours every now and again is not the crime of the century.
It's up to you though, some will be outraged at what I've just put.
Forgetting the technicalities, will you get found out? I very much doubt it so up to your personal attitude to risk.
But I do think the fact you said you are billing hourly is the answer to this situation.'CUK forum personality of 2011 - Winner - Yes really!!!!Comment
-
I would bill both, simply because if it wasn't for the other client you would be billing for the time the automated systems ran.
And if you end up with only the automated client they may start asking why you didn't bill those two hours before.
However surely automated tests are well automated so could be run overnightmerely at clientco for the entertainmentComment
-
Originally posted by northernladuk View PostBut I do think the fact you said you are billing hourly is the answer to this situation.
If we were talking about a day rate, I'd have a slightly different view, as above; especially if you're not rigid in terms of starting at 9/finishing at 5 religiously.Comment
-
no you can't bill for the running of an automated test as "time", but you can bill for the wear and tear on your computer and the electric bill as "materials".
If you spend time looking at the automated test, you can bill that.Last edited by BlasterBates; 24 March 2014, 14:18.I'm alright JackComment
-
Watch the output of both automated scripts as they fly past in separate windows (stacked side-by-side).
Then you can charge for both.
I wouldContracting: more of the money, less of the sh1tComment
-
Originally posted by TommyQ View PostHere's a little more information...
I am asking about US law. I couldn't find a good US contractor forum, so decided to try here.
I am hourly on both contracts.
For client A - I normally charge my client for the time the automated test is running. They are paying for my expertise and I have to monitor the tests regularly. If there's a failure, I'm expected to triage, escalate, repair and restart testing as soon as possible. It's sort of a "firefighter" type role. I have other roles for that client, but usually get that done earlier in the day.
Currently, I do not double bill the clients at all, which makes for ridiculously long days. For the most part, my day is either working for one client or the other. It's only during those 3 hours that I really am working for both clients. I don't feel it's unethical to charge both for that time, but maybe I'm wrong? I don't want to do anything illegal and lose a contract.
TQ
To be honest, until your question, I’ve never even questioned the legality or ethics of it myself.Comment
-
So if the OP is billing hourly and has an automated script that runs for 6 hours overnight. Does he bill for the 6 hours he is asleep? Does he buggery. I would certainly be making some charge for the reasons already been mentioned but billing for the hours it runs? I don't think so.
And it's not double billing, it's billing two clients.'CUK forum personality of 2011 - Winner - Yes really!!!!Comment
-
Agree with NLUK, if you're working at home billing for an automated test then that would mean contractors on site can knock off two hours early and claim the compile or their test is running, so they can still charge, or the garage mechanic can charge for 8 hours because he had the battery charger on overnight.
No-one will find out but it sure aint legal.I'm alright JackComment
- Home
- News & Features
- First Timers
- IR35 / S660 / BN66
- Employee Benefit Trusts
- Agency Workers Regulations
- MSC Legislation
- Limited Companies
- Dividends
- Umbrella Company
- VAT / Flat Rate VAT
- Job News & Guides
- Money News & Guides
- Guide to Contracts
- Successful Contracting
- Contracting Overseas
- Contractor Calculators
- MVL
- Contractor Expenses
Advertisers
Contractor Services
CUK News
- Streamline Your Retirement with iSIPP: A Solution for Contractor Pensions Sep 1 09:13
- Making the most of pension lump sums: overview for contractors Sep 1 08:36
- Umbrella company tribunal cases are opening up; are your wages subject to unlawful deductions, too? Aug 31 08:38
- Contractors, relabelling 'labour' as 'services' to appear 'fully contracted out' won't dupe IR35 inspectors Aug 31 08:30
- How often does HMRC check tax returns? Aug 30 08:27
- Work-life balance as an IT contractor: 5 top tips from a tech recruiter Aug 30 08:20
- Autumn Statement 2023 tipped to prioritise mental health, in a boost for UK workplaces Aug 29 08:33
- Final reminder for contractors to respond to the umbrella consultation (closing today) Aug 29 08:09
- Top 5 most in demand cyber security contract roles Aug 25 08:38
- Changes to the right to request flexible working are incoming, but how will contractors be affected? Aug 24 08:25
Comment