Rate differences between independent and consultancy contractors

[Taita]

I would go so far as saying that they are paying for a _consistent_ service. Whether that's consistently bad or otherwise, it's a full service where everyone is working to the same methodology, they have their own internal hierarchy so fewer disputes over what they are doing and how they are doing it, and if there is a slip in planning and the project needs more bodies then they can effortlessly add to the pool more people of a similar mindset.

Correct: The client is ostensibly paying for a much more comprehensive service with a high level of legally enforceable responsibility and the ability/back-up to see a project through to conclusion. Shareholders (rightly or wrongly) tend to accept the consequences (good or bad) more readily if managers have passed the burden to 'consultants' rather than just supplementing headcount with freelance contractors.

[flamel]

Correct: The client is ostensibly paying for a much more comprehensive service with a high level of legally enforceable responsibility and the ability/back-up to see a project through to conclusion. Shareholders (rightly or wrongly) tend to accept the consequences (good or bad) more readily if managers have passed the burden to 'consultants' rather than just supplementing headcount with freelance contractors.

That's what the companies THINK they are getting but as we all know, even the big consultancies sometimes act like a bodyshop for anyone on their bench