What would you charge?

**tino** · 13 November 2008, 13:05

Originally posted by chicane View Post

This just dropped into my inbox from a pimp:

Normal day rate for this type of work would be £200-350 - what would you ask for on the basis that it's a one day contract?

Double

**Platypus** · 13 November 2008, 13:06

Originally posted by tino View Post

Double

If you're available, just get what you can but don't be greedy and lose the job

**d000hg** · 13 November 2008, 13:12

What can you get done in 1 day, if there is an existing code base? It can take longer than that just to get yourself set up with getting the projects to build out of CVS, let alone get to grips with the architecture.

If it's local to you, maybe a normal rate, plus a bit... depends how time-critical it is to the client.

**d000hg** · 13 November 2008, 13:12

In fact, sometimes it takes longer than a day just to get a desk with a PC you can log in to

**TheFaQQer** · 13 November 2008, 13:20

£450.

No idea really.

Are you interested / available? Is it convenient location- and skills-wise? Are you in contract elsewhere and have to take time out? Are you in need of a break and would rather not work?

**zara_backdog** · 13 November 2008, 13:20

Originally posted by d000hg View Post

What can you get done in 1 day, if there is an existing code base? It can take longer than that just to get yourself set up with getting the projects to build out of CVS, let alone get to grips with the architecture.

If it's local to you, maybe a normal rate, plus a bit... depends how time-critical it is to the client.

whs

What are they expecting to be completed in a day?

**chicane** · 13 November 2008, 13:21

Just to elaborate, I'm not currently available (thankfully) but just wondered what other people would look at charging for a one-off, one-day bit of work.

Like Tino, I'd look at charging around double normal rate (ie £500-600 for the day) and would have no reservations whatsoever about doing so - especially given the overhead of speaking to the pimp and client in advance of actually doing any work, along with the strong risk of finishing the work late in the day.

I also wouldn't be too bothered about burning bridges with the client by charging such a high amount - any client that wants one day of work performed at a time isn't likely to be dishing out and substantial amounts of work in future.

**tino** · 13 November 2008, 13:37

Originally posted by chicane View Post

Just to elaborate, I'm not currently available (thankfully) but just wondered what other people would look at charging for a one-off, one-day bit of work.

Like Tino, I'd look at charging around double normal rate (ie £500-600 for the day) and would have no reservations whatsoever about doing so - especially given the overhead of speaking to the pimp and client in advance of actually doing any work, along with the strong risk of finishing the work late in the day.

I also wouldn't be too bothered about burning bridges with the client by charging such a high amount - any client that wants one day of work performed at a time isn't likely to be dishing out and substantial amounts of work in future.

To be fair, it's likely to be a long day

**TheFaQQer** · 13 November 2008, 13:45

Originally posted by chicane View Post

Just to elaborate, I'm not currently available (thankfully) but just wondered what other people would look at charging for a one-off, one-day bit of work.

Like Tino, I'd look at charging around double normal rate (ie £500-600 for the day) and would have no reservations whatsoever about doing so - especially given the overhead of speaking to the pimp and client in advance of actually doing any work, along with the strong risk of finishing the work late in the day.

I also wouldn't be too bothered about burning bridges with the client by charging such a high amount - any client that wants one day of work performed at a time isn't likely to be dishing out and substantial amounts of work in future.

First thing I'd factor in is the cost to me of doing the work - if I'm unavailable, then obviously there is the cost of not working elsewhere.

Then there is the cost of preparation time, plus the likelihood of it being a longer day than usual.

Add in the cost of whether I could be @rsed to do anything for a one day engagement, or just stay at home.

By which time, I'd be far too expensive to bother even speaking to the pimp.

What would you charge?