On-call : fee suggestions

[ChimpMaster]

I'm used to being on-call for specialist or occasional tasks, and being compensated for doing so. For example, a standing charge equal to 10% of daily rate would normally be applied for each day on-call. If actually called out, then an hourly fee (day rate/8) would be charged on top.

However, I'm in a situation now where the client does not wish to pay a standing charge. Instead, they will pay an hourly rate when called out, the rate being equal to 1.5 * my normal hourly rate.

I'm not keen on this, as it's possible to be on-call (24 hours) and take all the hassle, but not get called, and hence not get paid.

Has anyone here been on-call in this way?

[RasputinDude]

I have an on-call agreement with a couple of clients.

I have an agreed rate for each of during the day, evening (up to 11pm) and nights.

[eek]

I'm used to being on-call for specialist or occasional tasks, and being compensated for doing so. For example, a standing charge equal to 10% of daily rate would normally be applied for each day on-call. If actually called out, then an hourly fee (day rate/8) would be charged on top.

However, I'm in a situation now where the client does not wish to pay a standing charge. Instead, they will pay an hourly rate when called out, the rate being equal to 1.5 * my normal hourly rate.

I'm not keen on this, as it's possible to be on-call (24 hours) and take all the hassle, but not get called, and hence not get paid.

Has anyone here been on-call in this way?

What is the time frame for support is it drop everything and fix now or fix within 48 hours?

It sounds tulip and personally I wouldn't take it and that rate is low enough to be abused and so used often.

Personally I would be after 3-6x the standard hourly rate to stop getting support issues that other people could easily deal with.

[TraceRacing]

Tell them that you'll do it for that rate but that you cannot confirm if you will be available and the first time they call say you're too busy.... (sorry - playing golf, visiting my mum...)

They will either end the service or discuss a retainer for being on call.

They want the insurance but don't want to pay the premium.

Personally I'd tell them to take a hike...whould they be on call for nothing?

[tarbera]

they are having a laugh

I'm used to being on-call for specialist or occasional tasks, and being compensated for doing so. For example, a standing charge equal to 10% of daily rate would normally be applied for each day on-call. If actually called out, then an hourly fee (day rate/8) would be charged on top.

However, I'm in a situation now where the client does not wish to pay a standing charge. Instead, they will pay an hourly rate when called out, the rate being equal to 1.5 * my normal hourly rate.

I'm not keen on this, as it's possible to be on-call (24 hours) and take all the hassle, but not get called, and hence not get paid.

Has anyone here been on-call in this way?

No, Ask them if the pay there insurance for there car every month, or call the insurance company when they need to make a claim to arrange cover.

[psychocandy]

I did a contract a while back and they asked me to go on call. I told them they'd have to sort out with agency but they said they'd pay me an allowance same as permies. Hmmmm.

Not too keen but it was a decent contract otherwise so fair dos. Then I found out that I would only get my normal hourly rate for when I was on site if I got called. (i.e no travelling time). I lived an hours drive away so could have driven 100mile round trip spend 30mins in the office for £20 or something.

Queried this with the manager and he said yes that was the deal. Told them no way mateys.

[jmo21]

Agree with others, why on earth would anyone agree to on-call if they weren't getting paid the standing charge.

In fact I'm actually surprised a company would actually suggest this.

[northernladuk]

No, Ask them if the pay there insurance for there car every month, or call the insurance company when they need to make a claim to arrange cover.

A lesson in basic English wouldn't go amiss.

[tarbera]

A lesson in basic English wouldn't go amiss

A lesson in basic English wouldn't go amiss.

It would as I suffer from dyslexia

[psychocandy]

Agree with others, why on earth would anyone agree to on-call if they weren't getting paid the standing charge.

In fact I'm actually surprised a company would actually suggest this.

I guess it could be included as part of a contract. Then I guess its up to you taking all things into consideration if its worth doing or not?

Then again, having spent many years doing on call in a high pressure support environment, any amount for being on call is not enough. It ruins your life. :-(