Should i be charging client for travel time and hotel expense

[Andy Hallett]

I was prepared to travel on my own expense but just checked with the agency and they said client will reimbursed all the expenses.

This is the correct way to do it. Ideally the client will cover costs not usually incurred. Also realise you are in business on your own account so be prepared to invest in the contract if they didn't.

PS The Mgt Consultancies rebill all travel to their clients normally.

[northernladuk]

So did I. My fees included all the costs of doing the gig, and you have to include those costs in your rate calculation/negotiation of course.

Exceptional expenses were passed on with their agreement, and were rarely a problem, but the key word is "exceptional". Getting to their office isn't.

I think this is a whoosh. He called out TheDude incorrectly for starting the thread which LM pointed out and he's standing by his comment tongue in cheek.

[malvolio]

No, I'm going to stand by my comments - it worked for me in management consulting for so many years!

So did I. My fees included all the costs of doing the gig, and you have to include those costs in your rate calculation/negotiation of course.

Exceptional expenses were passed on with their agreement, and were rarely a problem, but the key word is "exceptional". Getting to their office isn't.

[sdyson31]

No, I'm going to stand by my comments - it worked for me in management consulting for so many years!

I was prepared to travel on my own expense but just checked with the agency and they said client will reimbursed all the expenses.

[ConsultingTechArchitect]

Would you like to double check that?

No, I'm going to stand by my comments - it worked for me in management consulting for so many years!

[ladymuck]

I don't know, you made this post... maybe you can tell us?

Did they? Would you like to double check that?

[ConsultingTechArchitect]

Agreed - what is it about contracting that makes some people chase every penny?

I don't know, you made this post... maybe you can tell us?

[TheDude]

This. You are going to earn how much on this gig that you wouldn't have got in the old days? You are business, sometimes you have to cover the cost here and there.

You could make a great first impression or look like a problem before they've even met you. How much is the former worth?

Agreed - what is it about contracting that makes some people chase every penny?

[ladymuck]

It does all come down to what is in the contract.

If the travel is significant and you need to travel, say, on a Sunday to make sure that you're available on the Monday at the required time then I would charge for it. However if it's just a few hours on the train and an early start then I'd be less inclined to charge for it. When I lived on the South Coast and drove to Swindon for work I would turn up a little later on the Monday and leave at lunchtime on the Friday. You need to talk to your client about flexing hours to accommodate travel.

Regarding the hotel, that will need to be agreed with the client as the agency will just quote the contract at you. Usually there's a clause about no expenses unless with prior client agreement.

[TheDude]

I would pay for the travel and hotel myself but invoice the client for the bar tab and and adult entertainment.

[northernladuk]

If not Nope and even then I wouldn't be billing for a one off journey.

This. You are going to earn how much on this gig that you wouldn't have got in the old days? You are business, sometimes you have to cover the cost here and there.

You could make a great first impression or look like a problem before they've even met you. How much is the former worth?

[sdyson31]

Is the contract 100% remote.

If not Nope and even then I wouldn't be billing for a one off journey.

Yes, its fully remote.

[eek]

I have asked to attend the office on the first day of my contract. I was wondering if i should be charging client for travel time and hotel cost?

I have asked the agency and waiting for their feedback on this.

Is the contract 100% remote.

If not Nope and even then I wouldn't be billing for a one off journey.

[sdyson31]

I have asked to attend the office on the first day of my contract. I was wondering if i should be charging client for travel time and hotel cost?

I have asked the agency and waiting for their feedback on this.