#989455 - 02/12/04 02:56 PM
Consulting fees
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Bruce
Senior Member
Registered: 03/02/00
Posts: 127
Loc: Northport,ME USA
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I run a small studio in my area (+ live sound gigs) and I have been getting several calls lately from schools and churches, etc, to consult about designing sound and recording systems for these facilities. I have no idea what to charge for this service (I book my studio for around 50-75 buck an hour). I know that consulting can bring good money, I just want to be fair to everyone, me included. I will probably wind up helping with the install and training also.
Any ideas on where to start?
Thanks,
Bruce Boege
Limin Music
Northport, ME
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#989456 - 02/12/04 02:59 PM
Re: Consulting fees
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jackpine
Platinum Member
Registered: 02/11/01
Posts: 1855
Loc: Luck,WI
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To be honest...I do this kind of stuff for free. I'm in a small community and the goodwill generated by helping out the school and a few local churches has come back to me ten-fold.
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#989457 - 02/12/04 09:19 PM
Re: Consulting fees
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Bruce
Senior Member
Registered: 03/02/00
Posts: 127
Loc: Northport,ME USA
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Thanks for the response, jackpine:
I already (glady) do a lot of volunteer work in my community and have for 20 years. Frankly, I can't afford to do all of it free. I got 3 calls this week! I don't feel that it is right to put off my paying clients who are waiting for production so I can go and use half a day to help out another local church or school. I am looking for a balance here. I often offer my services (free) when I hear someone ask about a problem, but if they call me out of the blue and want to pay me it's another story. Some of these calls are not coming from my direct community anyway.
NEXT!!!!!!!
thanks,
Bruce
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#989458 - 02/13/04 07:54 AM
Re: Consulting fees
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DallasPA
Senior Member
Registered: 11/27/02
Posts: 303
Loc: Reading, PA
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Bruce,
My business is similiar to what you are doing I have a studio/professional sound counsulting business. Depending on the client and whats needed I generally charge anywhere from $50 to $150 per hour for my initial consult. Unless I am sure it is a sure sell, I get it upfront. If they convince me that they are not lookie lous I charge nothing upfront but still work my consulting fee in to the price of the purchases and installation.
Believe me, most people will not respect you or precieve as a professional if they don't have to pay for your services!!!!!
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#989459 - 02/13/04 10:39 AM
Re: Consulting fees
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Bruce
Senior Member
Registered: 03/02/00
Posts: 127
Loc: Northport,ME USA
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DallasPA:
I totally agree with you about people not respecting you if they don't pay something. It's called percieved value I believe.
Your fee spread is just about the range I was thinking in. Thanks for the reply!!
regards,
Bruce
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#989460 - 02/13/04 10:08 PM
Re: Consulting fees
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ani
MP Hall of Fame Member
Registered: 10/26/03
Posts: 2294
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Originally posted by jackpine:
To be honest...I do this kind of stuff for free. I'm in a small community and the goodwill generated by helping out the school and a few local churches has come back to me ten-fold.
I've been a bit hard on you at times over in Collab Corner; my apologies. You are obviously a good man. I still say that Disc Makers can match your spin off... but I must admit, your heart is in the right place!
And I agree with the ten-fold in return for good deeds in the right places. Also, I've learned that if you make the time to provide goodwill in the name of God, God will hand that time back to you or provide services in return in other specialties that you would otherwise have to contract and pay for.
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#989461 - 02/14/04 01:23 AM
Re: Consulting fees
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Valkyrie Sound
Platinum Member
Registered: 01/01/01
Posts: 1878
Loc: LA, CA, UNITED STATES
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All fees aside.....
Just remember a few things about contracting:
1. Liability is HIGH
It doesn't matter if you do it for free or not... if you specify a loudspeaker and rigging and that system falls on someone 10 years from now YOU will be sued an held 100% responsible. If anyone electrocutes themselves 5 years from now doing something stupid... YOU will be sued. You WILL be the first person they come after if ANYTHING goes wrong. Contracting is an easy gig to get... but it will follow you the rest of your life. Most contractors I know have to document every screw and bolt they're using all the way back to the site where they mined the mineral ore!  Really! They pay for CERTIFIED riggers for everything. There's a reason these contracting gigs are so easy to get.... if you want to do it the right way... it's a pain. If you do this the lazy way it can come back and nip you in the a$$.... big time.
2. On the more practical side.... remember you have to support this system for years.... repairs more training etc. I've seen many a sound system poorly installed and supported. It takes a huge amount of time.
Enjoy!
Valky
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#989462 - 02/14/04 01:40 AM
Re: Consulting fees
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jackpine
Platinum Member
Registered: 02/11/01
Posts: 1855
Loc: Luck,WI
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Thanks Ani.... still can't beat me on the CD prices tho...apples to apples. 
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#989463 - 02/14/04 09:33 PM
Re: Consulting fees
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ani
MP Hall of Fame Member
Registered: 10/26/03
Posts: 2294
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Originally posted by jackpine: Thanks Ani.... still can't beat me on the CD prices tho...apples to apples.
Also, let me know the exact spec's you'd like the graphic's set to for the inserts on the Collab CD. Right now, I'm just using a 6" x 6" set up. Depending on whether or not the front cover needs a lip for the side edge; I'll need to know the exact diminsion in either inches or pixels so to add it on to the front cover graphic. You can let me know what you need via private email. anifa@musicbizbuzz.net
Back to the topic here:
Valky has a very valid point as to liabilities. If doing the work as a charitable contribution; be sure to have the organization sign a release that relieves you of liability. Have them assume all responsibility for damages, injuries, and etc. that might result from the use of your equipment and/or services. They should not have any problems in doing this since your benevolence is for their benefit. If indeed they do have a problem in assuming the liability and releasing you from any repercussions, then you should not do the job for free.
If you are contracting your services for hire, build the insurances required into your fees. Also, again you might wish to see if the organizations would be willing to sign a release, as stated above, to avoid the extra costs in services. You would need to confirm with the organization that "their" insurance coverage covered the works of private contractors as well (whenever the service was fee based)
When doing charitable works, keep in mind that charitable contributions are deductible on income tax returns up to a certain percentage of your annual income; this includes time, services donated, mileage, lodging, and other expenses incurred. You might have to wait until the end of the year to claim your pay, but if you know your tax privileges, your time is not FREE even when it's donated to charity. A good accountant can actually work the tax laws in your favor.
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