Jim Dettman
jimdettman at verizon.net
Thu Oct 4 10:38:56 CDT 2007
Rocky, That's my take here; if they want it bug free, I'll test the heck out of it, but they'll pay for all that testing. Jim. -----Original Message----- From: accessd-bounces at databaseadvisors.com [mailto:accessd-bounces at databaseadvisors.com] On Behalf Of Rocky Smolin at Beach Access Software Sent: Thursday, October 04, 2007 10:17 AM To: 'Access Developers discussion and problem solving' Subject: Re: [AccessD] consulting fees I charge straight time - including bug fixes. With many clients I tell them that when I write a routine I make it work with a straight path through the code. I'm the alpha tester. But there are many ways to run a form from the outside, many sequences of operation, and there will be bugs. And operational awkwardness that they want polished. So I give them the option - I can send it to them for testing and fix the bugs they find and change the procedures to suit them, or I can spend a lot of time testing all the combinations. I tell them, and I believe this, that it's more economical for them to test it. And more effective. I KNOW the right way to do everything because I wrote the form and the code. Users do the craziest things. And the program has to account for that. All my clients prefer to be the beta tester. They also understand that there will be bugs. And I've never had anyone complain about the additional cost it takes to make a program work perfectly. Time, yes. Cost, no. But I make it clear up front so there's no dispute later. Rocky -----Original Message----- From: accessd-bounces at databaseadvisors.com [mailto:accessd-bounces at databaseadvisors.com] On Behalf Of Lawrence Mrazek Sent: Thursday, October 04, 2007 7:01 AM To: 'Access Developers discussion and problem solving' Subject: Re: [AccessD] consulting fees Jim mentioned bug fixes ... Do we have opinions on whether you charge for them or not? Larry Mrazek LCM Research, Inc. www.lcm-res.com lmrazek at lcm-res.com ph. 314-432-5886 mobile: 314-496-1645 -----Original Message----- From: accessd-bounces at databaseadvisors.com [mailto:accessd-bounces at databaseadvisors.com] On Behalf Of Jim Dettman Sent: Thursday, October 04, 2007 7:50 AM To: 'Access Developers discussion and problem solving' Subject: Re: [AccessD] consulting fees Charlotte, <<You don't set enough value on your time, Jim. >> Hum...don't know about that. Long ago, my rate was approx double what it was now and it caused a multitude of problems. One of which was the never ending fight with some clients about what was considered billable or not. Every invoice I sent was checked and god forbid I took ten minutes to get a coffee and forget to deduct it. Bug fixes was another. Many times I got the "I'm not paying you $135/hr to make mistakes" comment. They expected everything to be fixed for free. Of course that meant everything needed to be documented to the hilt, which actually slowed down the pace of many projects. There is also the issue of resentment that you need to deal with. A lot of management and employees end up with the attitude that your "one of those" (highly paid consultants) instead of "one of them" (a guy trying to make a living). So quite some time ago, I cut my rate in half (has to be at least ten years). As a result, I have a lot less headaches, still make $100K per year, which is quite comfortable for where I live, have never been without full time work, and I have a lot of happy clients that I can deal with easily. There are of course some drawbacks, like never having enough free time to learn new things, etc, but I'm happy enough with the way things are. Jim. -----Original Message----- From: accessd-bounces at databaseadvisors.com [mailto:accessd-bounces at databaseadvisors.com] On Behalf Of Charlotte Foust Sent: Wednesday, October 03, 2007 5:37 PM To: Access Developers discussion and problem solving Subject: Re: [AccessD] consulting fees You don't set enough value on your time, Jim. I only offer that kind of a rate to non-profits or special buddies. My normal rate is (was, I haven't done any consulting lately) between $150 and $200 depending on how much they irritate me! LOL Charlotte Foust -----Original Message----- From: accessd-bounces at databaseadvisors.com [mailto:accessd-bounces at databaseadvisors.com] On Behalf Of Jim Dettman Sent: Wednesday, October 03, 2007 12:25 PM To: 'Access Developers discussion and problem solving' Subject: Re: [AccessD] consulting fees I must be cheap<g> as I'm charging $70/hr. Doesn't matter what I do; development, training, doc's, travel time, etc. I charge for my time and not the skill set. Jim. -----Original Message----- From: accessd-bounces at databaseadvisors.com [mailto:accessd-bounces at databaseadvisors.com] On Behalf Of Susan Harkins Sent: Wednesday, October 03, 2007 1:59 PM To: AccessD at databaseadvisors.com Subject: [AccessD] consulting fees I have a unique consulting opportunity and I want to make sure I don't under/over bid myself -- it's strictly for technical expertise -- not a development or writing project. I'd be reviewing technical content for technical accuracy, comprehension, and advice. This is much more than a technical editor -- they already have that -- but rather, I'd be acting as a technical advisor/collaborator. My consulting fees are $135 an hour, but I'm in Kentucky and no one ever even bats an eye. This company is in Texas. I don't do development work anymore, period. I don't want to be too nosy and ask you guys what you charge. Advice? Opinions? Insight? Susan H. -- AccessD mailing list AccessD at databaseadvisors.com http://databaseadvisors.com/mailman/listinfo/accessd Website: http://www.databaseadvisors.com -- AccessD mailing list AccessD at databaseadvisors.com http://databaseadvisors.com/mailman/listinfo/accessd Website: http://www.databaseadvisors.com -- AccessD mailing list AccessD at databaseadvisors.com http://databaseadvisors.com/mailman/listinfo/accessd Website: http://www.databaseadvisors.com -- AccessD mailing list AccessD at databaseadvisors.com http://databaseadvisors.com/mailman/listinfo/accessd Website: http://www.databaseadvisors.com -- AccessD mailing list AccessD at databaseadvisors.com http://databaseadvisors.com/mailman/listinfo/accessd Website: http://www.databaseadvisors.com No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.488 / Virus Database: 269.14.0/1048 - Release Date: 10/3/2007 8:22 PM -- AccessD mailing list AccessD at databaseadvisors.com http://databaseadvisors.com/mailman/listinfo/accessd Website: http://www.databaseadvisors.com