To people who do PC work, networks, Exchange, AD, wireless, etc. for small to medium size businesses

[Kremlar]

Our labor rate has remained the same for quite some time, and I feel it's time for an increase. Most consulting firms that aren't complete hack shops seem to charge considerably more than us.

We also charge the same labor rate for off-hour work. I think it's time to start charging a higher labor rate for weekend/evening work.

I'm also trying to come up with a way to implement these rate increases in as pleasing a way as possible. I'm considering making the rate increases active starting 10/1/06. My current plan is to note the labor increases on all invoices going out between now and 10/1/06 to inform our clients.

I don't think I like the idea of sending out a formal letter regarding the increase - seems it would almost bring TOO much attention to the change.

Any comments?


PS - we do general PC, network, wireless, remote access, etc. work for small to medium size business (from 2 PCs to 100 PCs).

 

[FoBoT]

i'm not sure your poll will be useful , it appears some other were thinking what i was thinking

 

[GrammatonJP]

Figure it this way..

in house tech - 60-75k a year... 1153.00 / 40 = 28.84 - 1142.30 / 40 = 36.05

So between 28.84 - 36.05 / hr.

Since you're outside, consider, no insurance, benefits, 401k, etc..... just double it or triple it = 86.52/hr - 108/hr

 

[NavJitsU4]

Originally posted by: GrammatonJP
Figure it this way..

in house tech - 60-75k a year... 1153.00 / 40 = 28.84 - 1142.30 / 40 = 36.05

So between 28.84 - 36.05 / hr.

Since you're outside, consider, no insurance, benefits, 401k, etc..... just double it or triple it = 86.52/hr - 108/hr

where the heck do you get a job like that? cuz, i'm an in home tech for circuit city and i get paid like 12$/hr

 

[Kremlar]

i'm not sure your poll will be useful , it appears some other were thinking what i was thinking

What do you mean?

 

[Kremlar]

Since you're outside

Outside?

 

[GrammatonJP]

Originally posted by: NavJitsU4
where the heck do you get a job like that? cuz, i'm an in home tech for circuit city and i get paid like 12$/hr

in house network/system admin ? no network guy i know will take less than 75k a year

in home tech? I didn't know circuit city offers exchange and ad integration

http://www.rfa.com/ - i got friends that works there.. they charge 150/hr

 

[JEDI]

Originally posted by: Kremlar
Our labor rate has remained the same for quite some time, and I feel it's time for an increase. Most consulting firms that aren't complete hack shops seem to charge considerably more than us.

We also charge the same labor rate for off-hour work. I think it's time to start charging a higher labor rate for weekend/evening work.

I'm also trying to come up with a way to implement these rate increases in as pleasing a way as possible. I'm considering making the rate increases active starting 10/1/06. My current plan is to note the labor increases on all invoices going out between now and 10/1/06 to inform our clients.

I don't think I like the idea of sending out a formal letter regarding the increase - seems it would almost bring TOO much attention to the change.

Any comments?


PS - we do general PC, network, wireless, remote access, etc. work for small to medium size business (from 2 PCs to 100 PCs).

um.. tell your client your rates are increasing.. bad suprises pisses off clients

 

[Kremlar]

um.. tell your client your rates are increasing.. bad suprises pisses off clients

Well, yeah - of course. Who said I wasn't?

I just said I don't like the formal letter idea, I'd rather note it on all outgoing invoices for the next 1.5 months.

Formal letters always come off as too dramatic (IMO) - "due to the increase costs of operating a business.... blah blah... gas prices... blah training... blah".

 

[Kremlar]

bump

 

[Kremlar]

last bump for good measure

 

[aircooled]

when we bring in a contractor at sever/network engineer level, we pay 125 per hour. this is an actual company though, not an idividual.

 

[jkersenbr]

I do $25/hour in shop (repairs and stuff) and $35/hour on-site. No extra charge for Saturday, and I don't do calls on Sunday.

It's a sideline business. Small town...no way I could make a living doing this here (at any rate)

 

[loup garou]

$160/hr, time and half for evening/weekend work. Discounted rate & quarterly rollover hours for annual contracts.

 

[PingSpike]

Just say gas prices have forced you to increase your rates. If they don't buy that, tell them that its because we're in a post-9/11 world.


Seriously, the dollar isn't worth as much anymore. You shouldn't feel bad about charging more. I suppose a formal letter is the most upfront way to handle it.

 

[Kremlar]

If they don't buy that, tell them that its because we're in a post-9/11 world.

Hah!

 

[MixMasterTang]

Why not just use rate increases to your advantage. You could send out a mass letter to everyone saying that your rates will increase on 10/1/06, but they are free to purcahse pre-paid time at your current rate that will still be valid after 10/1/06. Instant revenue and you don't have to worry about collecting money after the service work for those customers who decide to buy pre-paid time.