Re:How to charge clients: flat fee vs. hourly rate?
by tptacek on Sunday August 21, 2011 @09:20PM
(#2910876)
We probably don't disagree.
I am making a tactical point, and you are making a strategic point.
Strategically: of course you should structure your interactions with clients so that you are paid for your time, ideas, and strategy.
Tactically: avoid being that firm that wants money just to provide a proposal.
We are literally just talking about different ways to word things.
And while I totally believe your firm "turned around" once you started asking people to pay to get proposals, in my universe, the first purchase order you get from a client comes with multiple weeks of legal negotiation over an MSA. Nobody is going to do that casually.
I am making a tactical point, and you are making a strategic point.
Strategically: of course you should structure your interactions with clients so that you are paid for your time, ideas, and strategy.
Tactically: avoid being that firm that wants money just to provide a proposal.
We are literally just talking about different ways to word things.
And while I totally believe your firm "turned around" once you started asking people to pay to get proposals, in my universe, the first purchase order you get from a client comes with multiple weeks of legal negotiation over an MSA. Nobody is going to do that casually.