TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
Subject:Re: Contract rates From:Len Olszewski <saslpo -at- UNX -dot- SAS -dot- COM> Date:Mon, 25 Oct 1993 16:46:54 -0500
Kelly Hoffman on how to charge for your contracting time:
> When you're earning a flat rate (rather than an hourly wage), the IRS is
> apparently more willing to believe you're a contracter or a consultant,
> not a company employee... Or so I've been told; your mileage may vary. :-)
> This would be another reason for a company to prefer a flat rate.
Back in the days when I was a consultant, I always bid flat rate. Be
sure to define your deliverables very well in a signed contract attached
to your proposal. The key words you should remember - "repeat business",
and "follow-on work". Keep your clients happy; the second and third
contracts are a lot more profitable than the first, not the least reason
being you have no promotional expenses, and a much smaller startup.
|Len Olszewski, Technical Writer |"Never give anything a name that you|
|saslpo -at- unx -dot- sas -dot- com|Cary, NC, USA|might have to eat." -Klingon Proverb|
|---------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Opinions this ludicrous are mine. Reasonable opinions will cost you.|
