Join or sign in Register for your free TechRepublic membership or if you are already a member, sign in using your preferred method below. Use Your Email Use FacebookUse Linkedin

Side Jobs

Locked

I currently work for a small company and handle EVERYTHING computer related. Last year I received my MCSE. I like my place of employment I’m givin pretty much total control. The problem is the pay. It sucks. Recently I’ve been doing side jobs for other small businesses but I’m not sure what to charge. One business in particular, a restaurant, wants me to set up a wireless network for there customers to get access to the internet. Can anyone tell me what to charge? Has anyone been in a similar situation and had these side jobs turn into a full time business?

Thanks,
Ted

Topic

Side Jobs

In reply to Side Jobs

$50-$80/hour depending on your client I guess.

Side Jobs

In reply to Side Jobs

The question was auto-closed by TechRepublic

Side Jobs

In reply to Side Jobs

While it would seem easy to just toss out a number, that is not the best approach.

You need to do some market research.

First, determine what the billing rates are for similar skills being offered by the larger consulting/services firms in your area.

Then determine what the smaller one-or-two person shops are charging.

At this point, you can set your rates somewhere near what the small shops are charging, and adjust your rates depending upon the volume of business.

You might also want to consider fomring an alliance with one of the small shops. Find someone you like and feel you can work with, offer to form a business relationship where you have your own clients, but run the billing and parts through them, in exchange fora percentage of the billings. In turn, they can pass through some of their overflow or after hours work to you. They benefit becuase they can list you and your certification as available staff when pursuing new business.

Anything you work out should be in writing.

I’ve had a similar relationship for several years, and it can work very well.

Humbly submitted,
diabetic

Side Jobs

In reply to Side Jobs

The question was auto-closed by TechRepublic

Side Jobs

In reply to Side Jobs

It’s one of those things where you start lower and as you build a reputation and track record that you know how much an hour you can charge. I’d try for 40-60 for your first job, and then if you are successful then you ask for a small 2-3$ increaseon the next one, when you continue to do that you’ll find yourself in a very nice range.
By then you may have enough to quit your day job.

Side Jobs

In reply to Side Jobs

The question was auto-closed by TechRepublic

Side Jobs

In reply to Side Jobs

Why don’t you start with 60$ to 65$ an hour. When you become more established, you might be able to command more. (like 80) – There’s lots of good books out there on doing things like this

The Computer Consultant’s Workbook — Janet Ruhl
This is one you can start with. Janet has several books on the subject. .. Rick

Side Jobs

In reply to Side Jobs

The question was auto-closed by TechRepublic

Side Jobs

In reply to Side Jobs

This question was auto closed due to inactivity

[Author]

Replies