How much would you charge?

I got a call from a customer of mine this morning. I've known him for 30 years and consider him my friend. He used to build, but now he mostly acts as a witness on construction default cases. He had several questions for me on the tile roof of one of his clients. Since I was installing another roof right next to the one in question when it was done, I was able to give him additional valuable information. The whole conversation took about 15 minutes. Afterwards, he invited me to send him a bill for consulting. I was thinking of somewhere around $130 to $150. How much would you charge?>>>

CIAK Said: Real Americans would ask this question Before borrowing money from a friend, decide which you need most. The same might apply in this case if you dont want to make it a business transaction. JSC has it right . Very wise advise JSC

Hey Jed I will acknowledge your reply because it has a tone of reconciliation , an olive branch a white dove . I'm stepping out on a thin limb here with you . If your name is Fracis Bacon born 1561 - 1626 you probably could claim it as yours. Then again I suppose it could be construed you were reincarnated . Not the 99 yr's old you claim . Hey next year you could be a Smuckers Jelly birthday boy . I would love to see that pic all the wrinkles and age spots mixed in with those " tats " Like a Dali or Chagall[object classid='clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000' width=320 height=280 object/][/param name='MOVIE' value='' param/][/param name='QUALITY' value='HIGH' param/][/param name='BGCOLOR' value='#ffffff' param/][/param name='allowscriptaccess' value='always' param/] [/object] painting :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: What would you say was your reason for such a long life ??? I was suspect , insidious would resonate with you Jed .Like a clapper to a bell or a coconut " white on the inside " Nam et ipsa scientia potestas est. Bacon :laugh: :silly: :woohoo:[object classid='clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000' width=320 height=280 object/][/param name='MOVIE' value='' param/][/param name='QUALITY' value='HIGH' param/][/param name='BGCOLOR' value='#ffffff' param/][/param name='allowscriptaccess' value='always' param/] [/object] [object classid='clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000' width=320 height=280 object/][/param name='MOVIE' value='' param/][/param name='QUALITY' value='HIGH' param/][/param name='BGCOLOR' value='#ffffff' param/][/param name='allowscriptaccess' value='always' param/] [/object] [size=5][/size]Trying to read between the lines :laugh: B)>>>

Did you attend grade school ciak? I did. I was a chronic truant admitidly, but during the limited time I spent there, I noticed amongst the little kids paintings and adages that typically adorn the walls of a childrens classroom, the one that proclaimed "Knowledge is power". ...........maybe that means refdesk got it from me......."I dunno" (sic)>>>

Mike I haven't done much consulting . If I have to I'll charge. I have been an expert witness . The going rate at the time $100.00 hour + expenses.

Gerry I thought about it some .I did quote Francis Bacon's " Knowledge is power " . I used that quote a lot throughout the topic Fire at one of my last rental . It is a great quote . You probably picked it up because you read Refdesk . I have a respect for you not only for your replies but the wisdom you exhibit by frequenting a web site I do. I love that site because it offers great ideas and information. >>>

CIAK Said: Hey Gerry Nice to know we frequent some of the same news outlets . It is just general advise quite simple and common . Wise advise wouldnt you say ? Nothing insidious. Quite lke saying hey dont put your hand on the burner when its hot . I hadnt noticed the frequency. Perhaps you can back that statement up with facts i dunno ;) :laugh: NO offence intended on my part

Your posts ARE the evidence, as is constantly pointed out.

Interesting you use the word insidious, if there were one word that comes to mind when I read your dirge it would be that one.

refdesk.com Great site, thanks.>>>

When I've done any consulting on a legal case, I've done it at a price of 250/hr with a 2 hr minimum.>>>

Hey Gerry Nice to know we frequent some of the same news outlets . It is just general advise quite simple and common . Wise advise wouldn't you say ? Nothing insidious. Quite lke saying " hey don't put your hand on the burner when it's hot ." I hadn't noticed the frequency. Perhaps you can back that statement up with facts " i dunno " ;) :laugh: NO offence intended on my part>>>

Chuck, "Before borrowing money from a friend, decide which you need most." I like Refdesk.com too. I notice you use their Quote of the Day quite a bit. >>>

It seems that you have information that no one else had. $250.00 sounds good to me. Hey, add another $1,000.00 and send us some: we helped!>>>

Good call wywoody :) ;)>>>

I decided to go for the $150. I could see how if you negotiated a fee before hand, the $250 would be a reasonable amount. But after I've just given it away for free, it might look like I'm taking advantage of the situation. Thanks guys.>>>

Real Americans would ask this question "Before borrowing money from a friend, decide which you need most." The same might apply in this case if you don't want to make it a business transaction. JSC has it right . Very wise advise JSC>>>

1 hr. minimum @ $250. Don't forget to charge for the time it takes to generate a bill, and the postage, ink, and envelopes. Oh, and any phone calls or faxes also. You know, like attornies do?

Bud or no bud this was a business service, the fee for which he will bill over to this client as a legitimate expense. It could also result in your being subpoenaed into court as an expert witness.>>>

If he was able to pass this charge on to his client I would have no problem with the $150. How about you just call and ask him what sounds right to him?>>>

150 equates to 600 an hour which is a pretty heavy consulting fee, timewise, so I think the value of the info imparted comes into play. Him being your friend should make it easier to come up with a number I think............then again if he was my mate I'd tell him to buy me a beer sometime....>>>