I'm not sure why but within the last three weeks there's been a huge influx of folks looking for information on rates for MAS 90 consulting.
Here's the scoop:
- We bill on a fixed fee basis after understanding what problem you are looking to solve. This means you're not stuck if we incorrectly estimate the time it will take to resolve your business issue. With the hourly based model there's no need to understand the problem before beginning. The consultant has incentive to make the task last as long as possible.
- Sage is the best resource if you have no problem to solve but are looking for a one-off break/fix relationship (aka - help desk)
- Rates of $ 50 to $ 125 per hour are being reported by those who still bill hourly. These rates omit one very big part of the equation - the length of time it will take for a $50 per hour person to complete the task. Judging from the steady stream of existing users calling us - I can surmise that cheaper consulting rates don't translate to happier clients.
- Buying the software at a discount. Then searching for a consultant to implement it -- is a recipe for failure. What if you bought the wrong thing - for the wrong industry? No amount of $50/hour labor will fix that.
- Most of the time people who call saying "we know what we need" -- have forgotten to ask several very important questions.
- For those that persist - our hourly rate is provided as $400 per hour with a minimum fee of $1,600. Of course nobody pays this -- because we fixed fee our project estimates and you always have a chance to approve it prior to moving forward.
- Here's a copy of an estimate (see image above which is what our clients receive for their approval BEFORE we start any project) -- it's emailed to you prior to the start of any project. You're in control of the cost -- which is not determined by hours x rate -- but rather by the cost to solve a problem. Guaranteed 100%.
In short, I'm unsure why the influx of "what's your rate" inquiries persist.
A better question is:
A. What's the cost to solve ___________
B. Will you provide that to me as a fixed cost - ahead of time?
-- Wayne
160 Oak Street
