Calculating a day r...
 

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[Closed] Calculating a day rate

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 TP
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I've been offered a little bit of consultancy work in my spare time. If my employer approves it (nothing to stop me in my contract) then I need to work out a daily rate. Is there a reliable formula? What should I take into account? I believe travel and sustenance expenses would be paid in addition.

It would help fill the Northern winter and boost the CV.

Thanks all


 
Posted : 16/08/2012 1:58 pm
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I'd look at anything > full time hours as overtime so 1.5 x a normal day's pay? Or 2 x for Sundays 🙂

You could check out a few contractor websites for average rates in your field.


 
Posted : 16/08/2012 2:07 pm
 kcal
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I suppose two schools of thought here.

1/ what's the going rate (if you know this) i.e. what others of similar experience and ability charge?

2/ salary divided by a working year - then add on factor/s for risk of consultancy vs. salaried, your holidays, NI, your office / home space, equipment, and so on.

* don't undersell yourself* - even it's seen as a 'hobby' (sort of).. if it takes off, then you've made a rod for your own back. better to give an upfront reasonable rate that reflects your worth, even if they decline (or negotiate down). I pitched for a couple of jobs when I first did the same thing, didn't ask *too much* but still got a knockback. They were clearly looking for someone _very_ cheap, and that's not a route I wanted to go down..

good luck!


 
Posted : 16/08/2012 2:12 pm
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I do a very similar thing and charge £400 per day, don't forget even if it seems a big number, after tax etc, it can be greatly reduced. I based mine on how much it was worth to me, cash in pocket, to give up one day of my weekend, then worked back from there.


 
Posted : 16/08/2012 2:17 pm
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2-4 times salaried rate IMO

depends on instruction. retainers or big projects at the lower end. short projects, one offs, etc at the higher end


 
Posted : 16/08/2012 2:18 pm
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As Stoner says... work out your current hourly rate and multiply by between 2 and 4 depending on what you think you [s]can get away with[/s] are worth.


 
Posted : 16/08/2012 2:29 pm
 TP
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Some great advice as always from singletrack. I have an inkling of what an normal rate in the "industry" (marine pollution policy) might be but had no idea how to justify it or if I was right. The times 2 method seems a good start.

I have a few days to dwell on it and find out a bit more about the expected time involved. It would involve a couple of trips to Malta so I hope it works out!


 
Posted : 16/08/2012 2:30 pm
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DOn't forget to consider the various insurances you may need and the costs associated with dealing with HMRC.


 
Posted : 16/08/2012 2:38 pm
 br
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also handy if you know their 'budget'...


 
Posted : 16/08/2012 2:49 pm
 TP
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I figured there would be extra costs to me. Are there reliable online sources or should I talk to an accountant or business gateway or...?


 
Posted : 16/08/2012 2:49 pm
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do you need an agent ?


 
Posted : 16/08/2012 2:55 pm