Summary. In January 2012, I announced our new slightly increased rates for 2012. After many years without any rate increases, my new rates of $70 per hour for home users and $90 per hour for businesses are still about half the hourly rate of my competitors, and about the same as what I charged back in 1997.
Volume Discount. Even though our rates are already low, this month we’re announcing a volume discount plan for those who are regularly using our services. For every 10 hours of support, the 10th hour is free (within a 30-day period). So, that’s a $70 to $90 value for our regular customers. This also applies when when 10 hours are paid in advance.
Mileage and Travel Time Charge. Much of the support and training I provide is done using remote support software, and through phone or email communications. Increasingly I’ve found that many of the on-site support calls I make are for minor repairs that take only a few minutes, yet the cost and time of travel still need to be recuperated. Some service providers charge a minimum fee for trips. Because I have some clients within walking distance (a few minutes), and others a 30 minute drive away, I feel it’s better to charge for round-trip travel time and vehicle mileage (if applicable) instead. This way costs are paid as accrued.