How much for on-call/after support

[CanonHPTech]

Question for you guys... How much should I charge as an independent contractor repairing multi-function printers only after 5pm and maybe weekends? Per call or per hour? I believe all parts will be provided. Thanks.

[rthonpm]

Re: How much for on-call/after support

For after hours service, it really depends on a few factors. As you state, you're an independent contractor so I'm guessing you're doing third party work? If so, as a rule do you normally work outside of 'normal' business hours? If you do, then a per call rate may work best as you're still within your normal work day. If you don't, then an hourly rate may work best.

Another thing to consider is that if someone is paying for after hours work then uptime is important to them. Are you potentially dealing with production style equipment, or normal office equipment? Will the after hours service potentially be abused? If so, then charging a higher rate will help keep it for real emergencies.

For me personally: I work six days a week as an independent with a twelve hour window so anything in that range is at my normal rates. Sundays and emergency calls are on a higher hourly rate, except for a few customers that pay for a flat monthly rate just to have me on-call, whether I see them or not.

[Hemlock]

Re: How much for on-call/after support

Make it expensive enough that you look forward to the calls that come in and are only getting called for genuine problems. Also, give yourself at least a 3 hour minimum for each call. You don't want to screw up your Saturday and only bill 15 minutes to clean the glass or clear a jam. Since it's a weekend, bill in 30 minute increments instead of 6, 10 or 15.

[CanonHPTech]

Re: How much for on-call/after support

Make it expensive enough that you look forward to the calls that come in and are only getting called for genuine problems. Also, give yourself at least a 3 hour minimum for each call. You don't want to screw up your Saturday and only bill 15 minutes to clean the glass or clear a jam. Since it's a weekend, bill in 30 minute increments instead of 6, 10 or 15.

Ok, doing a quick look around, what do you think about this:

80 per hour (with paid mileage, fixed site)
Or
95 per hour (no mileage)
Minimum one hour to come out
Hour starts when get on site (fixed site)
15 minute increments after first hour

This seems fair since big companies are charging for regular hour service. Or am I cheating myself?

[rthonpm]

Re: How much for on-call/after support

Sounds about right for the most part. The big thing is to make sure your prices are high enough that you can make a living, but not exorbitant enough that the customer goes actively looking for a better deal. That said, often the quality of the service (and the technician) can make price a nonfactor.

[Hemlock]

Re: How much for on-call/after support

Ok, doing a quick look around, what do you think about this:

80 per hour (with paid mileage, fixed site)
Or
95 per hour (no mileage)
Minimum one hour to come out
Hour starts when get on site (fixed site)
15 minute increments after first hour

This seems fair since big companies are charging for regular hour service. Or am I cheating myself?

For a weekend? I'd go $120 or more, limit your free driving to half an hour from your house. Better yet, call a couple of plumbers and air conditioning companies and see what they charge for a visit and mileage. You'd probably be safe mirroring their charge rates and could justify that to a customer.

[charm5496]

Re: How much for on-call/after support

I charge $150 for during the week and $175 for the weekends. that only includes the first hour of work and anything after that is billed out in 15 minute intervals at $30 each. I give the customer and estimated time over the phone and let them decide before I evern put my shoes on to head out the door.

[CanonHPTech]

Re: How much for on-call/after support

Thank you everyone for your help. This is all just a proposal that I put out as a my self (not business) and told them that there are a lot of variables like mileage, parts (do I carry, do I have to drive to pick-up, are they drop shipped), if driver/software support is needed, etc. If I go too low its fine because its doubtful it will work out (working more than full-time as it is already) and if its too high then I know for next time and don't have to worry about it. Benefits may be that I will be able to get training on brands/products I am not currently trained on and some extra cash.

[Hemlock]

Re: How much for on-call/after support

Whatever agreement you forge, put in a sunset clause - as in the terms are only good for 3/6 months after signing. At expiration, you both have the option to re-sign and agree to the current terms or you can say "Hey, this isn't working out financially" and up the rate if necessary.