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mattymonkey
Feel Like aStranger...


Registered: 11/07/04
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Last seen: 11 years, 4 months
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Adviced Needed on Consulting Proposal
#5040482 - 12/09/05 04:55 PM (18 years, 5 months ago) |
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Hey guys, so my brother got me a consulting job at his new architectural business he works for. They are just setting up a new office and essentially he got me the job of setting their computers and network up. I have done things like this before and have worked professionally for small and large business supporting all network related things. On any consulting job Ive done Ive always had a hard time figuring out how much to charge, this will be the first time I consult for a small business, usually it is for an individual and I find that easier. Its kind of a big project and Im looking for any advice on how to get the job done, but specifically what to charge. I will paste in here what is expected of me. Thanks for checking it out.
1. Scrub Machines ? all viruses, bugs, etc?complete reinstallation of windows and software 2. Have an existing External Hard-drive 250g (all machines on network to be backed-up regularly) - Image each machine so machines can be restored to original state after a crash. 3. Establish a Network Group - 5 workstations access to plotters, printers, internet and network. Also allow for easy labtop access to the network via wireless - We have an account with Dell and will be purchasing 2 PC?s, 1 new laptop, and 1 addition All-in-1 printer. What do you recommend on our purchase based on our constant use of AutoCad, Photoshop, Viz, 3dMaz, Sketchup, etc.. 4. Possible Wi-Fi hook-up 5. Portion of network needs to be remotely accessible via call in (or web) 6. Some ability for offsite security storage (Fire or Flood) 7. Phones ? presently have 3-lines (Fax, 2 phone) / answering machine ? suggestions on manufacturer? ? note 2.4 to 5.6ghz remote phone can interrupt wi-fi? 8. Security (Firewalls) 9. From network two printer groups will need to be established (boss printer / work-group printers). 10. Data retrieval and salvage from external hard-drive (music files).
-------------------- "listening for the secret.. searching for the sound.."
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kronnyQ
SuperstudExtraordinaire


Registered: 07/22/04
Posts: 2,488
Loc: Anytown USA
Last seen: 1 month, 10 days
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Re: Adviced Needed on Consulting Proposal [Re: mattymonkey]
#5049352 - 12/11/05 06:34 PM (18 years, 5 months ago) |
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Go with a rate based on how many of hours you think you will be working with them.
I charge anywhere from $30-$70 per hour for the computer work I do, and it is all dependent on how much work they will give me.
If somebody has a small job with only like 5 hours of work thats where I charge 60 an hour. If it is a fairly large contractual job where i'm going to get a lot of work i usually quote them at my lowest rate.
Also size up your client....if it's a large small business you can charge more, if it's an individual you would obviously charge less.
I would say the type of work you have listed above goes from anywhere to $60-$150 per hour on the market.
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mattymonkey
Feel Like aStranger...


Registered: 11/07/04
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Last seen: 11 years, 4 months
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Re: Adviced Needed on Consulting Proposal [Re: kronnyQ]
#5049496 - 12/11/05 07:10 PM (18 years, 5 months ago) |
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any thoughts on VPN setups for small business? they have two offices and essentially need to access files between em..
suggestions for good firewall? think they would need cisco stuff? im wondering with the idea to share files if they shouldnt just go for the T1 w/ some professional cisco stuff..
-------------------- "listening for the secret.. searching for the sound.."
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Seuss
Error: divide byzero


Registered: 04/27/01
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Loc: Caribbean
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Re: Adviced Needed on Consulting Proposal [Re: mattymonkey]
#5051173 - 12/12/05 04:27 AM (18 years, 5 months ago) |
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The harder the job, the fewer the people that can do it, the more you charge. Something like installing windows is something any bonehead can do. Charge at the low end. Something like installing a VPN is more complex with fewer people understanding the technology, so you can charge more for this service.
Call around and see what other people charge in your area. Around here, most computer work runs in the $60 to $120 per hour... but we pay $6.00 for a gallon of milk, so prices may be a bit scewed compared to the US.
Regarding the good firewall. The keyword that you need to see along with firewall is hardware. I see people calling these little toy programs running on their computers firewalls and have to laugh. If the 'bad' traffic made it to your computer, then there was no firewall.
Hardware firewalls come in all shapes, sizes, prices, and complexities. How many users behind the firewall? How big is the budget? Does it need to pass VPN? Does it need to serve VPN? Do you need failover? Do you need a DMZ? How easy do you want it to be to setup? etc...
If they only need to share files between offices and don't need internet, then a dedicated line between the two is the way to go. Get a private T1 and drop a CSU/DSU on each end. Secure, no need for a firewall, VPN, etc. If the two offices are close together, you might look into microwave or a wifi bridge.
-------------------- Just another spore in the wind.
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bit_slice
A. Renee

Registered: 12/12/05
Posts: 187
Loc: america, fuck yeah
Last seen: 17 years, 1 month
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Re: Adviced Needed on Consulting Proposal [Re: mattymonkey]
#5055630 - 12/13/05 12:17 AM (18 years, 5 months ago) |
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To assign monetary value to the job, it is first necessary to understand what the client is getting out of it. Approximately how much more business do they expect to bring in by, for example, installing WIFI. How much can the client afford? Then estimate the amount of time that must be spent on the job. Is your expertise in demand in the area? Can you make a profit by going with a price that suits their need? These are the main considerations when deciding what to charge the client. Please let me know what you think of this advice.
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mattymonkey
Feel Like aStranger...


Registered: 11/07/04
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Last seen: 11 years, 4 months
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Re: Adviced Needed on Consulting Proposal [Re: bit_slice]
#5099461 - 12/23/05 08:37 PM (18 years, 4 months ago) |
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thanks for the info guys.. gunna send out the proposal by monday.. its kind of a family job, a tleast a family member is getting me the job.. so i dont want to charge the top price.. plus the guy knows this is essentially my first gig doing something like this..
its really coming together though.. and im pretty stoked.. was gunna charge $50/hr for the install, and get at least hopefully 20hours for that.. then 75/hr for service later on..
that sounds decent enough? i feel like its a bit on the low side but its getting me in the door and really helping me out..
-------------------- "listening for the secret.. searching for the sound.."
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