Large/Long term consulting deal

[sgreanbeans]

What do you guys charge when brought in on a VERY LARGE site development, they have chosen me to be the consulting Arborist for the project. Normally, I charge 375 for a consultation, however, those projects are usually a one time deal, this deal could span over 10 years, with me putting 10 hours a week into it. Annual retainer or by the hour? I didn't bid this and they are not looking for anybody else, they just want me. I will have a very large opportunity for actual work for my guys as-well, but that wont come for a while.
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This is the same post I put on another thread, didnt want to hijack his, so I started a new one.

These where the replies I received.

 

[sgreanbeans]

Tree Climber 101 said
(What are you wort to a company that would use your experience to the fullest , thats the question ..If you were looking for a job what would you expect as a "package" because essentially thats what they are hiring ..)
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[sgreanbeans]

VA-SAWYER wrote
(You say normal charge is $375 per consult. About how many hours do you spend on the average for each consult?
Use this to get an average 'per hour rate' for your consulting time. This sounds like it would qualify for the 'high volume' discount of 15-30 % so you might reduce the rate accordingly.
The estimate of 10 hours per week can change a lot, so I would suggest sticking with an hourly rate. Is this going to be simple verbal guidance, or are they going to want regular written reports? If they want weekly written reports, then maybe charge 'x' amount per week plus so much per hour for anything over 10 hours. Long term consulting can be tough. I would suggest breaking this project into sections of 12 to 18 months and re-evaluate the pricing structure on each section. If they pay attention to the things you tell them, and learn from you, then they won't need you as much in the later stages.
Rick )

 

[jefflovstrom]

Like retaining a lawyer, then hourly for your time.
Jeff

 

[BlueRidgeMark]

Whatever you decide, get it in writing, signed, up front.

 

[treeseer]

like retaining a lawyer, then hourly for your time.
Jeff

+1

 

[gorman]

Kudos to you for opportunity! Sure beats sweating your balls off climbing trees and getting poison ivy. Serenity now!

 

[sgreanbeans]

Like retaining a lawyer, then hourly for your time.
Jeff

Kind of what I was thinking, this project could take up 5-7 years, 90 acre park, 40% wooded, focus is on the tree's
Was thinking about a 10,000 annual retainer,based on a 100 per hour, if that runs out before year is up, charge by the hour after? is that how it works?
I was guessing at 10 hours per week, I'm sure that there will be weeks where I am there for much longer and weeks I will not be there at all. That gets me for at least 100 hours
J.P.S., gonna call you in on this, Ill need guidance, don't want to jack things up with these. guys. This is small potatoes to them, could lead to MUCH bigger things.

Go ahead guys and smash me if I'm off base here

 

[treeclimber101]

Kind of what I was thinking, this project could take up 5-7 years, 90 acre park, 40% wooded, focus is on the tree's
Was thinking about a 10,000 annual retainer,based on a 100 per hour, if that runs out before year is up, charge by the hour after? is that how it works?
I was guessing at 10 hours per week, I'm sure that there will be weeks where I am there for much longer and weeks I will not be there at all. That gets me for at least 100 hours
J.P.S., gonna call you in on this, Ill need guidance, don't want to jack things up with these. guys. This is small potatoes to them, could lead to MUCH bigger things.

Go ahead guys and smash me if I'm off base here

I don't think your off base , but maybe not show the hourly rate of 100 per hr. in your proposal it may look a tad exorbitant , but 10k for that responsibility seems realistic

 

[sgreanbeans]

Tanks 101.