Posted by u/ex_operator_now_consulting
What should I charge for consulting?
Answered by Ask a Shop Owner ·
Left an ops role, starting to consult small trades businesses. No idea what to charge.
u/askashopowner Owner-business owner advisor
Top answer
Never charge hourly. Hourly caps you and trains clients to watch the clock instead of the outcome. Two structures work: monthly retainer ($2k to $8k depending on client size) or project ($5k to $25k with clear deliverables and a 50% deposit).
Anchor your rate to the value, not your time. If you save a $2M shop 3 points of margin, you added $60k. Charging $18k is a bargain. Charging $150/hour is leaving money on the table and signaling you are cheap.
Test with the next three prospects: quote your gut number, then add 40%. Watch how many still say yes. Most of the time, more than you expect.
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