https://smallbizsurvival.com/2009/10/what-to-charge-for-in-world-of-free.html The small town and rural business resource Tue, 27 Sep 2016 19:09:47 +0000 hourly 1 https://smallbizsurvival.com/2009/10/what-to-charge-for-in-world-of-free.html#comment-6985 Fri, 22 Mar 2013 19:53:56 +0000 http://smallbizsurvival.com/?p=790#comment-6985 […] Another step up is an experience, like serving that ice cream in your own ice cream parlor. This was the lesson I learned from Free by Chris Anderson, “Memorable experiences are the ultimate scarce commodity.” […]

]]> https://smallbizsurvival.com/2009/10/what-to-charge-for-in-world-of-free.html#comment-2922 Sat, 10 Oct 2009 15:35:57 +0000 http://smallbizsurvival.com/?p=790#comment-2922 You’ve described the problem well. There is no reason for you do such a thorough consultation and report for no cost! Your expertise is valuable, and I’m glad you value it appropriately.

]]> https://smallbizsurvival.com/2009/10/what-to-charge-for-in-world-of-free.html#comment-2919 Sat, 10 Oct 2009 14:08:33 +0000 http://smallbizsurvival.com/?p=790#comment-2919 Great post and advice. I’ve rarely done a free consult because if it’s free, people give you the respect they think you deserve.
A man in the next county called me and wanted me to do a free consult; do a farm inspection, tell him how to implement tourism, how to best utilize his farm/buildings/property, etc., give him a written report. I told him that was a minimum of two eight hour days and the cost was $400. He told me the extension folks would do it for free; I suggested he call them. He never called me again but neither has he utilized tourism in his farm.
I’ve made $500 in one morning for a farm tour and believe that knowledge and experience is well worth the modest fee I charge for individual farms.
After lecturing at conferences, festivals, etc., people have called and wanted me to do free inspections, give them my hard won list of grant sites and all for free.
It’s true I don’t get that many jobs locally but it’s also true I’ve been paid to teach all over the East Coast, Russia, Armenia and Georgia.
I don’t do free.

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