Contract Programming

[svnmlkdmf]

I was thinking of starting to offer some contract programming services since i've had requests from existing clients,
I was wondering what you guys WHO are in the contract biz are charging for work?

[Here's Johnny!]

I was wondering what you guys WHO are in the contract biz are charging for work?

3X less then you are!!!!!     

[JParis]

I don't contract much, if at all any more. I like my weekends with my wife..

I always used a tiered scale....2 & 3 axis, simple lathe stuff was 1 price, 4 & 5 axis was a higher price. straight design work was another price.

At this point, my base would likely be around $100/hr and up from there.

[svnmlkdmf]

I don't contract much, if at all any more. I like my weekends with my wife..

I always used a tiered scale....2 & 3 axis, simple lathe stuff was 1 price, 4 & 5 axis was a higher price. straight design work was another price.

At this point, my base would likely be around $100/hr and up from there.

mhmm.

[Zoffen]

Its not how much you charge...its actually getting paid for it!

[svnmlkdmf]

Its not how much you charge...its actually getting paid for it!

So far none of my customers have defaulted on payment, knock on wood that continues,
this would be an additional service only offered to my existing customers, so I don't anticipate any issues...

[YoDoug]

It's been at least a decade since I did any contract programming. I get a lot of requests these days for automation consulting, but I usually decline because they are just too big of projects for me to handle while still working full time. Back when I did contract program, I always bid at a rate that could support me if I was doing full time contract work. The last thing you want is to bid low and have too much demand for work that doesn't make enough money to support your business.

[neurosis]

For those of you guys who did, or continue to do contract programming, do you have to carry any kind of insurance in case of potential mistakes where there is machine damage or expensive scrapped material?

[JParis]

For those of you guys who did, or continue to do contract programming, do you have to carry any kind of insurance in case of potential mistakes where there is machine damage or expensive scrapped material?

I did not. It was written into my terms....now, would it have stood up? I dunno. I was lucky enough never to have to have it tested.

[svnmlkdmf]

For those of you guys who did, or continue to do contract programming, do you have to carry any kind of insurance in case of potential mistakes where there is machine damage or expensive scrapped material?

I believe California requires you to have insurance

[crazy^millman]

I believe California requires you to have insurance

No they don't, but for the $200 a month to have $2 million Liability and Workman comp I carry it. You have a base stick with it.

I got my butt kicked last week onsite. It was good to run a machine and see I still got the ability to setup up get a project running. Two parts I was doing they were getting 18-22 a day. Now they are getting 30 an hour of each. I worked on 4 parts for the customer and they would have been happy with a ROI of 12 months. They will see it in 3 months now. Setup was 4-8 hours now it less than 20 minutes.

Contract programming is only part of the process. I have Vericut? I have setup a Corporation to now have any issues with AB5. Educate yourself on terms and conditions. Have a lawyer ready when needed. Better to have one ready when you don't need it then need it and not have one you want to work with. Be ready for a big old bullseye on your back every time you walk into a shop.

My rate is fair, but don't know you so I am not sharing it.

[svnmlkdmf]

Thanks all for the feedback..
If Pinky is charging 100$ per hour, I guess I am going to have to charge at least 1000$ based on the difference in skill...

        

[JParis]

Hell, if you settle for anything less than 5000$, you're leaving monry on the table

[CNCAppsJames]

I believe California requires you to have insurance

Negative. There are other requirements however than make it unfriendly at best to do business legally here. 

[svnmlkdmf]

Negative. There are other requirements however than make it unfriendly at best to do business legally here.

Ahhh..

California.... Other..