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From: markspace <-@.>
Newsgroups: comp.lang.java.programmer
Subject: Re: General Consulting Advice Urgently Needed
Date: Mon, 28 Nov 2011 11:09:40 -0800
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On 11/28/2011 9:04 AM, Novice wrote:
> Jeff Higgins<jeff@invalid.invalid>  wrote in
> news:jb0d7h$4h1$1@dont-email.me:
>
>> http://www.payscale.com/research/US/Certification=Sun_Certified_Java_Pr
>> ogrammer_%28SCJP%29/Hourly_Rate
>
>
>
> Thank you! That's a great resource for determining what I should charge.
>


My feeling on those rates:  they're for full-time permanent employees, 
not contractors.  I.e., they include benefits.  I'd at least double 
those rates for an independent contractor.

I think not charging customers for your education is fine, but only if 
they are paying you full rate.  If they force you down too much because 
you aren't experienced, then they do pay for everything, because they're 
paying for a novice engineer.

As for selling yourself, I do this rather carefully.  You don't have to 
describe yourself as a "hobbyist" but do describe yourself as a 
beginner.  DO NOT sign a contract that describes you otherwise.  (If 
you're not used to signing contracts, get advice on how to do so.) 
Describe your actual experience in web design, including working with 
people on a team, meeting deadlines, being professional, commitment, 
etc.  Sell the experience you actually do have.  Let the customer decide 
whether you are qualified.

I don't like fixed-price contracts.  Estimating software is hard, and as 
a novice you've got no basis to work from.  I'd seriously push time 
estimates on the customer; make sure the contract you sign is for an 
hourly rate.  At your level of experience you can only meet with 
disaster if you try to provide a fixed time and cost contract.