I'll try to finish off this thread - time to start a new one.
I generally give a range and talk to a client about their involvement. For example one client I bid US$15K to US$30K - depending upon how much they did internally. What I typically run into is good intentions - which later becomes 'We're too busy to do that'.
I invoice for time.
The following is sorta how I respond to a request for info. And as I said, I explain that each project is different. I can give them a fixed price (and don't hesitate to do so) but I put a lot of stipulations in the quote.
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I am going to first refer you to
http://Elsmar.com/services.html for some general info.
I cannot cite specific prices as most of my work is company specific. For example XXXX wanted me to be around every day, month in and month out, so for about 14 months I was either in xxxx or xxxx. Or where ever. I got 'home' every 2 weeks for a weekend. XXXX did the same thing - be in xxxx every day during the week. Contrast that to a company up the road from me 8 miles with only 14 employees where I visited them for 2 days every month for 6 months. Some companies want someone there every day. Some companies just want direction. Every company's needs are different as is how they want to approach the solution.
With regard to your question on specific quality services, Cayman Systems can address about any issue - we are not limited to QS and ISO implementations. I have been called in to help with problems with DoD requirements. I have designed quality systems from scratch. I have written specialty databases for companies for tracking many things from nonconformances and corrective actions to a couple of document control databases (I don't program anymore, but I have and can...). Of course today most bigger companies are using enterprise tools like SAP and Oracle but they lack most quality related modules.
Sometimes an associate takes a contract because of his/her specialty - for example I do not give statistical courses personally - an associate does those. If a company manufactures electronic equipment and wants a process evaluated I am the focus as I've been through the electronics gauntlet from the now defunct Mil-Std-2000 soldering to clean room evaluations. I don't typically author documentation any more - an associate normally does that unless a customer specifically requests my personal involvement.
When I bid time is an important factor but the most important is What Do You Want Done? XXXX wanted training, help with systems and procedures, etc. - I sat in with the steering committee and helped guide their overall QS9000 implementation effort. XXXX, on the other hand only wanted basic training on ISO and basic help with their systems procedures.
A last factor is what I do at my office as opposed to at a client facility. For example, XXXX is a current client. The have chosen to take on most of the internal work. I visit once a month for a week. We communicate by e-mail most days - they send me systems procedures and related procedures for review and such. I comment and such.
Training is tailored for each specific client.
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The below rates do not include: Air fare (and related taxes and fees) and rental vehicle (or mileage if its close enough to drive) and hotel/motel. We pay our own expenses, such as meals, other than those three items. We typically stay at the hotel/motel the client recommends.
Our basic in-house consulting rates are from US$600 a day to US$1400 a day. If you want me to stop in for one day it's the high figure. For long term contracts we typically bid in between US$600 and US$850 a day.
Training rates are generally US$850 to US$1250 a day pus US$60 per attendee for course book and such. Depends upon the specific course. Courses are in Powerpoint and the client gets a copy of the file or files. In this way each client has the materials to do with what they please after the actual training - many companies (such as xxxx) use them to set up their own internal course or courses.
Our rate for 'In-Office' review of documents, systems, etc. is typically US$60/hour.
We do not charge for time on the telephone. Most companies take good advantage of this and in fact most of my clients and I conference call every week or two for an hour or so to address issues and status. I'm not a lawyer - Got a problem? Give a call. No charge for telephone time.
My basic rate for Internal Audits is also adjustable with consideration to the size of the project, but typically is between US$450 a day and US$850 a day.
There are several associates who work with me. If I start your project, I will be with you until the end of the contract. If another associate takes the project, s/he will remain until the contract is complete - we do not 'switch' personnel on companies because we take a personal interest in the project and its success.
I would suggest you give me a call. We can talk about your specific situation and scenario as well as your perceived needs. Every company is different so it's hard to set firm prices with so little information about your company and specifically what you want to achieve during your ISO registration process.
If you would like references, please let me know! I'm looking forward to hearing from you!
[This message has been edited by Marc Smith (edited 10-22-98).]