consulting questions

[araine901]

Any one have any tips on what to charge a company for overseas travel? I want to come up with a flat rate amount for a week. Is there a common formula? I assume that hourly rate X 24 hours X 7 days is the base but that might be too much for them to swallow. Any suggestions are welcome, and BTW the travel is to China if that matters. I have done it a ton of times before but only as a salaried employee.

[dmcummins]

Just my opinion but if you get your expenses paid what difference does it make if your out of the state, or out of the country. I would think a week away from home is a week away from home.

If you have done it as a salaried employee you should have a feel of what involved. Ive done some consulting and I just gave them a weekly or hourly rate. I could never get paid 24/7 though.

Sorry I'm not much help but good luck.

[ronin]

the ususal would be an hourly rate plus per diem

[araine901]

That is what I was thinking. But the china travel is kind of a hardship travel 14 hour flight each direction crappy food ETC. BTW I am doing a majority of the work from my home.

[MFAFF]

Depends on where you are going in China.
Just been in Beijing and the hotel was fine... food was excellent.

I'd say you charge a realisitc daily rate (8/10 hrs of work, plus expenses plus a per diem charge for being away from home).

We work on a monthly fee per type of employee...pro rated for days work and expenses...seem sot be a good way forward.

[RickM]

I pay consultants reasonable travel, lodging and transportation fees....no matter where they're coming or going.

[Porsche-O-Phile]

Maximize your per diem in your billing; it's tax exempt.

[Hugh R]

Travel time at 1/2 or full hourly rate, not 24/7. If you work 7 days, charge for 7, but for the hours that you work. Customarily you don't charge for sleeping in your hotel.