A question for my favorite think tank.

[rayinpenn]

My hobby job as a part time freelance developer is coming along nicely. My latest gig was assisting on complex issues of progress reporting for a major construction project. Early on I made some suggestions about industrializing the process. My client a consultant himself took my ideas to his employer. The employer decided to go it but use their in-house development. (Thats ok, it happens but I was unaware). I get a invite to a meeting and un expectantly there is another developer on the line. He’s there to pick my brains about how to industrialize. I am on the phone for an hour- It was then that it was revealed to me that they decided to go with in-house programming.

A few days later I get a request to do a couple hours more which I will finish today. My question is do I charge them for that hour on the phone? I must say I am inclined to do so.

I would appreciate your thoughts on this..

 

[marko]

I'd charge them. Absolutely.

We used to charge "Portal to Portal", that is, from the moment we left the door to the moment we got back...which could be weeks or months. A bit different in your case, but the same in some ways.

 

[HarveyS]

Yes, you charge them for the phone meeting. You provided a service that they requested.

 

[Masquernom]

If they took my suggestion, tried to do it in-house, then needed my help to make it work, I'd charge them double. If they screw it up, I'm sure all the in-house folks are going to blame you.

You know the joke about the old engineers bill? One slap cost $1. Knowing where to slap cost $9,999.

 

[LRDave]

What does your services agreement with them say? Assuming something like this is not specifically called out as not allowed, I would bill. The way this project has gone down, I would "bill through the whistle" (football analogy).

 

[rayinpenn]

What does your services agreement with them say? Assuming something like this is not specifically called out as not allowed, I would bill. The way this project has gone down, I would "bill through the whistle" (football analogy).

No real agreement other than I advertise my rate - they tell me what they want and I deliver and bill.

 

[marko]

I am on the phone for an hour- It was then that it was revealed to me that they decided to go with in-house programming.

.

So, this is about charging for one hour? I'd charge them for that (or two). It's not like you're charging them for 40-50 hours worth. I doubt they'd flinch.