IT Consulting rate

[Angela D'souza]

I have started own IT consulting business. I don't know how much i should charge Java (per hour rate) to client. Please let me know.

Thanks,
Angela

[Joe San]

Something between 50 to 60 dollars per hour.

[Jeanne Boyarsky]

Angela,
It depends on location, skills and experience. I recommend at least sharing location since rates are going to vary extensively by country/city.

[Joe San]

Jothi Shankar Kumar wrote:Something between 50 to 60 dollars per hour.

I just guessed it from my experience. I really did not know that the rates would vary very much depending on the location.

[Jeanne Boyarsky]

Jothi Shankar Kumar wrote:I just guessed it from my experience. I really did not know that the rates would vary very much depending on the location.

Consider the cost of living differences between the US and India. Huge, right? Even within the US, the cost of living between New York City and <little town of 200 people in Alabama> are going to amount to tens of thousands of dollars a year.

[Joe San]

Comparing the cost of living between US and India would not be ideal here. But of course I can understand that the cost of living would vary in different cities.

[Angela D'souza]

Thank you for your information. I have one more question:

Is there any requirement to start IT consulting business??? My company is proprietary.


Thanks,
Angela

[Jimmy Clark]

What country do you plan to start a consulting business in?

Keep in mind that your rates charged to clients and the rates that you offer your consultants will not be the same. Rates will typically vary by industry. For example, in financial services industry average rates range between $150 and $300 USD per hour, depending upon level of consultant and services provided.

[Angela D'souza]

James Clarks wrote:What country do you plan to start a consulting business in?

California, USA

[Jimmy Clark]

California sounds fun. I suggest that you incorporate the business as soon as possible, if you have not done this already. The best state to incorporate in is Delaware, in my opinion. They have the most protective business laws and lowest fees. For more info, please visit:

http://www.thedelawarecompany.com/

Best of luck finding clients!

[Angela D'souza]

James Clarks wrote:California sounds fun. I suggest that you incorporate the business as soon as possible, if you have not done this already. The best state to incorporate in is Delaware, in my opinion. They have the most protective business laws and lowest fees. For more info, please visit:

http://www.thedelawarecompany.com/

Best of luck finding clients!

As I live in Los Angeles, California, i have to start business in Los Angeles.


Can someone help in finding requirement to start IT consulting business? I have question like:
-- First can i start from home office?
-- Do I need any license? ( I have business license and i have proprietary)
-- What other things i need to start IT consulting business?
-- Is there any special requirement to California state?


Please help me out...


Thanks,
Angela
--

[Mike Isano]

I've seen rates from $60 - $120 within the same compnay. They would lower rates for some clients because some business is better than no business. That was like 4 years ago in a small shop.


I've heard of $30 dollars very recently, but that's 2cd hand info.


Yes you can start from a home office. There are dev teams that work over the internet with the developers living in different countries. But some clients will get the impression that your a small little operation that can't handle a big project if you don't have an office (which may be true).


I know of one guy who took a project extremely low ($1000 for entire project) so he could "portfolio" it. If you just want to get your foot in the door you could play the "portfolio" card.



Good job starting your own business. Cuts out the fat and no income cap.

[Jimmy Clark]

As I live in Los Angeles, California, i have to start business in Los Angeles.

Yes, you can incorporate your business in Delaware and run/operate the business in Los Angeles.

Yes, you can run/operate the business from an office in your home.

What other things i need to start IT consulting business?

You need capital/financing. There are many expenses associated with starting and then running a business. For starters, you should
have at least $25,000 and should have living expenses covered for at least a year. There are special government grants for women and minority owners. Another source of income are your local banks. Finally, you can use your own credit to finance the startup.

Learn about the benefits of incorporating your business. This will help with marketing and advertising. If your business is not legitimate and registered, then you are simply a freelance contractor looking for work.

http://www.thedelawarecompany.com/

Good luck!

[Angela D'souza]

What other things i need to start IT consulting business?

You need capital/financing. There are many expenses associated with starting and then running a business. For starters, you should
have at least $25,000 and should have living expenses covered for at least a year. There are special government grants for women and minority owners. Another source of income are your local banks. Finally, you can use your own credit to finance the startup.

Learn about the benefits of incorporating your business. This will help with marketing and advertising. If your business is not legitimate and registered, then you are simply a freelance contractor looking for work.

http://www.thedelawarecompany.com/

Good luck!

I have registered my company and have license too. I don't have take care of house & all other expenses as it is taken by my husband. So still i need $25000? If yes, for what?

Thank you,
Angela

[Jimmy Clark]

I have registered my company and have license too.

Where have you registered your company? Who issued a license for your company?

In the next three years, how much money are you planning to you spend on marketing and advertising? How many employees will you hire in the next three years? How will you manage business expenses and records? Do you have insurance?