Years ago I went to a professional color processing lab to have some prints made. On the wall, there was a sign that read "Rush service = hourly rate x 2, Immediate service = hourly rate x 4."
I've kept that in mind over the years and when pressed, I'll quote rush job prices. If the request is within reason, I'll often push the deadline a bit for no charge, but if it's a serious piece of work that needs to be done quickly, I'll offer the x2 rate. Most of the time, the customer backs right down, but sometimes the reaction is more a matter of gratitude and acceptance, and it works out.
Last year I did a sizable restoration job on an important instrument - one I really didn't want to tackle at the time. It required some time on Sundays and evenings, so I used the x2 number for the regular day hours, and x 4 for the "overtime." In the end, it worked out to nearly 50 hours at an an average of $225.00/hr. Everybody was happy with the arrangement, but I don't relish the stress of doing it often, that's for sure.
I've kept that in mind over the years and when pressed, I'll quote rush job prices. If the request is within reason, I'll often push the deadline a bit for no charge, but if it's a serious piece of work that needs to be done quickly, I'll offer the x2 rate. Most of the time, the customer backs right down, but sometimes the reaction is more a matter of gratitude and acceptance, and it works out.
Last year I did a sizable restoration job on an important instrument - one I really didn't want to tackle at the time. It required some time on Sundays and evenings, so I used the x2 number for the regular day hours, and x 4 for the "overtime." In the end, it worked out to nearly 50 hours at an an average of $225.00/hr. Everybody was happy with the arrangement, but I don't relish the stress of doing it often, that's for sure.
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