How much should I charge??

[creegstor]

Hi there,
A long time lurker here with a few questions. I've just been asked for my hourly rate by a company that provides recording/transcription services for conferences/meetings etc. In short I'd be sub-contracting. I'd be providing the gear (computer, desk, mics) and doing a simple stereo condenser recording of the proceedings. I don't know what is the going rate for something like this in my part of the country (I'm based in New York). I want to be fair to myself but not price myself out of the job. Also should I insist on travel recompense? What about being paid for at least a minimum number of hours (eg. the lowest fee I'd accept would be for 3 hours/whatever?)

On a technical note, would you recommend small or large diaphragm condensers for this type of job? I have either Rode NT 1a (1") or NT 5 (1/2") mics and am unsure of which would be more suitable. Or would an XY stereo mic like the Rode NT 4 be more suitable? Or would that be too limiting? Or would omni mics be a better bet for this type of thing in general?

Sorry if I sound like a total noob. I'm not really a newbie but I haven't done exactly this type of thing before and I want to get it right!!

Any other thoughts, recommendations or suggestions are more than welcome.
Thanks in advance!

[Remoteness]

Hey creegstor,

I'm pleased to see you surface and post something in our forum.

An hourly rate should be based on your talents and the equipment you bring to the table.

You needs seem to be pretty straight forward. There’s really no “going rate.” Have you tried to contact similar establishments to see what they’re doing? Check their rates, equipment inventory and such.

If you don’t have any luck with that consider what you need (and want) to get paid for something like this. Clients usually look at three prices and they usually go with the middle price range unless they want the best and decide to go for the higher price just because they think it’s the best… I don’t have to tell you that if they’re being economical they’re going to go with the low-cost solution. In my experience, most companies go with the mid-priced range.

Create a local area base for yourself and offer free travel within that region. Charge an hourly rate or mileage charge (or both if applicable) when you’re outside your local vicinity. Some folks charge from the time they leave their home base until they get back. Ask yourself what makes you comfortable.

A minimum number of hours or flat rate is a good idea if it’s going to be a half or shorter day. Usually, your normal day rate should apply here. You set the rules – You can say, your rate is based on an eight (ten) hour day with a minimum of four (five) hours or you might say it’s a flat fee. You can declare a rate of X per hour with a minimum of y hours. It’s really up to you and what makes you feel good.

I would go with a large diaphragm condenser for this type of job but, dynamic mics like MD421, RE20 and such will work too. Make sure you use some kind of pop filter to limit the possible plosions. IMO, I would stay away from any XY or omni mic situations. An MS setup might be a cool alternative to a single mic circumstance. It gives you room tone options for post. But, I would stick to the simplest most efficient way of doing it -- One directional mic per person.

I hope this helped. Good luck and keep us posted on your developments.