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Since rates vary, it is sometimes hard to know what warrants a higher rate. In general, genealogists may justifiably charge higher rates if they: | Since rates vary, it is sometimes hard to know what warrants a higher rate. In general, genealogists may justifiably charge higher rates if they: | ||
*Are experienced researchers in great demand | *Are experienced researchers in great demand | ||
*Have some unique research specialty, such as a knowledge of records in a foreign country or expertise concerning a particular set of records | *Have some unique research specialty, such as a knowledge of records in a foreign country or expertise concerning a particular set of records | ||
*Have credentials that reflect advanced skills | *Have credentials that reflect advanced skills | ||
*Have years of education and professional development | *Have years of education and professional development | ||
Although the majority of genealogists work independently, you may find genealogical firms in areas where large repositories of records exist. Firms usually offer a wider variety of services and expertise. | Although the majority of genealogists work independently, you may find genealogical firms in areas where large repositories of records exist. Firms usually offer a wider variety of services and expertise. | ||
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'''''Expenses.''''' Most genealogists bill for the expenses they incur. Common expenses include: | '''''Expenses.''''' Most genealogists bill for the expenses they incur. Common expenses include: | ||
*Costs of copies of records, certificates, and other documents | *Costs of copies of records, certificates, and other documents | ||
*Fees paid to other researchers to search records in distant cities | *Fees paid to other researchers to search records in distant cities | ||
*Field travel (auto, meals, lodging) | *Field travel (auto, meals, lodging) | ||
*Admission fees paid to courthouses, repositories, and other record facilities | *Admission fees paid to courthouses, repositories, and other record facilities | ||
*Administrative costs for items such as postage, supplies, and secretarial services | *Administrative costs for items such as postage, supplies, and secretarial services | ||
'''''Payment.''''' Methods of payment vary, depending on the fee structure. Many genealogists ask their clients to pay a certain amount of money (a retainer) before work begins. The genealogist then works and bills against the retainer until it is spent. Then, another retainer is paid and work continues. | '''''Payment.''''' Methods of payment vary, depending on the fee structure. Many genealogists ask their clients to pay a certain amount of money (a retainer) before work begins. The genealogist then works and bills against the retainer until it is spent. Then, another retainer is paid and work continues. | ||
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You can do the following to control your costs: | You can do the following to control your costs: | ||
*Gather together as much information about your family as you reasonably can | *Gather together as much information about your family as you reasonably can | ||
*Break a large project into smaller tasks and pay periodically | *Break a large project into smaller tasks and pay periodically | ||
*Request frequent reports and detailed billings to keep you informed | *Request frequent reports and detailed billings to keep you informed | ||
*Clearly specify whether the genealogist can bill for additional services (cost overruns) and under what conditions it is appropriate to do so | *Clearly specify whether the genealogist can bill for additional services (cost overruns) and under what conditions it is appropriate to do so | ||
*Have other family members help pay costs | *Have other family members help pay costs<br> | ||
=== Research Scope === | === Research Scope === | ||
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