73,385
edits
Hiring a Professional Researcher (view source)
Revision as of 19:45, 11 January 2008
, 11 January 2008no edit summary
No edit summary |
mNo edit summary |
||
| Line 61: | Line 61: | ||
* ''Market conditions.'' The area of expertise as well as the physical location of a professional genealogist may affect charges. For example, a researcher specializing in an area that not many researchers are competent in may charge more than researchers whose expertise is relatively common. Similarly, genealogists who are aware of the market rate for their type of work in the are where they lie may adjust their charges accordingly.<br> | * ''Market conditions.'' The area of expertise as well as the physical location of a professional genealogist may affect charges. For example, a researcher specializing in an area that not many researchers are competent in may charge more than researchers whose expertise is relatively common. Similarly, genealogists who are aware of the market rate for their type of work in the are where they lie may adjust their charges accordingly.<br> | ||
'''''Fee Structures.'''''Rates and fee structures can vary among genealogists. Some genealogists simply bill as they work. Others charge a daily rate or a flat fee per project. Most genealogists charge an hourly rate plus expenses. | '''''Fee Structures.''''' Rates and fee structures can vary among genealogists. Some genealogists simply bill as they work. Others charge a daily rate or a flat fee per project. Most genealogists charge an hourly rate plus expenses. | ||
'''''Hourly Rates.'''''Most genealogists base their hourly rate on their education, training, skill, experience, and credentials and what the market will bear. Rates may be as low as $10.00 per hour but could be over $100.00 per hour. The average rate charged by most competent genealogists ranges from $15.00 to $35.00 per hour. Record searchers often charge between $7.00 and $20.00 per hour. | '''''Hourly Rates.''''' Most genealogists base their hourly rate on their education, training, skill, experience, and credentials and what the market will bear. Rates may be as low as $10.00 per hour but could be over $100.00 per hour. The average rate charged by most competent genealogists ranges from $15.00 to $35.00 per hour. Record searchers often charge between $7.00 and $20.00 per hour. | ||
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: | ||
| Line 82: | Line 82: | ||
* 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. | ||
You can do the following to control your costs: | You can do the following to control your costs: | ||