did I handle this correctly

**kato** · July 9th, 2002, 08:38 PM

Out of the goodness of my heart, I've been doing computer work for the place I use to work for ( an non profit mental health group home) for what they pay part time workers (around $10 an hour) On two seperate occasions I've spent over 6 hours in there on a saturday cleaning out viruses that had overtaken their workgroup.

the other day they call and want to know if I can help get new computers installed and expand the network. I told them I'd be over today to take a look at what they wanted to do. I had written up a proposal and got great prices on the extra hardware they would need. I was getting ready to head over there after work when I get a call from the secretary. she says that lynne (the big boss woman) doesn't want me working on the computers. exact quote was "lynne is being crazy about you helping us with the computers, I'm really sorry."

so after work, I sent the following email to them
<blockquote>quote:<hr />

Debbie,

I was disappointed to hear that there are reservations about me working on the computers.

I want you to know that I am still available for advice/consultation.

However given the recent circumstances all inquiries or consultation will be invoiced and billed at my normal rate of $40/hour with a minimum of 1 hour of service and all time rounded up to the nearest hour. Billable time includes travel time to and from your facility.

Feel free to contact me when/if you need my services
Lance
<hr /></blockquote>

I know there is no one there competent enough to handle problems when they arise, I'm not going to give them the sweetheart deal anymore if they come crawling back. Do you guys think I handled this appropriately

**EvilCabbage** · July 9th, 2002, 09:30 PM

I think that is more than reasonable dude.

Sounds like you have done them a big favour so far, and you are certainly not trying to rip them off, so its all good.

**geeksRus** · July 9th, 2002, 09:56 PM

i think you handled it very professionally...i guess it just proves the old saying 'No good deed goes unpunished'

**Damned Angel** · July 9th, 2002, 10:13 PM

I would charge more...

**Outcoded** · July 10th, 2002, 03:06 AM

Hell yes... I make $40 ~ £25, that's cheap.

**Draggar** · July 10th, 2002, 06:05 AM

Seems like you still want to help them, I think you gave them a great offer, $40/'hr is cheap for consulting, and I'm sure they'll call you for support from time to time.

You gave them a good deal, and also let them know you're still willing to help as an outside contractor.

Good job.

**jimmm33** · July 10th, 2002, 06:36 AM

I think you handled it right. I would not back down on the price.

I would be curious about lynne is crazy about you working on the machines. If her concerns are reasonable I would try to address them. If she is just a luser or has an attutide problem then you may not want them as a client.

**NooNoo** · July 10th, 2002, 07:51 AM

I would have done much the same, but, I would also be worried about what was meant by "Lynne being crazy...."

**Quiet Thunder** · July 10th, 2002, 07:57 AM

<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by NooNoo:
I would have done much the same, but, I would also be worried about what was meant by "Lynne being crazy...."<hr /></blockquote>Yeah, I was woundering the same, that dosn't seem like an appropreate phrase for a secretary of a mental health facility to be throwing around like that. I would have done the same thing you have done.

**kato** · July 10th, 2002, 08:36 AM

<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by Quiet Thunder:
 <blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by NooNoo:
I would have done much the same, but, I would also be worried about what was meant by "Lynne being crazy...."<hr /></blockquote>Yeah, I was woundering the same, that dosn't seem like an appropreate phrase for a secretary of a mental health facility to be throwing around like that. I would have done the same thing you have done.<hr /></blockquote>from having worked there, lynne is known to be more than a little flaky and make large issues where there are none. With outside contractors there are confidentiality issues, but since I'm technically still a part time employee, there shouldn't be any problem with that.

I just figured that it comes down to her no longer viewing me as an employee doing the work internally but rather as an outsider. So if I'm going to be an outside contractor, I'm going to charge like one.

It's going to be a little tough because my best friend still works there and knows just enough about computers to be dangerous. He often calls me asking me how he changes a setting in the database, tests network connectiv\ity when a machine appears to be offline, reinstall an application etc. I think he'll understand when I tell him I won't answer any question about the work computers, but it still puts him in a tough spot.

**Stalemate** · July 10th, 2002, 10:40 AM

Re: your last post, Kato.

I've found myself in a situation once where a potential client had turned me down because of my rates and hired my friend instead (not a tech, but could be considered a power user).

It didn't even sink in when this friend calls me with technical questions (which I'm glad to offer him. He is my best bud after all) later that week. I realized later on in the conversation that he was basically asking this for the client who had turned me down. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="eek.gif" />

It was difficult to do, but I told my friend that I couldn't continue with this free phone support for that client, but that I wouldn't charge the client either out of respect for him.

It turned out good in the end with my friend suggesting that I bill him so he could pass it on to the client, but we just laughed it off and preserved our relationship.

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