Subcontracting:
When my having my own insurance and billing processes is the preferred circumstances for working together, have me perform the work as a subcontractor. I do the bulk of the administrative work, assume the liability for any issues that may crop up, support for any warranty needs, and in general make it as easy as I can to share profit from a synergistic relationship.
https://ironcladapp.com/journal/contracts/what-is-a-referral-agreement/
Financing:
I offer financing via two associated lenders I have relationships with.
Clients are encouraged to pay out of pocket or more than welcome to secure their own financing.
White Label:
By contrast, white label is still me working as an independent entity. However, the client relationship is specifically nurtured as being yours. Your logo, your invoice, your insurance– all you, except for my hands and my tools. And i bill you for the balance of my efforts when the job is complete. The client only ever has the perspective that they were working with you and yours.
Shared aspects common to both ways:
I charge for my time and I am able to never extend myself on equipment or supplies on account of being one of just a handful of people in my specific industry. That being said, over the phone or zoom video conference consultations are free. Should someone want time in-person, then I do charge for my time. For prospects that become clients, that cost will almost always be applied to the work that was quoted. So, almost always for clients, the time becomes free.
Before gear is ordered or work begins, a deposit that covers all upfront actual costs and a modest portion of the initial work will be due.
A box of bulk Ethernet wire or a significant portion of a box does get a line item for supplies. There are so many supplies that do not get a line item though– like making new ends of custom Ethernet cables made on-site from bulk wire rolls. The wiring pull strings that get left in place are just part of the job– I will not specifically charge for string.
Changes in scope of over a $500 value impact will require a new quote and contract– with likely changes in overall cost of the job. Work can continue on the existing contract until need be for the new contract.
I will show up in a van and in clothes that one would expect when paying premium prices. The work being performed will be exceptionally neat, labelled for ease of maintenance, and documentation provided. The appearance of the operation will be first rate.
You will hear people say “cheap, fast, or good; pick two”. Let me simplify that. Fast and good are the only options on the table. I’ve spent decades well beyond the training a lawyer may receive to be as skilled as I am. It is reasonable to expect the labor costs to be on par with hiring a lawyer for a ballpark idea.
I have no intentions on making the labor rate a set number. The job will be estimated accordingly. Expect an excellent implementation and a premium experience in general.