Topic: Basic Engineering, how much do you charge?

[Kevin]

This kid asked me to help cut some tracks and mix some tracks for him.  First off ill mention he has already been a pain in the ass.  I set aside some time to help him and then didn't hear from him that day.  So this is the last time im even going to consider helping him.  Also, I do not know anything about DJ music but thought this might be a good experience.  So assuming he calls me this afternoon...

Ok so he is bringing most of the gear that he wants to use.  Ill be providing a room, which is not acoustically treated, a pro tools rig, some mics, guitar, amps, MY TIME, etc.  He wants me to cut the tracks, do some editing, and then mix everything for him and bounce it out onto a disc for him.  

Just curious how much yall charge for this.  Personally I was thinking about 20-25 an hour.  

Thanks guys,

Kevin

[rokpunk]

$25/hr with a 4 hour minimum, at the very least.
if he can't scrape together $100 for your time, he doesn't consider you worthwhile, in which case, you shouldn't consider him worthwhile.

of course, that's just my opinion.

[sparkjockey]

$25/hr seems kind of low but the 4 hr min. should help. Considering he's already been a PITA, $100 up front and $30-$35/hr isn't out of line IMO. You can put the $100 towards the total if you feel like it, but be sure to get something up front or you might not get anything at all. 

[goodcooker]

I would charge a minimum 100 up front for 4 hours (including setting up all his gear) and 35 each hour after that for a demo/ep disc.
I have found that the average person under values decent recording time's cost or expects post production work for cheap.

That's what I would charge for friend of a friend type favors.
 If he's being a wanker or a noshow forget it.

[Kevin]

Thanks for the input.  I decided not to do it.  Took a day to myself, which was I definitely needed