What to charge for traveling away to do sessions?!?!
I am being approached to fly to a village in Interior Alaska (actually my home town) once or twice per month for training sessions. I have no idea what to charge. My typical rate is $50 if a client comes to me and trains at my home gym, but to fly 200 miles away from my family and possibly spend the night away adds a whole new dimension to charge for. Anybody have any ideas? I am thinking $100-$150 per hour.
Hi Shawn. Congratulations! I’ve had a similar request in the past (though not quite 200 miles – smile) and here’s how I would approach this. In my opinion, you need to give serious consideration to your ‘missed opportunity’ costs (training sessions you cannot take because of your all-day travel etc) in addition to your travel expenses and training fee. Admittedly, this may make the fee you charge prohibitive for the client, however, if a client is asking you to take a full-day to come train them, they should expect this to cost them! I would NOT consider charging an hourly rate, but instead a DAY RATE. Figure out what you are comfortable with making per day (based on your average training day) and charge the client that amount PLUS your travel expenses. That’s my opinion.
Good luck, and who knows, this may lead to even more ‘travel business’ for you where you work with additional clients in this new location.
LaRue, CSCS
www.lecfitness.com
wow that is a long way to go to train. Congratulations! You must be a great trainer! $100 an hour plus expenses. I can’t imagine paying for travel and hotel out of your own pocket. Even if you were paid $150.00 an hour..it would seem you wouldn’t be coming out ahead.
Do you think this client is willing to pay you enough to make all that effort worth it for you?