Here’s a detailed charging structure tailored to my fabrication supply chain services in sourcing, supply chain management, NPD/NPI, and manufacturing solutions. This framework balances flexibility for clients while ensuring fair compensation for my expertise.

1. Hourly Rate

Best for: Short-term tasks, consultations, or projects with variable workloads.

• Rate Range: $50–$150/hour (adjust based on dificulty level, industry, and location).
• Examples:
• Supplier research or vetting.
• Quality control troubleshooting.
• Technical consultations (e.g., DFM, DFC, DFA, DFX, assembly line optimization, etc).
• Advantages: Transparent for clients; ideal for unpredictable tasks.
• Billing: Track hours using tools like Toggl or Harvest; invoice weekly/biweekly.

2. Daily Rate

Best for: Full-day commitments like audits, training, or onsite visits.

• Rate Range: $200–$500/day (based on 8–10 hours/day).
• Examples:
• Factory audits or supplier site inspections.
• Onsite NPI (New Product Introduction) support.
• Supply chain risk assessments.
• Quality improvement and management
• Other tasks assigned
• Advantages: Simplified billing for focused, full-day work.
• Discounts: Offer 5–10% off for multi-day bookings (e.g., 5-day audits).

3. Weekly Rate

Best for: Medium-term projects requiring ongoing involvement.

• Rate Range: $1500–$6,000/week (based on 40–50 hours/week).
• Examples:
• Managing a product launch (NPD/NPI).
• Overseeing a manufacturing pilot run.
• End-to-end supply chain setup for a client.
• Quality improvement and management
• Other tasks assigned
• Advantages: Predictable cost for clients; ideal for deliverables with weekly milestones.
• Scope: Clarify deliverables upfront to avoid scope creep.

4. Monthly Retainer

Best for: Long-term partnerships or recurring responsibilities.

• Rate Range: $8,000–$24,000/month (negotiable based on workload).
• Examples:
• Ongoing supply chain optimization.
• Quality control management for a product line.
• Advisory role for NPD projects.
• Other tasks assigned
• Flexibility: Offer part-time retainers (e.g., 10–20 hours/week at a prorated rate).
• Terms: Include a defined scope (e.g., X hours/month, Y deliverables) to align expectations.

5. Project-Based Pricing

Best for: Well-defined scopes (e.g., developing a sourcing strategy).

• Structure:
• Fixed fee based on complexity (e.g., $5,000–$30,000).
• Milestone payments (e.g., 30% upfront, 40% mid-project, 30% on delivery).
• Examples:
• Building a supplier database for a niche product.
• Designing a manufacturing workflow from concept to production.

6. Hybrid Models

Combine time-based and value-based pricing:

• Example: Hourly rate for initial diagnostics + fixed fee for implementing solutions.
• Case Study: Charge $1,500/day for a 3-day factory assessment + $5,000 fixed fee for process redesign.

Additional Considerations

• Expenses: Bill separately for travel, software, or third-party lab testing.
• Rush Fees: Add 20–50% for urgent deadlines.
• Payment Terms:
• 30–50% deposit for large projects.
• Net 15–30 days for invoices; include late fees (1.5%/month).
• Currency: Specify RMB, USD, EUR, etc., or peg to a stable currency if working globally.

• Client Budget: Flexibility for startups vs. corporations.

This structure balances client flexibility with my earning potential. Adjust rates based on the difficult level, workload, urgency level, track record, and regional standards! 🚀