Rates Anywhere

[RobMacki]

I'm new to this forum, so forgive me if this is an old topic and forgive my lazyness for not searching.

I've been mixing in an area of about 100,000 people in the surrounding area so it is not too big. I started out about 3 yrs ago. (I've been in sound in one form or another for over 25yrs)
When I first started I was offered $300 per day. At first I was stoked! I've since bought equipment, mackie 1202, pro tools remote w/tc,(on request) and sound cart. (Magliner jr.) I still need to buy my own shotgun and boom pole.
I was just talking to a Key Grip who is very good, worked in LA on some major films etc. He told me I should be getting "Key" rate. for this area, $450 a day, plus equipment.

?

Thanks for help and kick in the butt.

[Eric Toline]

Your rates will be determined by what the traffic will bear and what your competitors are charging.

You should always quote a rate for labor and a rate for gear rental.

$550 a day with gear for a video job is a fair rate. That should include a good ENG mixer, 2 wireless units and a boom pole, mic, zepp & the normal misc junk.

Good Luck, Eric

[SamBuckner]

To take this a step further....
What would be a reasonable daily rate for working in town and out of town? Can you charge more for travel or is that just expected? I am trying to figure a rate for a recording and editing job in Florida. It would be for me only, not to include any equipment. Typically do they cover all travel and expenses?

If anybody would like to chime in, please do so....

[Eric Toline]

A travel day is at least half your daily rate and it's a travel only day. If you travel & work on the same day then it's a full day rate & the clock starts when you start your travel.

If you work & then travel the clock starts at call & ends when you get home. This is assuming it's not a 30 minute drive to the job.

The client is expected to cover your travel expenses, accomodations and meals. Sometimes you can get per diem in lieu of meals.

You do not put out any money on their behalf. All expenses should go on their credit card.

Eric