Posted by Susan Gilland on January 04, 2000 at 22:52:49:
In Reply to: Industry Standard Production Guides posted by TexasTJ on January 04, 2000 at 11:30:14:
I have ABSSI's dated 11/98, 4th edition. I believe it is still the latest version. I don't have Brenner's. I thought the non-member price was a bit steep but I felt it was worth the price just so I'd have more information and some guides to follow. I believe their estimated times are also high, but when you consider everything involved with a job from start to finish (not just the typing), they're probably more realistic. It's probably better to overestimate than underestimate. This is not a pricing guide, it gives you estimated times to complete projects. This way, you just multiply the times by whatever your hourly rate is.
The IPS covers typing text, statistical, transcription, database and resumes. There are separate pricing guides for business support services, desktop publishing and web design, which I don't have.
I think the IPS was valuable to me because it gave me more confidence when dealing with prospective clients. It's nice to have backup against statements like, "I could have typed that in five minutes!" As stated in ABSSI's IPS, "Thus, many providers have been faced with the necessity to defend or justify charges to clients - with no documentation to back up their argument. With clearly defined, published Industry Production Standards, providers are capable of explaining time and labor content to clients. With IPS, they gain improved client understanding and acceptance."
By the way, it was after receiving this guide that I picked up two very good clients. One was a five-week project that paid $7,000, the other has been a repeat customer for over a year now. I think my confidence level was pretty high around that time, just after reviewing the IPS guide. Not sure if it really had anything to do with it, but it sure didn't hurt. I'm really glad you brought it up because I could use another dose of confidence. :)
Susan