Posted by Barb25 on 4/23/12 8:04pm
Msg #418673

I am curious how some of you

have determined your base mileage or additional fee criteria for distance/time.

Lately I am getting more and more requests for signings much further out of my area. I am finding it difficult to calculate my fees to compensate for this. Of course, there is gasoline. But, there is an easy 60 miles (interstate @ 70 mph) and a 60 miles of traffic and stoplights.

Anyhow, I would be interested to hear any thoughts on this that you would share. Also what you consider your base mileage area. Thanks,

Reply by Lee/AR on 4/23/12 8:18pm
Msg #418675

I'm sure I'm the odd man out here, but I Mapquest 'em all which gives me very accurate mileage @ $X/mile and a fair estimate of the drive time @ $XX/mi. That and my base fee is what I quote. They can take it or keep calling, but I don't take a loss. Seems like most companies want you to figure your base area as a 20 mile radius. That doesn't work for me (and frankly I doubt it works for anyone), but that's up to the individual.

Reply by ToniK on 4/23/12 8:18pm
Msg #418676

My base is within my county and anything outside of my county gets either a $25 or $50 fee added based upon which county. For example counties closer to the DC area with no parking and more traffic gets the $50 extra fee. But I tend to stay away from anything that is more than a 30 min drive with traffic.

Someone posted a site to determine your mileage and gas use. I just use the $25/50 added depending upon county.

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 4/23/12 8:29pm
Msg #418679

That's what I do Toni..flat $25-$35 outside county n/m

Reply by jba/fl on 4/23/12 8:32pm
Msg #418681

I charge by time and tolls more than mileage....sometimes 4 mi. will take me 30-45 mins....how can I ignore the time? Time is money. I have memorized my zip codes and I understand and know my traffic in my areas and at the times needed.

Reply by Barb25 on 4/24/12 9:50am
Msg #418731

Ah, jba.. A Florida lady.

You understand where I am coming from. I can zip up I75 and 60 miles is nothing. I can go 35 miles it can take over a hour and lots of tolls.. I am finding that I charging a premium in these cases and not getting resistance. Or I don't go and don't care. I've been financially hurt too often I think. I'm still not sure if it is worth it if times are busy.

Reply by HisHughness on 4/23/12 9:04pm
Msg #418687

Two counties are covered by my base, except for some sections that are far distant. Thereafter, every county line I cross is an additional $25.

Reply by Barb25 on 4/24/12 10:15am
Msg #418735

It is so interesting to see

all of this. I am only a couple of miles from the county lines of 3 different counties and yet as far as 25 miles from parts of the town next to me and close to that to parts of my own also, can you believe. A lot different from Long Isand, NY to say the very least,

Reply by jba/fl on 4/24/12 10:26am
Msg #418736

Re: It is so interesting to see

I am quad-county, over expanded and the roads have not kept up with development. No one in power with vision to expand for what is projected. I almost prefer further appts as they can take less time.

Reply by Barb25 on 4/24/12 10:46am
Msg #418737

Re: It is so interesting to see

When I get the requests to go SW, the traffic is heavy and area is populated. Some counties have single lane roads. I've learned to know my areas, the hard way. lol....

Reply by EileenHI on 4/24/12 12:14pm
Msg #418755

Re: It is so interesting to see

Ohau is all one county.... there are a lot of areas I can't get to directly. What looks on the map to be a 10 mile drive is actually 50 miles. And if they want me to go to Honolulu or Waikiki at 5pm on a weekday.... that is at least an hour's drive, plus another 30-45 minutes trying to find a parking space. And with gas at around 4.50/gal..... I charge depending on the time of day, area of signing.

Reply by Barb25 on 4/24/12 1:01pm
Msg #418759

Re: It is so interesting to see

I hear you. That makes sense too. I've been in Waikiki at 5 and would like to come back even to work.

Reply by SharonMN on 4/25/12 3:48pm
Msg #418875

I do use about a 20 mile radius for my base fee, which pretty much covers my county. However, there are about 6 other counties within a 30-40 mile radius, for which I may charge an extra $25-50 depending on location. I'm pretty rural, but I'm 30 miles north of Minneapolis/St. Paul, and while I will happily drive further INTO the country, I usually turn down assignments more than about 25 miles toward the city due to traffic hassles (or what we call traffic hassles - I can hear you east coasters laughing already).