So today I was just about ready to book a quick meetup session with a company about certain services after doing my research about the options in town. They appeared to have a standard rate as well as some good credentials. The receptionist then told me that they would be glad to book a date for the initial meeting and that it would cost $100. Of course, it was a surprise to me as there was no mention of this fee anywhere in our previous discussions. Interestingly enough, this just turned me off and so I decided to try elsewhere.
In a lot of cases it makes sense to charge initial consultation fees. In many types of businesses without it you will just have a revolving door of people who will simply take up your time which can then cost you money. However, I think it is a mistake to not be upfront that you do charge a fee. Like in this example, the thought in my head now is that I am constantly wondering if these guys have a gazillion more fine prints that I am unaware if I decided to go with them.
Although, unless you are really high up in your field I think you can probably benefit more by doing away with initial fees like these. The more people you meet the more chances you have at making new customers I’d say. High fees like that won’t help to attract them either.