Someone had asked me to provide them with a quotation on how much my financial fee will be. I’ll quote based on hourly charge. But I was asked to quote a lump sum rather than hourly. Here are my comments.

Many professionals charge by the hour. For example, typically a lawyer charges by the hour. They usually cannot give an exact lump sum quote since the work to be done is unknown.

Another profession will be taxi drivers.  No taxi driver can or even are permitted to give a lump sum quote because they can only charge what the meter say. The meter will only run if the journey is started. The meter reading is based on the distance covered and the time spent stationary.

Another profession that charge by the hour in some ways are doctors. They always start with a minimum consultation fee but if the consultation extends beyond the average case or is more complex than average, they can charge a higher consultation fee. With the abolishment of standardizations of medical consultation fee due to the anti-competition act, doctors are free to charge fees without subjecting themselves to their association's guidelines.

Many cleaners charge by the hour too. They cannot give exactly how many hours they need to clean the house. If the client imposes a limit to the hours, they may not be able to complete the cleaning in time or they may rush and do a bad job. I have been using part-time cleaners for my own house for many years already. I had used the services of both cleaning agents and direct (through word of mouth) cleaners. Everyone of them charge by the hour.

Finally, many low skilled workers are paid by the hour. If they are on MC, they will not be paid their salary for those hours absence from work.

Thus such practice of charging by the hour is common and widespread is not unusual or extraordinary. From high-power professionals like lawyers & doctors to ordinary folks like taxi drivers, cleaners and low skilled workers, these are instances which they are paid by the hour and their way of remuneration is acceptable to all.

Thus, the manner which I am compensated is not unusual at all. I hope that clients do not ask me to quote a lump sum. If I had to quote a lump sum, I will safeguard my interest by factoring a margin of safety. To be fair to all parties, let's stick with the hourly rate.