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charge for drive mirroring - flat rate?

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bobby1041
(@bobby1041)
Posts: 20
Eminent Member
Topic starter
 

Hi everyone,
I just finished the Computer Forensics course @ Kennesaw State University and preparing for the CCE exam. I am about to start a case where I have to mirror a drive and export key files out. I had a question about drive mirroring and billing. Can you guys give me an idea about billing for the drive imaging? Should I charge a flat rate or an hourly rate? Please help. ) This is my first imaging job and I'm not sure how my employer should bill it.

Thanks in advance.

 
Posted : 22/03/2006 1:28 am
m7esec
(@m7esec)
Posts: 45
Eminent Member
 

I usually bill a flat rate, depending on Drive size, as most people clients want to know the cost up front. Good luck and congrats on the job.

 
Posted : 22/03/2006 2:14 am
arashiryu
(@arashiryu)
Posts: 122
Estimable Member
 

I charge a flat rate for forensic aquisition. For analysis and reporting I bill hourly. I also charge for travel time. Inquire about a retainer as well. Good luck.

 
Posted : 22/03/2006 2:22 am
deckard
(@deckard)
Posts: 77
Trusted Member
 

For imaging we charge a flat rate plus x$ per GB, this allows for the extra time needed for large drives. Notice how we all held back the flat rate amount?<G> seems to be a volatile topic in m area anyway. Some IT service companies are imaging real cheap, but we know where their methods leave the client legally, but some potential clients see only dollar signs.

 
Posted : 22/03/2006 2:31 am
(@andyfox)
Posts: 43
Eminent Member
 

well we don't use a flat rate. We make a small inital charge ( and do an initial report)and then tell the client what's on the drive and then cost it per hour as per what the client wants. I think there is no point in charging for mirroring or cloning a HDD that is blank , useless or simplay has no evidence on it.

 
Posted : 22/03/2006 3:32 pm
arashiryu
(@arashiryu)
Posts: 122
Estimable Member
 

Retainer - A partial fee paid in advance for professional
services.

 
Posted : 22/03/2006 6:46 pm
bobby1041
(@bobby1041)
Posts: 20
Eminent Member
Topic starter
 

Thanks for the replies. Ok, so drive imaging is typically done on a flat rate. That's cool. So, without giving any company names, how much $$$ do you charge for drive mirroring?

 
Posted : 22/03/2006 7:11 pm
(@drv16)
Posts: 13
Active Member
 

We charge our full forensic rate if we are imaging the computer on-site (office, law firm, etc.). We also bill for the two hard drives (original image copy and working copy). If we image a computer in our lab we charge a machine time rate which is half the forensic rate. Machine time is used when there is very little interaction on the examiners part (imaging, running FTK against image, etc.)

 
Posted : 22/03/2006 7:57 pm
(@tvdavis)
Posts: 14
Active Member
 

I also charge a flat rate when doing on-site (law firm, office, etc.) hard drive imaging. This is a bit of a pain when you encounter strange problems on-site or a particularly chatty customer (as I did last week), and you've already contracted for a set rate versus an hourly rate.

But this brings up another (kind of) related question Does anyone here mark up the price of the equipment they use if it will be turned over to the client? For example If the drive cost you $100, do you add on, say 10% to the cost? Technically this seems fair, since you did have to go to get the drive from the store or order it.

What do you all think? It's a petty thing, I know, but I was just thinking about it.

TVD

 
Posted : 18/04/2006 4:00 am
m7esec
(@m7esec)
Posts: 45
Eminent Member
 

I see no problem as long as it isn't grossly overcharging. Some here have it as part of their contract. I know I do.

 
Posted : 18/04/2006 9:44 pm
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