Pricing
Transparent, fair pricing with no hidden fees. All estimates are starting points - final costs depend on your specific needs.
⚠ Important: These Are Estimates
Every project is unique. The rates below are starting points to give you an idea of costs. Actual pricing depends on project complexity, timeline, and specific requirements.
Always request a detailed quote before starting work. I'll never surprise you with unexpected charges.
Hourly Rates
Market Comparison: My rates are 20-30% below typical market rates. Industry standard for similar services: $40-125/hr depending on complexity.
Project-Based Estimates
Prefer a project price instead of hourly? Here are typical ranges for common projects. Actual cost depends on your specific requirements and complexity.
$200 - $400
- → OS installation & configuration
- → Basic security hardening
- → User account setup
- → Essential services installation
- → Basic documentation
$300 - $600
- → Docker & Docker Compose setup
- → Container deployment
- → Volume & network configuration
- → Basic orchestration
- → Maintenance documentation
$100 - $300
- → DNS server setup
- → Record configuration
- → Testing & validation
- → Troubleshooting
- → Configuration backup
$250 - $500
- → Server installation
- → Mod configuration
- → Performance optimization
- → Backup automation
- → Admin tools setup
$300 - $800+
- → Requirements gathering
- → Script development
- → Testing & debugging
- → Documentation
- → Support & tweaks
$400 - $1000+
- → Planning & assessment
- → Data/config migration
- → Testing & validation
- → Rollback planning
- → Post-migration support
Monthly Retainer Options
Need ongoing support? Retainers provide predictable monthly costs with priority access and reduced hourly rates.
5 hours/month
$175/month
- → Priority response time
- → Flexible scheduling
- → Additional hours: $40/hr
- → Email + IM support
Perfect for light maintenance or periodic updates
10 hours/month
$350/month
- → Priority response time
- → Flexible scheduling
- → Additional hours: $38/hr
- → Multi-channel support
Most popular - ideal for regular support needs
20 hours/month
$650/month
- → Highest priority response
- → Flexible scheduling
- → Additional hours: $35/hr
- → Comprehensive support
For clients needing dedicated ongoing support
Important Notes About Retainers:
- • Unused hours do not roll over to next month
- • Payment due monthly in advance
- • Can cancel with 30 days notice
- • Additional hours billed separately
- • Includes priority scheduling & support
What Affects Price?
- → Rush projects (< 1 week turnaround)
- → Complex legacy systems
- → Poor/missing documentation
- → Multiple stakeholders needing approval
- → Frequent scope changes
- → After-hours or weekend work
- → High-risk production systems
Ways to save:
- → Flexible timeline (no rush)
- → Well-documented existing setup
- → Simple, standard configuration
- → Bulk or ongoing work
- → Referral clients
- → Clear requirements upfront
- → Non-production environments
Payment Terms
→ Deposits
25-50% upfront deposit required for projects over $500
→ Milestone Payments
Larger projects split into milestones with payment at agreed checkpoints
→ Hourly Billing
Invoiced weekly or bi-weekly depending on project length
→ Retainers
Paid monthly in advance, additional hours billed separately
→ Payment Methods
PayPal, Stripe, bank transfer, cryptocurrency (inquire for details)
→ Payment Due
Net 15 terms - payment due within 15 days of invoice
Frequently Asked Questions
Every project is unique. Fixed pricing without understanding your specific needs could mean overcharging or undervaluing my time. Estimates give you a ballpark while allowing flexibility for unexpected complexity.
My rates are typically 20-30% below standard market rates. As an "amateur professional," I provide quality work at fair prices that reflect my growing experience level. You get professional service without corporate markups.
Yes! Initial 15-minute consultation is free to discuss your project and determine if I'm a good fit. No pressure, no obligation - just an honest conversation about whether I can help.
Absolutely. If your needs change or you want faster response times, we can adjust the service tier at any time. Flexibility is important to me.
I'll communicate early if the scope expands beyond the original estimate. You'll approve any additional costs before I proceed with extra work. No surprise bills - transparency is key.
Potentially for ongoing clients, bulk work, or referrals. If you're referring someone or planning multiple projects, ask when requesting a quote. I value long-term relationships.
Ready to Discuss Your Project?
Get a detailed quote tailored to your specific needs. Free 15-minute consultation to discuss requirements and pricing.