Invoicing Man Days

[GeoMal]

I'm not sure if there is a correct answer to this as such, but I am interested in the general consensus.

If I agree to do some work based upon a day rate, and work partial days how is this invoiced?

For example, if a time sheet shows 5 hours work one day, and 10 hours another day, does this mean I invoice:

a. 1 man day, for the 10 hour day.
b. 1.5 man days, 1 for the 10 hour day, and 0.5 for the 5 hour day.
c. 1.7 man days, on the basis 10+5=15/8.5=1.7 with a standard 8.5 hour day.

Any experience of this would be greatly appreciated.

 

[AndrewEardley]

I think that would largely depend on the contract you entered into.

Option b seems the fairest of the three options listed (IMO), but either could be correct really

 

[StevensOnln1]

You need to have a clear agreement with the client on how many hours constitutes a work day covered by your day rate. Personally I would go for option C. With option A you'd be doing yourself out of a lot of hours.

 

[NickMoore]

Invoice what you think is fair to both parties, and see how the customer responds. If the customer has a dispute with your method they can take it up with you, and you can then negotiate.

 

[Walkol]

We have a range of contractors who are on day rates, and they all do variations of the above depending on what is in their contract.

Fairest way - option C. Basically means you work from an hourly rate - nobody loses out, everyone knows what the cost is.

 

[GeoMal]

Thanks all, I had stated I would be using option c but wanted reassurance it was not unheard-of.