reasonable fee for milage/one night stay

lisarhinehart

Hello folks,
What do you suggest charging for travel? I have been asked to cover a wedding that would require me to drive over two hours each way and get a hotel room. How do you handle these situations? I was thinking of charging a certain fee per mile (for gas/wear and tear/time) and a basic hotel fee that would cover a decent place. Specifics are appreciated. Lisa

squiddy

I would say whatever the going rate is for mileage in your state. I think colorado is like .55/mile but not sure. Should state on tax forms.

Hotel stay... $100?

digger2

Expenses
Charge a flat rate. 2 hours drive puts you about 100 miles away? At ??mpg you can work out your gas usage, and pre book a hotel. That way you can get the fee up front with no arguments

Art Scott

digger2 wrote:

Charge a flat rate. 2 hours drive puts you about 100 miles away? At ??mpg you can work out your gas usage, and pre book a hotel. That way you can get the fee up front with no arguments

I only a per mile fee on trips not over 50miles one way....other wise I just charge a flat rate for a tank of gas....that way wear and tear and all is included and for hotel just charge what it is going to cost you....check prices on line.....I do not stick clients for a 4 or 5 star hotel....all I want is a clean bed and clean shower...if I can get a pool or hot tube that is a bonus..so most of my stays are in Motel 6 or 8 or something comparable....

urbanaries

don't forget the rehearsal.

for venue's I've never been to, I try to make the rehearsal. then, are you really going to want to drive home after a 12 hour day? it's up to you, but the couple of "overnight" wedding's i've done, I either stayed two nights or really regretted not.

mileage...i charge the state rate over 50 miles. traveling aint' cheap...you spend more on meals, etc...so please don't sell yourself short (like i've done a few times!)

lisarhinehart

more detail
Thanks for sharing everyone!!!

My round trip will be 250 miles, so it'd be $150 for state mileage/wear and tear and I'm thinking $100 for hotel stay. I definitely want to be there for the rehearsal.

If they would like me to stay later than 8 I'd charge a second $100 for the next night(?) If they would like to take advantage of the comp engagement shoot, I wouldn't charge mileage.

Any thoughts? Sound reasonable?

ChatKat

IRS Mileage Rate
There is no such thing as a state rate. There is an IRS Rate - $0.55 a mile. so it's about $137.50 plus two nights hotel....the best way to charge your client is arrive at a Per Diem rate. (Per day) include mileage, your expect hotel rate and Dinner the night before, breakfast and lunch the day of, dinner is at the wedding, and breakfast the next day. If you are reasonable about it then it isn't an issue. Do not let the clients make your hotel reservation...you want to stay where you and your gear are safe. One photographer told a story of being put up at a totally unacceptable hotel complete with ladies of the night, drug dealers and a drive through a bad area - away from the venue.

timk519

Don't forget to include your time in your charge - 2 hrs each way is 1/2 day's worth of work you can't do somewhere else.