Do you run a business with a DBA or will they be writing a check to you personally? How well do you know the client? I would be fair and honest when you do the

Do you run a business with a DBA or will they be writing a check to you personally? How well do you know the client? I would be fair and honest when you do the consultation - in terms of what you charge and in terms of the feasibility part. Without more info, I think an email can be enough at this point just confirming details in writing, including the consultation fee and anything else as this gig sounds quite informal right now. Others may disagree and recommend an LLC or some long contract as there is risk involved. Only after the consultation can you figure out how to structure a contract. Based on what type of effort and time frame is needed. Whether to go with a total project fee or charge hourly and you will get a better feel for how this client does things. An email might go like this: "Hi..., Follow up to our conversation...Consultation to get your new software compatible...should be 1-2 hours on site...The flat fee is $200. Please make the check payable to Freshman Paidsworder...I am available Wednesday and Friday next week to come out there...Please let me know if this works for you and what day/time is convenient..." Keep in mind, how do you think this small local business handles other contracts (eg HVAC repair job), do they have a bookkeeper or are you working with the owner directly? If this type of work is something you would like to keep doing, try to make it positive/easy for you (be yourself) and make it positive for this client (word of mouth/reference/right thing to do). Good Luck, Congrats. P.S. $300/hour is not that crazy if it is one hour of work total ;)