[start quote] The client now wants me to be available large parts of the day during office hours [end quote] I'm not sure what "be available" means in this co

[start quote] The client now wants me to be available large parts of the day during office hours [end quote] I'm not sure what "be available" means in this context. I just lost a client because they wanted responses--including completed development--within an hour. I said I had other clients / projects / commitments and couldn't guarantee dropping everything for their [relatively] small commitment. I tried to negotiate a "Same day acknowledgement" and "next day look at code"; but that seemed to be a no-go. I did not try to negotiate on-call rates because I didn't want to give up my flexibility [but it may have been a valid approach] So, do they expect you to be on call? Do they expect immediate response, or hourly response? If so, then I'd take one of two approaches. Either a retainer for being available and then your normal hourly rate. Or no retainer; but double your normal hourly rate. Or can you get on by just negotiating office-hours with this client; as others have suggested. "The best time to reach me is between 2 and 4; and I'll get back to you as soon as possible that time in the unlikely case that I miss your call/IM/Text/Email." Or can you just make it up as you go. "As long as you call before noon; I'll get back to you the same day; otherwise it may be after close of business, or during the next business day" Overall, a client request that you are available during office hours is perfectly reasonable. But, the level of commitment required from you is what needs to be determined would affect billing rates.