The Ultimate Guide to Understanding Agency Rates, With Marcel Petitpas
Sep 27, 2023
auto_awesome
The podcast explores the changing landscape of agency rates and pricing models. It discusses the importance of understanding billable rates and setting target rates. The factors contributing to a drop-off in agency rates are also explored. The chapter emphasizes the need for setting appropriate rates based on team composition and compensation. Strategies to improve the average billable rate and measure agency profitability are also discussed.
Understanding different types of rates is crucial for agency profitability.
Setting rates based on margin and efficiency gains can improve average billable rates.
Deep dives
Types of Rates in Agencies
The podcast discusses the evolution of rates in agencies. Historically, time and materials was the predominant billing model, but as agencies became more specialized, they shifted towards flat rate pricing and value-based pricing. The podcast emphasizes the importance of understanding the different types of rates, including target rates, billable rates, and average billable rates. It highlights the significance of setting rates that ensure good delivery margin, which is crucial for agency profitability.
Determining the Right Rate
The podcast explains how to determine the right rate for your agency. It highlights the importance of setting rates based on margin rather than solely considering industry benchmarks or competitor rates. The podcast provides a formula for calculating delivery margin and suggests targeting a minimum delivery margin of 70% or higher. It also discusses the concept of average cost per hour and offers two methods for setting rates based on margin and efficiency gains.
Improving Average Billable Rate
The podcast explores three strategies for improving the average billable rate. The first is increasing the price of services without increasing the scope by charging a higher rate for the same scope of work. The second is increasing efficiency, reducing the time required to complete a project, thereby increasing the average billable rate. The third strategy is lowering delivery costs by improving processes and decreasing the level of judgment needed, allowing for the hiring of less expensive staff. These strategies help agencies achieve better margins and profitability.
Monitoring and Adjusting Rates
The podcast offers tips on monitoring and adjusting rates. It emphasizes the importance of tracking time and measuring key metrics like target rates, billable rates, and average billable rates. It also highlights the significance of accurately measuring margins and cost basis to ensure profitability. Additionally, the podcast suggests separating price and scope to avoid misleading estimations and pricing habits. It concludes by mentioning tools and resources available to help agencies track and analyze their rates effectively.
Get the templates, formulas and frameworks we've used with our consulting clients to help them double their profitability in under 60 days, absolutely free.
For more information on our Agency Profitability Systems and Consulting, check out https://parakeeto.com
Love the podcast? Leave us a review on the platform of your choice!