Can I be compensated for the time and effort put into preparing for a consultation?

OnFrontiers compensates experts for the time spent in consultation with our client, based on the hourly rate set by the expert.

Preparation time is generally not compensated unless OnFrontiers explicitly agrees to it in writing in advance. The reasoning: experts choose how much preparation to do, and the value of the consultation lies in the conversation itself, not in pre-call research.

Exceptions where prep time may be compensated:

• Written response engagements that require research before delivery (compensation is agreed upfront)
• Specific project work where the scope explicitly includes preparation hours
• Client-requested deliverables (briefs, summaries) prepared before or after the call

For a standard 30–60 minute consultation, treat the consultation rate as inclusive of normal preparation. If a client requests substantial prep work, raise it with OnFrontiers before agreeing.