This is not aimed at you BEP, but I do find this thread, in the context of your own post about rates, about the FUNNIEST DAMN THING I'VE READ IN YEARS!
Monday - Well established partner at niche consultancy firms wonders aloud why clients are so challenging on getting every last morsel of value from a consultant's day rate.
Tuesday - Consultant posts request on an anonymous forum asking for reference data that he can use to bill his client.
I would love to be in the room when the two-bit car salesmen leading that particular engagement is presenting the findings of their work.
Partner/Salesman: "And as you can see, although consultancy recruitment margins in India are as low as 8%, comparable rates in the UK are from 12%-18% for contract associates and 18%-26% for permanent hires more senior then Manager"
Client: "and what is the source of your data?"
Partner/Salesman: "Er....a marsaday and a guy called Arby who's a manager. That'll be $250K please."
Yeah, I wonder where on earth these arrogant clients are getting their poor attitudes about the value of consultancy spend....