Consulting budget: single session or long package
Before asking 'how much will it cost?', ask 'how much is this decision worth?'
A single consultation and a package differ in both cost and calculation: a single session is paid per meeting, while a package allows for regular and flexible access over a period. You should determine your budget based on the value of the decision that needs to be finalized, not based on the number of hours spent in meetings. Specific figures always depend on the scope and context, so consider the pricing table as a starting point for discussion, not a fixed price.
- you should budget for events when you need to adjust the workflow or make a concise decision
- the budget should be allocated weekly when you need to finalize multiple strategic decisions or bring leaders into the discussion
- the budget should be allocated for the year when there is a large-scale event that requires high-level consulting
- the price is based on the number of hours but forgets the value of the decision hanging in the air
- remove additional charges like detailed reports or travel expenses when budgeting
The question about consulting budget often starts from the wrong place. Many business owners compare costs based on the number of hours spent in meetings, while the correct benchmark should be: how much is the pending decision worth to the business? A consulting session that helps clarify the right direction can save many months of going in the wrong direction. The budget should be set in relation to that, not in relation to hourly meeting room rental costs.
The reference framework: anchor point numbers
Below is Sinh Vũ's reference pricing framework, used as a baseline for discussions when budgeting. The final numbers are always confirmed according to the specific scope and context.
- One-on-one consulting with Anh Sinh: approximately 5 million VND (online) or 7 million VND (in-person in Hanoi).
- The strategy kickoff meeting: approximately 15 million VND.
- A full-day brand workshop costs approximately 25 million VND in Hanoi and around 35 million VND in Ho Chi Minh City.
- Team alignment (a half-day session to align leadership) costs around 12 million VND.
- Founder coaching for 3 months: approximately 30 million VND.
- The quarterly or annual companion package (Bespoke level): custom pricing based on rhythm and scope.
If you need a detailed report or minutes after the meeting, that will incur an additional charge and needs to be confirmed in advance.
Standalone session and long-term package: different calculations
Single session: Payment is made per session, suitable when you need to test a working method or resolve a specific and concise decision. It allows for easier short-term budget control, but does not ensure continuity when there are many subsequent branches.
Retainer package: Payment for regular access over a period (monthly, quarterly, or annually). The fee is based on the minimum usage expected during that period, allowing for more flexibility when needed. Suitable for strategic decision-making chains or when ongoing advisory support is required through multiple stages.
When to choose which format, and why
- Choose a one-off session when you need to resolve a decision quickly, or want to test the working method before committing long-term.
- Choose a package for a few weeks when you need to finalize many strategic decisions or want to involve the entire leadership team in the same direction.
- Choose a quarterly or annual package when there are significant turning points and you need ongoing senior advisory support through each stage.
Factors that affect the numbers
In addition to the form, there are several practical factors to consider when budgeting:
- Event location and number of attendees.
- Do you need documents, minutes, or detailed reports after the meeting?
- Travel fees if the organization is outside Hanoi.
- The ability to deduct the fee for a single session into a larger package if signed afterward needs to be confirmed beforehand.
Define fees based on the value of the results delivered, not on the time spent. A correct decision is worth much more than the number of hours spent in meetings to reach that decision.
Alan Weiss, Value-Based Fees
Common mistakes when creating a budget
- Compare prices based solely on the number of hours while overlooking the value of the decision that needs to be finalized. A wrong positioning decision can cost much more than the consulting fee.
- Choosing the cheapest option for a high-value decision can lead to insufficient depth for making good decisions.
- Overlook additional costs such as detailed reports, travel expenses, or the number of participants exceeding expectations, resulting in actual budgets being higher than planned.
- Use anchor pricing like fixed prices and do not discuss specific scope before signing.
The viewpoint of Sinh Vũ
Sinh Vũ does not price by the hour because meeting hours do not reflect the value of the decisions made during that time. When you come to a consultation session, what Sinh Vũ wants to know first is: how significant is the decision hanging in the balance, and how much depth is needed to make that decision correctly. From there, we can choose the appropriate format and budget level, not the other way around.
If you are unsure where to begin, a one-on-one consultation is often a reasonable starting point: enough to understand each other, enough to decide whether to proceed.
Decision checklist
Topic: Estimated budget for a session and accompanying consulting package. Sinh Vũ guide, sinhvu.com
Select each item you find appropriate, then print or save as PDF to take with you.
If you have marked most of the signs above, this is the time to discuss in more detail. Sinh Vũ can help you review and propose a direction.
References
Alan Weiss, Value-Based Fees. Sinh Vũ, service data and internal service page.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a price difference between online consultations and in-person meetings?
Yes. In-person meetings typically cost more than online meetings due to additional travel time and venue arrangements. The specific difference varies by meeting and location, so it should be confirmed when preparing the quotation.
If I do a single session first and then want to switch to a long-term package, will the fee be deducted?
Depending on each case and specific agreement. Some forms allow for deducting the fee of a single session into a larger package if signed shortly afterward. You should clarify this term before paying for the first session.
Do you need to add a fee for the report after the consultation?
If you want minutes or a detailed report after the meeting, this will incur an additional charge and is not included in the basic fee. Please confirm this request in advance to avoid missing it when budgeting.