For all of the work I do, I usually charge flat rates or equivalent to $25 hr. Consultation fees are different than free estimates. I charge $25 for the first hour going over detailed consultations in person, by phone or video conference or email exchange for the time it takes to go over details; any extra time going over an hour will be added percentage per hour. The more you prepare in advance of what you want, including knowing your budget ahead of time and stick with that, the quickerthe consultation will go. If the job being done ends up costing ten times or more than the alloted consultation fee, the fee will be waved.