How can I research a reasonable fee to charge?

[pl8ump1012]

I'm interested in going to Cooperstown, but have to evaluate if I can afford to miss the week of work from my "regular" job. I know we're not supposed to discuss fees publicly on the forum. How can I research a reasonable fee (and whether or not that reasonable fee includes or is in addition to travel costs)? Any information anyone could provide would be greatly appreciated. DMs totally ok.

Thank you!

[LRZ]

Maybe send private messages to umpires on this forum who have gone, asking for information? 

I've always thought it odd that we could not discuss CDP/CASV fees on a forum for umpires, but we can talk about fees for school and rec league games. But perhaps there is a legitimate distinction that I'm missing.

[MadMax]

6 hours ago, LRZ said:

I've always thought it odd that we could not discuss CDP/CASV fees on a forum for umpires,

Because, it’s essentially bidding. By posting what your “fee” is, any team reps will read that, and then hedge other umpires into that same fee amount, regardless of what factors into that stated fee. An umpire can only represent / be sponsored by one team at a time… as soon as a dollar amount gets posted, other teams will ask, “Well, that one umpire only charged $X, so why are you charging $Y?”

[johnnyg08]

What I've learned about this program is that unless you essentially go for free, you'll never be the low bid. Someone will always go for cheaper. I would never beg to do this...it's not all it's cracked up to be. But...your mileage may vary.

I recommend that you bid what you'd need to make it work for you and not worry about other bids.

Never, ever undervalue your work....even if you love it...there's a value.

You could take a foul ball to the mask and never be able to work your regular job again and you'll never make up that loss. 

 

[LRZ]

MadMax, thanks for the succinct (!!!) explanation, which makes sense.