Know what you re willing to commit. Be prepared to tell the consultant what resources you will make available to him or her do the job. This could be background information on your business, records, plus any office space, equipment, supplies, or even employees you can make available. Be proactive and do a little research to supply the consultant with as much information as possible to help solve your problem. Establish fees upfront.
Consultants have different ways of collecting compensation.
Some charge by the hour, others have a flat rate, and still others charge by the day or the project. Some have a retainer which guarantees you will receive a specified number of hours each month. Others charge a contingency fee, in which the amount paid is based on the results. Develop a list of questions. Interview a prospective consultant before you hire him or her.