Security consultants send a proposal or quote after an initial call or walkthrough and before any assessment, design, or training work begins. Clients are comparing scope, deliverables, credentials, and timeline as much as price, and often get quotes from several firms. A clear written scope is what separates a competitive quote from one that is just cheaper.
When to use estimates: Use estimates to provide project quotes and get client approval before starting work. Once approved, convert your estimate to an invoice with one click to collect payment.
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Invoice_1001_Client_2026-10-14.pdf
Number of buildings, square footage, parking areas, and remote sites determine the hours and keep the client from adding locations for free.
Naming the approach, such as a CPTED review, ASIS standards, or a state school safety framework, tells the client what they are buying and what you will not cover.
Specify whether you provide a written report, a slide deck, floor plan markups, or a cost estimate for recommended upgrades.
These are the most common sources of scope creep and should have defined limits.
Clients may assume a security assessment includes areas outside your expertise or licensing.
Your findings describe vulnerabilities. Clarify who can see the report and that you do not guarantee that incidents will be prevented.
Delays in site access or document delivery should push the schedule, not cost you money.
| Service | Priced | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly advisory consulting | per hour | $100-250 |
| Physical security site assessment (small to mid-size facility) | flat fee | $2,000-8,000 |
| Security system design and specification (CCTV, access control) | flat fee | $2,500-10,000 |
| Emergency action plan or security policy development | flat fee | $1,500-6,000 |
| Security awareness or active threat training session | per session | $500-2,500 |
| Monthly advisory retainer | per month | $1,000-5,000 |
| Expert witness review and testimony | per hour | $200-450 |
| Travel time | per hour | $50-125 |
Typical US ranges. Rates vary by region, experience, and job size.
Estimate fieldwork, analysis, report writing, and presentation time separately at your hourly rate, then add a buffer of 10-20% for revisions and questions. Present the total as a flat fee.
A basic assessment, an assessment with a prioritized budget, and an assessment with follow-up support give the client a choice and often lead them past the cheapest option.
State whether travel is included or billed at cost, and include mileage and lodging estimates for jobs that require overnight stays.
Quotes should expire in 30 days or so. Staffing, travel costs, and your schedule change, and an open-ended quote can be accepted long after it makes sense.
A short intro call is usually free. A full on-site walkthrough for a large facility is often a paid half-day, and many consultants credit the fee toward the full engagement if the client signs.
Detailed enough that a reader can tell exactly what is included and excluded, typically two to four pages. Include scope, deliverables, fee, schedule, and terms, without revealing your full methodology.
Issue a written change order with the added work, hours, and cost before proceeding. A short email approval is better than none, and the amended amount should show on the final invoice.
You can give a range, but label it as preliminary and follow with a written quote. Early verbal numbers tend to become the price in the client's mind.
Use the Security Consultant invoice template to bill the client, or convert this estimate once it's approved.
Security Consultant invoice template