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2) How much of a premium for timeliness? Like "I need this by Wednesday" versus "any time in 2008 is OK".


A fairly hefty multiplier would apply for tight time constraints. A successful hit (and getaway) requires painstaking and time-consuming advance surveillance and planning. Taking shortcuts with that will greatly increase the risk, especially with a hardened target. Expect to pay 5-10X for any deadline under than 4 months or so.

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4) If deniability is not a paramount concern, how much of a premium is it reasonable to pay for having things done *exactly* the way you want? Meaning like if you want to make some things obvious. Send a message, you might say. is it typical to spend time negotiating methodology?


Deniability should be accounted for in the timeliness equation. The trigger man doesn't really normally care if the victim is known to have been murdered or not, so long as he has time to escape the scene with no significant evidence left behind. But adding method constraints to the equation is going to cost extra, for sure, as it limits the escape options somewhat.

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5) What's up with expenses? Are you smarter just to go fixed price or is it worth spending some time working through a time-and-materials arrangement?


Real professionals work strictly on a fixed price basis. If the would-be elimination consultant haggles for expenses, it's time to question credentials.

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8) Prepayment. Is there an accepted standard for prepayment? It's not like you can have "progress payments". I mean, somebody is either dead or they are not. 50 percent? 40 percent? Less?


The industry standard seems to be 50-60% up front, and the remainder paid very promptly on completion. For time-constrained jobs, the full amount may be required up front.

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10) References. This is a tough one. Any ideas?


Check with any friends or acquaintances who have recently lost a spouse under less than clear circumstances..

Cheers!