This is quite simple ... businesses are very clear about articulating exactly what their costs and fees are, but vague and ambiguous on the ROI the customer receives.
Pricing by the hour is, in my opinion unethical, or at least inappropriate to the clients' best interests.
What is in the client's best interest?
To get the work done as well as possible in the least amount of time.
How's the only way a "charge by the hour" business can make more money?
To take more time.
Retainer fees, menu style fees, project fees, value-pricing are alternatives that are based upon the business being paid well for the good work they do, and the client making a single investment decision, up-front, so they know how much it is costing and can assess the ROI from the outset.
WIN - WIN.
If you would like to read more around my opinions, take a peak at the following pages on my website:
For the Professions:
http://www.executivewisdom.com/For-T...ns-pg4379.html
Free Articles:
http://www.executivewisdom.com/Free-...es-pg1932.html
Rgds,
Ric