[QuinnyPig]

I actually do this as a full time thing; I started a consultancy to fix horrifying AWS bills.

Something I've learned is that flat fee pricing makes the most sense-- while tempting, the other models are off-putting.

Hourly is a great way to starve to death, and "percentage of savings" grows difficult to quantify. "Okay, you just recommended the following reserved instance purchases. Is this really the best for us, or does it boost the number you're taking a percentage of?"

It's very easy to end up misaligned with your clients as you go down that path...

[user5994461]

Put a maximum amount to the fee. Let's say 100k for the month I am here.

[QuinnyPig]

If you're volunteering as a test case, I'm game! :-)

[user5994461]

Nope, I'm the consultant advising you how to charge more. Actually a daily $500 per day + 10% of the savings with an upper limit of 100k is an easier sell.

My bills are so optimized you wouldn't make a penny :p