In most cases, the fee is due at the conclusion of the meeting or project, and is based only on the hours actually devoted to preparation and meeting time – if the time spent was less than anticipated, the fee that is due will be less than the estimated fee. In unusually complex or lengthy projects, partial payment of fees may be requested for time spent to that point.

Facilitations vary considerably in the required planning and preparation, and of course vary somewhat on the length of the session or sessions. At the outset, Bob will discuss the scope of the facilitation with the meeting's sponsor and, based on that discussion, will provide the sponsor with an estimate of Bob's time commitment and fee for the undertaking. If, along the way, Bob foresees that they have underestimated the commitment, he will discuss this with the sponsor so that the sponsor may decide how to proceed.