How far will an Auckland business actually travel?
Most work a patch rather than the region. Plenty of North Shore businesses will not cross the bridge for a two-hour job, and nobody in Pukekohe is driving to Warkworth for one. NovaPay asks businesses near you first, and any travel or call-out fee is stated in the quote rather than found on the invoice.
Can I get someone the same week in Auckland?
Usually, for the smaller jobs. How urgent it is goes out with the request, so a business with nothing free that week can say so instead of leaving you waiting on a callback.
How should this be priced?
For defined work, a fixed fee against a deliverable is usually better for you than a day rate, because it puts the estimating risk on the person who understands the work.
What should I get at the end?
Something you can act on without them. Ask what the deliverable is in plain words, and be wary of a scope whose output is mostly more meetings.
Do I need a consultant or an accountant?
If the question is numbers, reporting or tax, start with an accountant, who is usually cheaper for it. A consultant earns their place on operations, strategy and change.
Is there funded support?
Often. Regional business advisers and the Management Capability voucher scheme can cover part of the cost for eligible small businesses. Worth asking before paying full price.