The short answer: business strategy consultant cost depends on the scope of the work, not on a standard rate. My own prices are public. A business assessment starts from €570 + VAT. A full strategy engagement starts from €2,300 + VAT, and that price includes the assessment. Optional advisory support costs €600 a month + VAT.
Other consultants price differently. This guide explains the three common ways consultants charge, what moves the fee, and how to compare quotes. Prices are starting prices and were last updated in November 2026.
Business strategy consultant cost at a glance
| Service | Price | What it includes |
|---|---|---|
| Business Assessment | From €570 + VAT | A session of up to 90 minutes, an analysis of your business as a whole, written findings, a prioritized roadmap, a follow-up meeting of up to 90 minutes, and one round of corrections. |
| Full Strategy Engagement | From €2,300 + VAT, including the assessment | The assessment plus up to four further sessions of up to 90 minutes. You also get a written strategy, a one-page summary, points to monitor, a high-level sequence of next steps, and one round of corrections. |
| Advisory support (optional) | €600 a month + VAT | Two 60-minute sessions a month to review progress and reconsider choices. It is agreed separately, paid monthly in advance, and can be cancelled before the next renewal. |
The assessment fee is credited toward the full engagement. So you can start with the first step and decide afterwards whether to continue.
How strategy consultants charge
Most consultants use one of three models:
- Hourly rate. You pay for the time spent. It is flexible, but the total is hard to predict. It can also reward slow work.
- Fixed project fee. The scope and deliverables are agreed up front. It is easier to budget, and it suits a clear question.
- Monthly retainer. You pay for regular access over time. It suits ongoing support once a strategy exists.
I use fixed fees for the assessment and the full engagement. I use a monthly fee only for optional advisory support afterwards.
What affects business strategy consultant cost
These factors move the fee more than anything else:
- Scope. An assessment of your main challenge costs less than a full strategy with a written plan.
- Number and length of sessions. My full engagement includes up to six sessions in total, each lasting up to 90 minutes.
- Research needs. Market or competitive research is scoped and priced separately.
- Written deliverables. Findings, a written strategy and a one-page summary all take time to produce.
- Implementation support. My fee does not include implementation delivery or project management. Ongoing support is optional and agreed separately.
- Who does the work. With me, you work directly with me. At larger firms, you may work with a team.
How to compare quotes
A lower price is not always cheaper. Ask each consultant the same questions:
- What exactly will I receive in writing?
- How many sessions are included, and how long is each?
- Who will do the work?
- What is excluded, such as implementation?
- Is the first step credited toward the full fee?
- What happens if we stop after the first step?
- Are the prices shown with or without VAT?
If a quote cannot answer these, treat the price with caution.
Is a business strategy consultant worth the cost?
A strategy consultant is worth considering when a decision is large, unclear or costly to get wrong. Typical examples are stalled growth, falling margins, a business that depends too much on its owner, or several possible directions with no clear way to choose.
It is probably not the right step if you already know what to do and need someone to execute it. Implementation is a different service from strategy, and my fee does not include it.
Starting with the Business Assessment limits the commitment. It is a single paid step, and its fee is credited if you continue.
What happens on the free call
The first call lasts 30 minutes and is free. We discuss your business, what you want to achieve, and whether working together fits. We also cover the process, the price and the next steps. There is no obligation. If we go ahead, the first step is the paid Business Assessment.
Frequently asked questions
Is the first call really free?
Yes. The intro call lasts 30 minutes and carries no obligation.
Are your prices shown with VAT?
No. They are starting prices, plus VAT where applicable.
Does the fee include help with implementation?
No. Implementation delivery and project management are excluded. Optional advisory support is available for €600 a month + VAT, with two 60-minute sessions a month. It is agreed separately, paid monthly in advance, and can be cancelled before the next renewal.
Can we meet in person?
Sessions are online by default. In-person meetings are available in the Greater Lisbon area, or elsewhere if travel costs are covered. See business strategy consulting in Lisbon and online worldwide.
Next step
If you want to know what your own situation would cost, book a free 30-minute call. You can also read how I work with business owners or browse the strategy consulting case studies.
