I know some here won't leave the office without a charge. Whatever your market allows.

In my retail days, I gave time freely on the sales floor to get a new customer. I spend time now in peoples' homes and give them time based on the same principle - they don't know me and need to be comfortable before moving forward.

That being said, I like Osiris and Rob's approach, that you can invest a couple hours in a thumbnail quote. The client needs to make a basic commitment to move forward after that.

It is not off the wall to be honest and say, "I could go back to my desk and take x number of hours to prepare more information for you. I am happy to do whatever it takes to get us moving forward, but to be a good businessman, I have to have a commitment from you if I start to spend that time."