I get at least one or two calls a week from businesses (or consultants affiliated with these businesses) who want to ask quick questions about outdated versions of the Sage software they are using and whether some task they want to perform (typically export, integrate, import or use a third party tool) is possible.
What I've learned is that responding to these inquiries provides value to those inquiring but takes more time than you'd think to properly answer.
In most cases the outcome is ""no can do"". The problem being that I spend 30 minutes to an hour analyzing the situation of a company who has no intention of paying for any services.
Most of the companies who ""corner me"" call by phone. This seems to be the top way for companies to search for a free sympathetic consultant to point them in the right direction. My guess is that the phone is easier because most consultants ignore ""free quick question"" emails from non-customers.
I've created options for diagnosis which surprisingly works - but usually at only a very small percent of people. I'd guess maybe 1 or 2 out of 50 companies that I send the diagnostic options to may result in a purchase (these are almost always one-off).
I think minimum fee levels are the best way to set the expectations that ""unless a Crystal Report / Integration "" provides at least $ x,xxx of value then we won't be able to assist"".
Oh - don't be afraid of walking away and always get the money up front. People searching Google for names of consultants are working down a list until they find someone who will help them for free --- or provide some free advice that points them in the right direction.