Every newcomer to the expert networks industry asks the same question. Usually, they ask it in a whisper, or after a Google search: “Is this legit? Do clients actually pay hundreds of dollars just to hear me talk for an hour?”

It sounds like a scam or, at best, it sounds too good to be true. But it is neither. It is simply an opaque market that most professionals never encounter until they are invited inside.

This article covers the raw mechanics of how expert networks price your knowledge, how payments work, and why this industry is the ideal “side hustle” for the intellectually curious.

Understanding the Compensation Models of Expert Networks

Type 1 (Most Common): Hourly rate

• This is the standard model. You set a rate, and the client purchases a block of your time (usually 60 minutes)

• At Arches, starting rates typically range from $100-$200 per hour, and may increase based on seniority, industry focus, and how niche your experience is.

• The rates are agreed in advance, so you will always see the rate before confirming a call.

Type 2 (Case-by-Case): Project-Based Pricing

• These cases are less common. Sometimes, instead of a 60-minute call, a client asks for additional work, such as a short survey or written input.

• In these situations, Arches will clearly define the scope and agree upfront on a fixed project fee before any additional work begins.

How and When You Actually Get Paid

• After the call is completed, invoicing is usually automated; the system generates the invoice for you, so there’s no manual paperwork required.

• You will receive your payment after the call (typically within 1 month).
  • For example, if you complete a call either on December 1st or December 29th, the payment will be processed and paid out in January, the month following the call.

Payment Methods

Experts can choose from the following payment options:

• Direct to bank account via WISE transfer (local bank transfers may be available depending on your region)
• PayPal
• Gift cards

Who Earns More (and Why)

Not all expertise is valued equally in the market. Higher rates usually follow up with:

1. Recently Departed Executives

Professionals who have recent, hands-on operational experience (especially within the last 12-24 months) are in high demand.

2. Niche Technical Specialists

Examples include:

• Semiconductor engineers
• Specialized healthcare professionals
• Supply chain operators in emerging Asian markets

3. Local Market Experts

Experts with on-the-ground experience in specific countries or regions often command higher rates than generalists, especially when clients need local market expertise rather than theory.

Cross-Border Payments & Tax Considerations

Because Arches Expert Networks works globally, payments often cross borders. Here is the boring (but necessary) fine print on how that impacts you:

• The Golden Rule: You are taxed based on where you reside. Whether you are in the US, the EU, or Asia, you are responsible for declaring this according to your local laws.

For example: 

U.S.-Based Experts	EU & Asia-Based Experts
We follow standard U.S. reporting and tax requirements. You may be asked to submit standard tax forms (e.g., W-9) before payment can be released.	Income from expert calls is generally treated as professional service income. You are responsible for declaring this income according to your local tax laws.

• Payment Methods: Please note that receiving funds via third-party platforms (like Wise or PayPal) or international wire is simply a transaction method, and it does not exempt the income from local tax obligations.

Note: Arches does not withhold local income tax unless required by regulation. We always recommend consulting a local tax advisor if you’re unsure. Transparency and compliance protect both you and the client.

Come For The Extra Income, Stay For The Professional Edge

This isn’t meant to replace your full-time salary. Think of it as “unlocked value”, where the knowledge you’ve already accumulated is turning it into a premium asset. It’s a side hustle that respects your time, often fitting into a single lunch hour.

More importantly, it validates your expertise. Explaining your complex industry to a smart outsider forces you to synthesize years of experience into clear, high-value insights. It is an intellectual workout that keeps you sharp, relevant, and articulate. 

You leave every call with a clearer perspective on your own field, and you get paid to do it. Don’t overthink your first rate. Start reasonable, deliver value, and let the market bid you up.

Ready to set your rate in the expert networks?

→ Check our Expert Payment Guide

→ Join the Arches Expert Network Today

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