Cost-Benefit Analysis
Scenario: Transcript is due in two days. The reporter is earning $5.00/page.
Day 1
200 pages @ $5.00/page
Reporter Gross Earnings: $1000
Pays Scopist $2.00/page ($400)
Reporter Net Earnings: $600
Day 2
200 pages @ $5.00/page
Reporter Gross Earnings: $1000
Pays Scopist $2.00/page ($400)
Reporter Net Earnings: $600
TOTAL REPORTER NET: $1200 with a
100% tax deduction of $800
Court Reporter with Scopist
Day 1
200 pages @ $5.00/page
Reporter Gross Earnings: $1000
Reporter Net Earnings: $1000
Day 2
Reporter takes self off books on day 2 to edit his/her own work
Reporter Net Earnings: $0
TOTAL REPORTER NET: $1000
Court Reporter without Scopist
The reporter who hires a scopist is able to earn a net income of $1200 in two days (with a 100% tax deduction of $800), while the reporter who has to edit his/her own work only earns a net income of $1000 in two days.
If you are taking yourself off the books to edit your own work, you are not reaching your highest income potential.