Rates may vary depending on the location and type of proceeding. Formats also vary from state of state, and some states do not have a mandatory format or certification of their reporters. This can affect your invoice amount.
Know your reporting firm. Always verify rates, including any charges for use of a conference room. If out of your local area, check if there are travel charges. Check for other charges such as parking, an “archive fee,” if there is a certification/notary fee, a repository fee. Some reporting firms charge the word-index pages at the same per-page rate as the full hardcopy transcript. Check if the same is true regarding the condensed transcript, as that is considered a “transcript.” This definitely increases your cost, possibly dramatically.
Court reporters are independent contractors and are paid per transcript ordered. Most court reporting rates are based on the premise of there being at least two sides to every case and, therefore, two copies of a transcript being ordered. This is what most reporters rely upon when accepting a job. Sharing of transcripts or early release of the original may result in a loss of income to the reporter. As they are independent contractors, many reporters demand payment from the firms they work with based on two parties ordering transcripts. Therefore firms will readjust their rates to compensate for the loss, resulting in higher charges to the noticing/deposing attorney.
CCP 2025.520(c) allows the witness to submit changes/corrections “by means of a letter to the deposition officer.” There is no need for an early release of the original transcript, as the witness may review a certified copy.