The paper presents an economical prediction model of client success when outsourcing IT advice. Through case studies and statistical evaluation of empirical survey data, the paper identifies those criteria that have broad predictive value as well as those criteria whose predictive value is contingent upon the client's rationale for seeking outside assistance. Client and consultant views on the importance of 10 reasons for outsourcing IT expertise (e.g. objectivity, lack of appropriate skills in-house, company politics) and 15 consultant selection criteria (e.g. price, prior experience, profile, proposal, personalities) are also compared and disparities interpreted.