Re: To bill or not to bill!!
I'm obviously in the minority, but in most cases I bill the client for time while I'm learning or researching a new software or skill that is specifically something they request.
You can argue that I'm learning a new skill, but the fact is, I may never need it for any of my other clients and learning something new can take up a big chunk of my time. Time that could be used doing something I already know how to do for another client.
And I would never reduce my rate because I was new at something, even if it did take me a bit longer to accomplish than a VA that already knew the skill or software. I'd be afraid of lessening my value in the clients eyes or opening the door for them to complain about the length of a future project expecting a discount.
That said, if it's something that I was planning on learning for my own business anyway, then of course that would make the situation different.
I have never had any of my clients complain that I bill them for the time spent learning skills for them. On the contrary, they appreciate the fact that I'm willing to do so.
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