Again, this is so true. When I first started out about six months ago I was kind of flailing around trying to figure out all of these things. Wish I'd read this then
I wasn't even charging all of my clients the same rate because when I wanted to get off the ground I charged peanuts! Then each new client who came along I charged a bit more. Finally, had to raise the rates and lost the original client because she was so spoiled paying what she was.
She ended up coming back and paying the new rate because she knew she couldn't replace me!
It's def. tough to talk that money talk with people, especially when you're first starting out but has to be done.
I also have a late fee for invoices not paid on time, but bill ten percent of whatever is due if it isn't paid within ten days. Ten percent each week is added to the next invoice. Some clients don't really care about that and pay late, like they're giving me a tip or something HA!
Would rather they just pay on time, but you kind of have to deal with each situation as it comes I think.
After all, people are all just PEOPLE in the end And more or less want to make YOU their VA happy too!