Also need to figure in reference materials. Depending on your skill set, you may want to purchase books in your field.

Personally, I am marketing my proofreading/editing/ghostwriting services, so I purchased books such as:

2009 Writer's Market
The Law (In Plain English) for Writers
How to Write Fast (While Writing Well)
Humorous Quotations
Rotten Reviews and Rejections

I have others that are geared toward the VA industry specifically, but if you plan on highlighting one or two services you offer, you will want to stay abreast of the current information available.

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Shauna Reed
Keystone Promise Virtual Assistance
Blog: Creative Writing Resource

I initially was thinking that I would need between $3,000 and $4,000 to start up because I need...

A new laptop
Software for new laptop (MSOffice 2007, QB, Adobe, etc.)
Office supplies
Initial marketing expenses
Website/Domain
Legal startup costs (DBA, business licenses, etc.)
Some initial online tools such as Basecamp and such.

Now, I'm hoping that I can start with the basics and then spend the additional money when I really need to. I have a desktop PC that went kaput on me. I have the knowhow and could probably get it up and running for much less than what I would spend on a new laptop (especially since I know me and I couldn't bear to just get a basic one). Also, I decided the only software that I absolutely, positively need at start-up is MS Office Professional 2007. I don't want to wait too long before I get QB because I would like to offer bookkeeping as one of my services, but I can start without it.

So, I'm hoping by making some choices as far as what I absolutely need at start up (as opposed to everything on my start-up "wish list"), I can get what I need and even start my business sooner than I was planning.

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Stephanie
New VA in the research phase :daisy:

Good questions, and good answers here. Stephanie, you should definitely get started. You've thoroughly researched, and I believe you're ready. Take a deep breath and do it!

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Mary H. Ruth/Virtual Writing & Communications
http://www.writingVA.com

I just started with what I had.

Fortunately, my husband had his own business 3 years ago. So I inherited all the equipment to get me going.

I only had to pay to register the business with the local authorities and print my business cards. And I still need to register my domain and pay for the hosting.

So, in my situation, the start up cost is minimal. I worked for a large corporate company and sent my details to all my friends there, and also know a couple of business owners.

I started in June 2008 and I already have 3 retainer customers and 1 PAYG.

Originally Posted by JuliaW

I spent a lot when I started up. I bought a new computer because my laptop was 4 years old and slow and I also bought a colour laser printer. I thought that would be useful for marketing and doing brochures, etc. I probably spent $2K starting up (including $300 to join the Chamber of Commerce). I got my first client within a month.

Hi Julia,
When using the laser printer for your marketing and brochures, did you find it to be cheaper or more expensive than going to a outside vendor?

Originally Posted by tamikarjohnson

Within those cost you should indeed consider marketing. Are you producing and printing brochures. How much will it cost to register your company with the state/city? Are you anticipating joining any organizations. Those are all things that should also be considered.

Good point. I had not thought about that. Your website is very impressive. If you don't mind me asking, how do you charge clients for graphic design? As a newbie, I am having a difficult time trying to figure out how I should charge clients. Any guidance would be appreciated. Thanks.

Thanks you so much. No I don't mind asking, and I'm still struggling with a consistent way of charging. Some clients scope is a bit different and I feel comfortable charging by the project. Some you can feel out and see that they are going to be a pain with multiple multiple changes and for those indecisive ones, I charge by the hours. In either case, I only allow 3 changes once the final layout, product has been approved by them. The hourly rate can be a bit intimidating to some people so I think with design projects I'm going to end up charging by the project. I am also working to develop a complete graphic design package for start up businesses that would include logo design, a brochure, letterhead, business card, for a set price. I am struggling as to what that price should be...lol.. I would love to add web design to that package, but I need to find a few designers to partner with before I can do that. Let me know if you have any other questions.

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Tamika R. Johnson, MBA, Principal
administrative partners, llc
www.administrativepartners.net | http://adminpartners.blogspot.com

Originally Posted by Sheena

Hi Julia, When using the laser printer for your marketing and brochures, did you find it to be cheaper or more expensive than going to a outside vendor?

It may not be a lot cheaper, but I was able to do small runs of documents which is nice and if I wanted to personalize stuff, I could. For example, when I was in BNI, I did a booklet to hand out to other members which was much easier to do myself than have it printed (I only needed 20) and when I wanted to revise it for a trade show and take out the BNI-specific stuff, I could do another run. I have since discovered Vista print which is nice for doing small runs, but it's nice to know that I can do it myself if necessary.

It also is great for doing letters, I didn't want to lay out hundreds of dollars for letterhead.

It's also a nice thing to have for clients, especially when they are running on a deadline and haven't got time to have a proposal colour copied at a copy shop. That happened last February when a client was on a deadline and she didn't have time to send it out, I was able to print it for her and meet her at Staples to have it cerloxed.

As far as cost goes, I think a colour laser is a lot more economical than an ink jet printer and the output looks so much better.

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Julia

I print brochures, etc. under a qty of 10 on my own printer. Anything over a qty of 10 I have copied at the local Kinkos. This saves wear and tear on my color printer but I can still change/personalize as I go...

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Lily Chambers, The Virtual Office Goddess, LLC
Author "How to Do Your Own Small Business Bookkeeping"

If you already have the computer, you can begin your business ($1,000) but that does not include a website and advertising efforts. Here are what to consider:

- VoIP $51 / Vonage with toll free number, main number and fax
- Office Equipment Multi Purpose Printer $169 with fax Brother
- Office Supplies $200
- Software investment $400

Know where to shop too. Use Ebay and you will save a tone.