Virtual Assistant Forums | Work from Home

EliteBiz · #1 (**permalink**) 10-18-2008

I just had to send an email out to one of my voluntary clients. We decided on 8 hours a month and she never used me. It was so irritating. Here's a copy of my email. I hope that this helps someone when you're weighing that hard decision. (it was easier for me since it was voluntary!)

Hello xx,

As of October 10, 2008 our voluntary services agreement between xx and Elite Business Services has expired. We have decided not to renew this contract. There was a lack of communication between both parties and we feel that our services would be better used with another business. If you feel you would like to take advantage of our services we would have to be contracted at an hourly rate.

We wish you well in all your endeavors.

VBP · #2 (**permalink**) 10-18-2008

It's probably best this way. You don't really want to work for free and companies on the receving end really shouldn't be expecting that either. I would rather have a few clients that pay well then a bunch of clients that don't. You will end up doing too much work in the end!

Administrative Partners · #3 (**permalink**) 10-18-2008

did she pay for those eight hours in advance.

I feel bad for retainer clients who NEVER use anywhere near the hours they have contracted for. I have two that have massive balances of hours at the end of the month. Granted they always pay on time, but I feel like I'm stealing their money. Both of their contacts are up at the end of November. I think they will feel as though they are getting a better value if I readjust their plan. I don't want to loose them as clients but I also want them to get the value of working with a VA. They have literally wasted hundreds of dollars over the past 6 months.

EliteBiz · #4 (**permalink**) 10-19-2008

She was actually one of three non profits that I did pro bono work in exchange for testimonials and referrals. But they never used the hours it was such a waste of time.

I do have a retainer client that paid for 20 hours and only used 8 this month! When the contract comes up in December I will see if he wants to go down to 10 or something. We'll see.

ciboney · #5 (**permalink**) 10-21-2008

I have to say that I quite agree with you. On Monday I had to do the same thing with a client. They have been paying for the last 3months and I have not done any work for them.

EliteBiz · #6 (**permalink**) 10-22-2008

Ciboney,that is such a waste of money for them. My client is a procrastinator so I like to periodically peek my head in and send him emails asking him what he'd like to accomplish for the week and I reming him of how many hours he's used so far. Maybe that can work for you?

ciboney · #7 (**permalink**) 10-23-2008

Janice, I think I've tried just about all I can with the client. The last time I brought this up they said they did not mind paying, once they know I'll be available whenever they needed me. All the same, I just hate the idea of 'free' money. They have not responded to my email regarding not renewing the contract so I sent them a letter yesterday and left a message on their voicemail. I think they will probably just ignore it and just send me some work soon. They've done this the last time I tried to let them go.

amglex · #8 (**permalink**) 2 Weeks Ago

This is helpful to learn. Perhaps a clear communication that the hours do not rollover would be good. It would protect you from being slammed with a heavy workload because of someone else's procrastination. I would certainly want to limit how many hours a client can bank.