Virtual Assistant Forums | Work from Home

kimbeckers · #1 (**permalink**) 07-22-2008

I have received an inquiry from a potential client wanting to book my services for 15 hours a week. I am not sure how I feel about this as it is quiet a commitment for one client meaning I am not sure I want to put soo many eggs into the same basket.

I have just started my business again after taking some time off after my son was born and although I can really use the money I am not sure I should commit to so many hours from one client.

I am supposed to having a conference call with the individual tomorrow or the next day and wanted to get your thoughts on this.

He mentioned that he is in the early stages of a new start up business (software I believe) and I am not sure if this will be a temporary situation that he will need all these hours a week or if he wants to commit long term.

How would you handle the billing for this? I was thinking about billing him every two weeks in advance? What do you think?

Is there anything I am not thinking of here?

I would love to hear your thoughts.

Thank you,
Kim

vainparadise · #2 (**permalink**) 07-22-2008

Kim for my retainer clients I receive the months retainer up front and will bill for the next month at the end of that month. I only offer a discount on retainers if they pay for the month up front. If not, they are billed my normal hourly rate on the 15th and 30th of the month.

Good luck with your call and keep us updated!

Administrative Partners · #3 (**permalink**) 07-22-2008

I guess it depends on when you want to get paid. I have a few retainer clients that pay on the first business day of the month. and I had one that I billed twice a month. I like the first of the month for all of them better. But I have heard others say they like getting paid a few times a month and I can understand that too.

I wouldn't worry too much about all eggs in one basket especially since you are just starting back up. There will be other clients who may only need 10 hours a MONTH and these will balance nicely. I would love to have a 15 hour a week client on retainer.. But make sure the retainer is for at least 6 months.

kimbeckers · #4 (**permalink**) 07-22-2008

Thanks for the feedback ladies.
I think I am going to let him know he needs to pay me a month in advance and I am going to try and have him sign for at least the 6 months as you suggested.

This will give me the opportunity to network some more while earning some money.

How do I go about approaching the retainer for a 6 month term though? Is this common? Are other VA's doing this as well? ANy suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Thanks again,
Kim

kimbeckers · #5 (**permalink**) 07-22-2008

I almost forgot to mention. I offered this person a special discount rate for 3 months through a special promotion I was doing to try and drum up business I am not sure how this is going to effect me as far getting him to commit to the 6 month retainer?

Any suggestions are welcomed.

Thanks Kim

Administrative Partners · #6 (**permalink**) 07-22-2008

If you offered three than do three. You want to be true to your word. Just get the payment upfront.

kimbeckers · #7 (**permalink**) 07-22-2008

Ok, I have now confirmed and set up the conference call for this Friday at 4pm now what?

Should I send him my Pre-Consultation Questionnaire? ( I don't want to sound like an idiot on the phone stumbling )

How do I bring up that I want to lock him in for the 3 months of retainer service? Do I offer a trial period? Do I ask for a deposit?

This is the first potential client that I am dealing with "virtually" and I am not sure how to go about so that we both get the most out of the call.

Any direction is much appreciated.

Thanks,
Kim

Administrative Partners · #8 (**permalink**) 07-22-2008

I would send the pre-consultation question on Thursday when you are sending your confirmation email. What I do is tell people to look it over as it will guide our discussion? I would prefer they fill it out and send it back to me but this never happens.