I'm faced with a tricky situation...

I got an email last Wednesday from a someone from another forum that I'm on, asking about my rates. I replied saying that it varied depending on the services needed and I asked for more information, so I could give him the right info. I haven't heard back from him.

So what should I do?

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Creative & Strategic Web Design Services
www.aivirtualsolutions.com

I would suggest that you create a set rate chart and have it prepared and ready to present to inquiries. Most people spend about thirty seconds making the final decision to take the plunge and contact a potential VA - it's up to the VA to jump in and respond with the ready information the client needs to make a decision.

I've hired virtual help in the past and didn't have the time to follow up with those who responded with a question to my own question. I wanted answers!!

In order to take advantage of the potential client's interest (it may not be too late!) figure out what your standard rate is for general admin services and maybe write up a little note about that and include info on a few of your specialty rates.

My best overall suggestion is to never answer a potential client's questions with a question - it's the same thing as putting up a stop sign....

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I hope its not too late too! I'll send another email right away.

Thanks Tess.

Originally Posted by Tess

I would suggest that you create a set rate chart and have it prepared and ready to present to inquiries. Most people spend about thirty seconds making the final decision to take the plunge and contact a potential VA - it's up to the VA to jump in and respond with the ready information the client needs to make a decision. I've hired virtual help in the past and didn't have the time to follow up with those who responded with a question to my own question. I wanted answers!! In order to take advantage of the potential client's interest (it may not be too late!) figure out what your standard rate is for general admin services and maybe write up a little note about that and include info on a few of your specialty rates. My best overall suggestion is to never answer a potential client's questions with a question - it's the same thing as putting up a stop sign....

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Creative & Strategic Web Design Services
www.aivirtualsolutions.com

I'm sure if you come back with a strong reply and a brief but informative bit about rates you can completely turn it around - not to worry! And if not, you'll be prepared for next time, because he's surely not the last potential client who will contact you!

Good luck Keep us posted on how it goes

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I should elaborate a bit - if you've been approached by a potential client and the inquiry just doesn't make sense, or you need to clarify something by all means, ask whatever questions you need to to understand and better communicate with your potential client...but still do provide answers to all questions asked that you possibly can.

Your information will be of immediate use to the potential client.

Does anyone else have any thoughts on this? What do you do if a client requests rates but you're not sure for which services?

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My first thought would be to speak on the phone with them. IMO for me it is difficult to sell myself online vs. verbally. Why not email them and get their contact information so that you could call them and discuss it in detail vs. emailing back and forth...

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Dawn Riley
A Virtual Assistant in Paradise
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When clients e-mail me re enquiry about prices, I will simply send them a attachment that states my pricing structure, known as a Price List (this will be included in my media pack). I will also state on the e-mail that if they have any queries they can contact me in the usual formats (e-mail and so on).

Originally Posted by vainparadise

My first thought would be to speak on the phone with them. IMO for me it is difficult to sell myself online vs. verbally. Why not email them and get their contact information so that you could call them and discuss it in detail vs. emailing back and forth...

I would totally agree that if you're comfortable calling, this would make great sense but the thing I worry about is that the client already approached her once asking for an answer and received a question in reply. To follow up with anything less than a strong answer wouldn't do much good at this point, in my opinion.
Although you could always answer the question *and* ask for an opportunity to call - offer them a free consultation, or something.

Let us know how it goes Agnes!

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I didn't hear back from the potential client, but never say never. I had to redirect my energy and its resulted in a positive lead.

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Creative & Strategic Web Design Services
www.aivirtualsolutions.com

That is good news!

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Dawn Riley
A Virtual Assistant in Paradise
Our business is about making yours better