All advice would be appreciated. I am considering offering 2 free introductory hours for prospective or new clients. Trying to think it through. Should I do this for new clients and offer two non billable hours. Or is it wise to offer two free introductory hours to prospective clients to try out the services? You know with me offering lifestyle management also, I understand the trust is a major factor. But, my mind wonders about contractual obligations and/or temporary agreements. My current client is really been easy to work with but so many other women need the help but are afraid to let others in. So...what do you think?

__________________
Nikki C Hayes
Another U VA & Lifestyle Management

My worry with offering free hours is that you'll end up doing nothing but free hours, and not making any money at all. You may end up getting a ton of requests for those 2 free hours, doing them, and then never hearing from the person again!

__________________
Gwynne L. http://www.the25thhourva.com

I know. That is why I was wondering if there could be a way to offer them with a contractual agreement to protect me as a business owner. Thanks for your insight.

__________________
Nikki C Hayes
Another U VA & Lifestyle Management

Originally Posted by ManageUrLife

I know. That is why I was wondering if there could be a way to offer them with a contractual agreement to protect me as a business owner. Thanks for your insight.

The way I handle that is to offer retainer packages. A 10 hour retainer gives them a 10% discount, essentially giving them one free hour a month. I get paid, and they save money!

__________________
Gwynne L. http://www.the25thhourva.com

Hi Nikki,

When I first started, I offered a free hour of services, but at the advice of many experienced VAs on this board, I quickly stopped. They pointed out that giving away services can actually make clients question your professionalism. Strange, but it makes sense! Personally, I would suggest offering an hour or two at a discounted rate...5 or 10% off perhaps. Then they get a low-cost, low-commitment way to try you out, but you're not giving away your valuable time for free.

Best wishes!

__________________
Tammi Metzler ~ The Write Associate
Free call: "How to Write Email Subject Lines That Grab Attention!"

Thank you all. You helped me make a decision. I will offer a discounted price. This discount is really for the women that are within my networking circle locally. You know people but are not really certain if they are really for sure and then like you all say...waste your precious time. So, I will offer discounted pricing for the first two hours. Thanks a bunch!

__________________
Nikki C Hayes
Another U VA & Lifestyle Management

This makes total sense. I was actually considering doing some work for free. Yeah right. lol

Good info I too was considering offering some free hours I am glad I read this post.

__________________
Tyeshia Harper
Guardian Virtual Assistance

Hey Nikki,

I also offer retainer packages at discount but for new clients I offer 2 free hours with a minimum 5 hour retainer. To me 5 hours is plenty of time to complete a small introductory type project and get to know if you and the client will be compatible. Also this ensures you get paid something even if they don't end up using you again. I bill regular rate for all hours over the retainer hours.

Hope this helps.

__________________
Administrative Support Group
Jenifer D

Thanks so much ! This is good to know. I was thinking of doing something like that.