I got an email from a lady who needed to replace her VA because she was leaving the field. She told me she would pay $10 an hour, for 10 hours a week. She wanted a resume and for me to fill out a questionnaire rating my abilities from 1-10.. (1 being not so good)
I wrote her back and gave her a quick run down of my rates with retainer discounts, etc. I also told her I would gladly send over a company portfolio. She wrote me back saying Thanks anyway.
I have been through this for the past 5 years and I am sticking to my guns now the same as I always have, regardless of what kind of business I am running. I would never presume to tell a plumber what I would pay them per hour. Why would I run my business any different than a plumber?
I guess this really isnt a question, I just needed to vent because I am SOOO tired of people trying to get anything they can for as little as they can. Its very frustrating!!
BUT on a good note! She saw my ad on Craigslist..... so Craigslist does attract people, just what kind of people, I dont know yet!
A potential client called but...
), letting her know that she doesnt have to cover any of the costs except my hourly rate... we all know that running a home office isnt free but obviously she doesnt get that... she thinks 10 an hour is good in this economy, but whittle that down after the basics are paid for, I would be making about $4 a hour! I would do better on Amazon mech turks... 
A TRUE bookkeeper should be paid more than $15/hour, which IMHO is what you pay someone who just knows the software but doesn't have an accounting background. We aren't allowed to quote rates on the forum but I can tell you that my virtual bookkeeping rate is more than double $15 and I DO get clients who appreciate my background, experience, etc. and are more than willing to pay me what I ask. BTW - I make $>24/hr at my 9-5 and am due for a raise...
Lily Chambers, The Virtual Office Goddess, LLC
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