I personally am a stickler for having prices posted on websites. I feel that if a company doesn't post their prices that they are being sneaky and I always leave that website and find one who does post their prices. So I therefore, post my prices on my website. I offer different services and each service has it's pricing system. My prices won't change regardless of whether they see it upfront or not. I also post a link to a Guide to the VA Industry that goes over how pricing works.

The clients that I'm currently working with, and my prospects that I'm in the bidding and closing phases have not had any issues with my pricing structure. And those are the clients I want to work with. The ones who understand my value.

Just my thoughts.

Have a great weekend!

__________________
Jaimie VanSickle, Premier Virtual Assistant

Thanks for this info. I know pricing my services correctly WILL be the key to me still being in business a year after launching my VA business!

Great information here on listing pricing on my website and in my marketing materials.

Susan

I put an hourly rate on my website but it says "from $xx per hour". Each client, each job is different. One thing may be something I really need to concentrate on and apply all the expertise I have, another may be something I can do (after more than 25 years experience under my belt) mindlessly while throwing a toy for the dog at the same time.

Lynne

__________________
The Wordpro Wizard
www.wordprowizard.com

Originally Posted by Wordpro Wizard

Firing Arrows, having a prospective client name his price I suspect is asking for disaster. You are what you are, you provide top quality service, your rate is what it is, take it or leave it. A massage here is $50+ per half hour ... $100+ per hour. You want a massage you pay, or go soak in the bathtub and put up with your aches and pains. You need a plumber? He charges $60 before he even sets foot inside your house. Need a lawyer? hundreds of dollars per hour, take it or leave it. With professional people there is no negotiation as to price. I think negotiating and/or reducing price labels a professional as either desperate for work and/or incompetent. I have a contractor doing renos on my house. His hourly rate is an affordable $X per hour plus materials. It is what it is and he is a total gem. Bottom line, clients get what they pay for. I would only reduce my rate if it was a new area that was to be a learning experience for me and I would advise the client accordingly. It may take longer to develop a good client base, but be choosy about the clients you take on. Just my humble two pennyworth. Lynne

I have to agree 100%. Very well put- and it really gave me something to think about, as I always figured negotiating is probably going to be part of getting my business up and running, and establishing a clientelle. But, you know.. You are right. I don't negotiate with my doctor, or my lawyer, or my dentist, or even my hairdresser. I expect to pay what their rate is- and I should expect my clients to give me the same respect.