Virtual Assistant Forums | Work from Home

LawrenceSN · #1 (**permalink**) 10-24-2008

Ok, so do most people just send invoices or do you ask for partial payment up front in order to start the job (like a contractor normally would for say, a job on your house)? Just curious.

Thanks!
-Natalie

Rebecka Melson · #2 (**permalink**) 10-25-2008

I always ask for a deposit up front.

EliteBiz · #3 (**permalink**) 10-25-2008

I also have asked for a deposit for a new client even if it's just a project.

LawrenceSN · #4 (**permalink**) 10-25-2008

Ok, so how much of a deposit? 10%... more?? Just curious because I have heard too many stories of VA's who don't get anything up front, and then the person doesn't pay.

Thanks!

ladygrn · #5 (**permalink**) 10-25-2008

I learned the hard way to ALWAYS get a deposit up front....even if I know the client.
I usually ask for something between 35% and 50%. Never more than 50%. I have never had anyone refuse to pay the deposit - or even question it. If the day comes when someone does give me grief about the deposit, they will need to find another VA.

Gladys

LawrenceSN · #6 (**permalink**) 10-25-2008

Wow, ok. Good to know! I'll keep that in mind when I quote projects.

Thanks!
-Natalie

AwesomeAssistant · #7 (**permalink**) 10-25-2008

Almost all of my clients pay up front, particularly retainer clients. If it's a deposit, it's always 50%. Once I've worked with a client and know they'll pay in a timely manner, I may invoice them at the end of the project if it's small.

I just signed a client for a minimum 5-hour project, not to exceed 10 hours. I explained I needed the 5 hours paid up front and the remainder would be billed and payable within 10 days after the project was completed. It was no problem; the check and contract were in the mail that day.

D_Victoria_Virtual_Assistance · #8 (**permalink**) 10-25-2008

I require a deposit from all new clients. The deposit is then applied to their next invoice, which I make them aware.

deannatroupe · #9 (**permalink**) 10-25-2008

I always ask for a deposit up front for new clients.

Prime Admin Solutions · #10 (**permalink**) 10-26-2008

I'm in the minority here - I don't ask for deposits up front and haven't been stiffed yet.

I heard something interesting on a radio call-in show yesterday. A consumer advocate was talking about contractors (as in home renovations) and said that if a contractor asks for a deposit up front for materials you should wonder why he/she hasn't got a line of credit. His opinion was that you don't pay the contractor for anything until the materials arrive on your property.

I told my husband about this as the contractor we engaged for our bathroom reno wanted 25% upfront and we paid it. He said that a contractor would tell us to get lost if we refused a deposit - although maybe not now with the way the economy is going.

I do agree with Mr. Silverman (the consumer advocate). I've never asked for a deposit and won't unless I need to spend over $1,000 on supplies and I haven't had to do that yet.

The only difference is a retainer. I expect that to be paid prior to the work being completed.