Hello everyone,

Im very excited because iv got my first client which is really cool but now im getting in a flap about how much to charge them.

they want me to type 28 days worth of different menues with breakfast lunch dinner and supper on them and put some design on it which is quite simple enough, i charge £15 per hour but now im woundering whether to charge for the job lot as im not sure how long the project will take me.
has any one got any advice on how long someting like this should take and if i should charge by the hour or for job lot.

Thankyou all advice greatly appriciated.
karen

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I am very confused on rates as well and can't wait to see the responses....

Hi Karen~

My suggestion is to avoid guaranteeing how long it will take/price for this project. If you choose to do hourly/project work, tell them what your fee is and that there are many variables that can impact how long the project will take. If you absolutely *must* quote, quote high so you can have some breathing room and come in under. I prefer to not give estimates at all.

Warmly,

Lorri

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Lorri Morin, CPVA
www.virtualsynergy.net

My current clients don't ask for estimates. I work on an hourly basis for them.

My newest client and I also agreed on an hourly rate. But, I will be wearing two hats for him. I'll help him set up his non-profit office support systems, get volunteers, work with board - a general right hand person. That's one hourly rate.

The second project is to plan several special events for them. That's another hourly rate - a little higher.

Just this morning he asked if I would help with the website. I don't do that but know someone who does. So, that will be a third hourly rate (which will include the sub-contractor's fee).

If I have to I would prepare an estimate. And, as others have said, price on the high side to give myself an edge just in case there are any problems. Also, it's a good feeling to tell your client your work was less than quoted. They love you and you still get everything you've earned!

Carol
CJ's Virtual Business Solutins

That is a good answer, good advice on coming in a little high, I will be using this in the future because it seems as though I can never tell someone how long it will take me to complete a project from start to finish, just an estimate is typically all I can come up with.

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Kristin Kuzik
www.virtualwebconcepts.com

I'm a new, new, very new VA. But I've been in the corporate world for over 25 years, and everyone wants to have an idea of what something is going to cost them. This sounds like a great project -- it combines a little creativity, which can be very fun to do. Try to think back on past projects or even things you've done on your own. I think it shows professionalism to let your client know that you don't have a definite time frame for completing the project, but that you foresee it taking BLANK hours. And I agree, go high. It's better to let them know it only took you 10 hours, not 12. They will appreciate your honesty in crediting the extra 2 hours! Good luck, and congratulations on landing this fabulous project!

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Patty

I am so new I am still trying to get my first customer. I have no idea what they will want, but I am confident I can fulfill their needs. Charging is something that is hard to estimate when you are this new, but the ideas here are awesome...thank you so much!

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Girl Friday Results
www.girlfridayresults.com

Congrats on your fist customer! I think hourly instead of project based is the way to go, too.

Congrats on your first client! I agree this type of work and that it is changing daily I would stick with an hourly rate, some days could be longer or shorter then others and doing design work you are better off to go hourly. Just my thoughts... (smiling)

Please let me know what you did on this project as well as an update on how your business is doing. I am new and have a few clients that were outsourced to me and

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Patricia Loehn : Owner / VA
American Virtual Associates