Originally Posted by Penelope and Partners

Hi: I plan to ask for e-mail and scheduled calls between 9 and 5 p.m. AZ time. At the moment I am using my home phone which is probably not a good idea. When I can afford it, I will get another phone #. Good luck,

Look into Google Voice. It's free and it may fit your needs for now.

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Collaborative Business Support

I posted a Mon-Fri from 7am - 5pm MST. BUT, I am flexible especially when it comes to my realtor clients, within reason.

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Jeanette Rivét, PREVA
~ helping YOU get on course with your business

I don't have set business hours but ask that clients shoot me an email or text to set up a time to chat. I am okay with being completely flexible for now. It works for me. I have a client who is a heart surgeon and who has been pretty generous, so if I he needs training materials created, flyers, etc., and he shoots me a text at 5 am, I'm up. Now New Year's Eve, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas, I close shop.

I do, I like being available and it organizes my schedule which is nice. I work from 9am to 5pm MST I do tend to stray from my office on occasion but I've got my phone which I can do some things from, even if it's just a short e-mail return stating when I can get whatever is necessary back to them. If I'm going to be away from my desk for a while I just take my laptop and work from that if there is an emergency. Also I forward my office phone to my cell in those cases. That way I've got the best of both worlds, a normal schedule and and my freedom .

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Stacey Harris
On Demand Virtual Assistant

My engagement agreement says my hours are 9-5. Most clients apologize for calling outside of those hours if I answer (many times I do, but they generally respect my time). They know if I don't answer, that I will return the call first thing in the morning. The agreement also states that I will not usually charge them for a quick call unless they do it repeatedly or the calls are long. I bill in 15 min increments.
Wendy

It really depends on what type of package you have contracted with your client. Are they paying for 24-7 access? If so then they should receive it. I always go by the rule to set the expectation up front. Let your client know what the turn around on services is. When an emergency or rush situation arises, the expectation is already set. If you have to put additional time and resources outside of the normal expectation to complete an urgent project, then you should be compensated. I build a clause into all of my contracts that allows for a specific number of hours per week (with hours of availability listed), if my client requires a "rush" project or additional hours they are aware of the rate that they will be billed ahead of time.

Remember your worth! If we give all of our time without the compensation we deserve we lose our worth in the eyes of our clients.

To my customers my office hours are going to be 9 to 5 but of course, I will be available outside of these hours on an as needed basis.

Realistically, my work day starts at 6:00 a.m. since I check email and voice mail before I get my child ready for school. After I drop him old off at school at 7:30 I am going to work from 8 to 9. I also plan on working for at least 2 hours in the evenings in and on weekends. Sunday is the only day that I will not work.

Thanks for posting this question. I wasn't sure if I should have set business hours and all of your response have help me to decide my hours. Also, I do like the ideal of scheduled calls from clients.

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Karen Heinrich, CPS
www.secretarystat.com

Originally Posted by yourvirtualofficepro

I was wondering if anyone has set hours of operation? Working with several clients, some in different time zones, I am getting calls all day and all evening. So...do you just not answer the phone if you're not "working" or let them know when you are "open". I get the feeling some clients know we are generally working from home (does anyone not work at home?) and expect us to be available all waking hours of the day. I'd love to hear your thoughts!! Brandy

I haven't got my business off and running yet but I know that I will have set hours and will most likely stick to the hours. Like the post above I will be letting calls go to voice mail after hours.

If I wanted to work office hours -- I might want to work in an office... don't know if I'd go that far -- lol! Just kidding... actually I know I put in far more hours working my own business but that's ok, it's what I love!

I want the flexibility. I only have contact by email, and check that periodically throughout the day. (actually tend to be a workaholic so am on throughout the day and evening)

If I am working on-site, event, or will be away from my email -- If it is a rush or emergency - I will have client call/text my cell phone to let me know I have an email. I like my contacts/directions everything in email as it is great for keeping records and clarifying instructions. I do NOTHING by phone -- can't talk and get work done, and do NOT enjoy game of phone tag.

I have clients/associates in all U.S. time zones. I get online 6a.m. my time (9 a.m. for one of my clients in South Carolina) -- I may work during day or evening dependent on client needs and my plans for the day/how I am feeling. I am going to do everything possible to exceed my clients expectations, so flexibility works better for me AND for them.

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Deb's Professional Services
http://www.debsprofessionalservices.com