What if you are just starting a business and don't have clients that don't have a need for an ongoing relationship. How would you decide a price for a specific project? Would you just determine how much you want to charge per hour and quote that fee? Or would it be better to give new clients a discount, to encourage them to return to you for their business needs in the future? And, would you charge new clients, especially for one time projects the fee upfront?
Is it always better to get your payments through paypal, ?
Is it better to charge hourly or by project? Any advice is appreciated.
VirtualRachel

VirtualRachel,

I hope that these help, this is what I normally do.

How would you decide a price for a specific project? For a one time project determine the number of hours and charge a flat rate fee

Would you just determine how much you want to charge per hour and quote that fee? If it is a one time and done project then I go with a project rate. If it is something they may need ongoing support on I then do a per hour (or sometimes a combination of the two - $XXX for project and $XX/hr for ongoing support)

Or would it be better to give new clients a discount, to encourage them to return to you for their business needs in the future? For all new clients, I give a "getting to know me special" which is five hours for the price of four.

And, would you charge new clients, especially for one time projects the fee upfront? I do charge the fee up front, letting them know that if they continue to use my services I then bill monthly. I usually get a deposit from all new clients unless it is a special referral from some of my current clients

Is it always better to get your payments through paypal, ? There is also Google checkout however all of my clients pay by business check or PayPal. You may want to check with your bank to see if they offer electronic funds transfer but there may be fees for this service too.

Is it better to charge hourly or by project? I think this one is up to you. If I know that they are going to have a task that may require ongoing support I charge per hour. Again, I may quote it is $XXX for the project and add that it is $xx/hour for ongoing support.

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Lee Drozak
My Office Assistant

I agree with Lee with all of her answers to you. But, It also depends on what your services are going to be.

What you are asking for is generic information. Each person who answers will be basing it on their specific niche.

For instance we work as a VA, REVA and VBA. So, my answers would do you no good because 1 of them is a flat rate all the time and and the other two can be per project and hourly.

You also want to base your pricing on your ability to get the job done in a specific time frame. Per project rates also come with deadlines. So figure your deadlines into your rate as well.

Good luck~
Andrea

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Action Jackson Virtual Assistant|

Great tips. Thanks for sharing these helpful hints!

Originally Posted by leedrozak

VirtualRachel, I hope that these help, this is what I normally do. How would you decide a price for a specific project? For a one time project determine the number of hours and charge a flat rate fee Would you just determine how much you want to charge per hour and quote that fee? If it is a one time and done project then I go with a project rate. If it is something they may need ongoing support on I then do a per hour (or sometimes a combination of the two - $XXX for project and $XX/hr for ongoing support) Or would it be better to give new clients a discount, to encourage them to return to you for their business needs in the future? For all new clients, I give a "getting to know me special" which is five hours for the price of four. And, would you charge new clients, especially for one time projects the fee upfront? I do charge the fee up front, letting them know that if they continue to use my services I then bill monthly. I usually get a deposit from all new clients unless it is a special referral from some of my current clients Is it always better to get your payments through paypal, ? There is also Google checkout however all of my clients pay by business check or PayPal. You may want to check with your bank to see if they offer electronic funds transfer but there may be fees for this service too. Is it better to charge hourly or by project? I think this one is up to you. If I know that they are going to have a task that may require ongoing support I charge per hour. Again, I may quote it is $XXX for the project and add that it is $xx/hour for ongoing support.