Underpromise and overdeliver is what I keep saying in my head. My policy is 24-48 hours. It's usually less.

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Stacey B. Stahl, Owner/Virtual Assistant
CuttingEdgeVirtualAssistant.co m

Quote:

Underpromise and overdeliver is what I keep saying in my head

StaceyStahl, you are so right. Our niche will be mostly legal, and trust me; attorneys don't wait well.

Originally Posted by StaceyStahl

Underpromise and overdeliver is what I keep saying in my head. My policy is 24-48 hours. It's usually less.

Words to live by!

Let me see how many more characters when I'm trying to keep it short and sweet since in this case that says it all.

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A L Camien
Manager Member

I agree with Stacey - always under promise and over deliver.

My standard turnaround time is stated as 24-48 hours, giving me a little cushion time if I need it. It sounds like it is a very common time-frame and works well for most clients.

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Linda
Clockwise Virtual Assistance

Originally Posted by StaceyStahl

Underpromise and overdeliver is what I keep saying in my head. My policy is 24-48 hours.

Although my contract states two to three days standard, I think under-promising and over-deliverying is really the way to go.

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A L Camien
Manager Member

Originally Posted by Arogers071

Would it be wise to just ask them what they want the turnaround to be?

Nope. If you allow the client to dictate their terms on time, they will expect to be able to dictate their terms on other things, as well. It is YOUR business, and YOU determine the boundaries; you are not an employee that is expected to complete projects when the boss wants them. Good question, though.

Keep in mind that there will be occasions that you will have overlapping project deadlines and having that leeway of time can allow you to schedule your time accordingly.

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Lily Chambers, The Virtual Office Goddess, LLC
Author "How to Do Your Own Small Business Bookkeeping"

QUESTION: Wouldn't allowing a client to tell me when they want the work back jeopardize my independent contractor status if I was audited by the IRS?

Wouldn't allowing a client to give me orders also open the client up to being responsible for workmen's compensation, unemployment compensation, FICA and Medicare taxes due?

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A L Camien
Manager Member

Originally Posted by alcbiz

QUESTION: Wouldn't allowing a client to tell me when they want the work back jeopardize my independent contractor status if I was audited by the IRS? Wouldn't allowing a client to give me orders also open the client up to being responsible for workmen's compensation, unemployment compensation, FICA and Medicare taxes due?

Yes to both, per my understanding. Not to mention, it isn't good business practice for an independent contractor/business owner to allow clients to have the employer/employee relationship mindset.

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Lily Chambers, The Virtual Office Goddess, LLC
Author "How to Do Your Own Small Business Bookkeeping"

Originally Posted by Office Goddess

it isn't good business practice for an independent contractor/business owner to allow clients to have the employer/employee relationship mindset.

Thanks so much, Office Goddess, for the affirmation. I've had a rough day at my regular job; it's nice to be right about something! LOL

And that's why I want my own biz! The freedom from criticism that can be demoralizing!

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A L Camien
Manager Member

I think 48 hour turnaround time is sufficient enough. If gives you extra leeway just in case you do have a crazy day and you cannot get to it until the following day.

Do you think for rush jobs we should charge a higher amount or decline?

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~Barbara~
Virtual Services by Barbara