As a little followup to these great responses, I bill in different ways. For example, for straight text-to-text typing, proofreading/editing, and translations (also data entry could be in with this group), it is a flat fee -- depending on what it is. Transcription is simple: per audio minute.

For hourly clients, I also bill in 15-minute increments. I learned this from working in a temp agency -- we bill our time in 15-minute increments. I guess I carried that with me.

I know for me, these invoicing rules are subject to change. Usually I ask the hourly or retainer client if they prefer a breakdown on their invoice. I have yet to have one tell me they need a detailed list of what I did.

For any a-la-carte or transcription invoicing, I always include details as far as document/file that was worked on. I think it helps the client sort out their own paperwork.

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Patty

I am still waiting on that first client but I was going to handle retainer clients the same way as hourly clients as mentioned by Renee and Lily. So billed in 15 minute increments with an invoice that shows the number of hours used.

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Malaika Nallawangsa
Quick Works | Virtual Office Assistant

I only do transcription, so it's rather easy. I used to bill only by the hour and now I also offer a per-audio-minute option. For hourly work I bill in 5-minute increments. I don't currently offer a retainer option. Most of my clients can't work that way anyway.

On the invoice I include total time or audio minutes, my price per hour/audio minute, and any identifying information needed by the client for the transcript, which obviously varies depending on the type of business and size of the company (if it's a large company I also include who requested the transcript since there can be as many as 10 different people at one company requesting them!).

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Pam Deyerle - Transcriptionist in the Richmond, Virginia area
The Perfect Word Transcription Services