Hey all!
I am just getting started and have my first client. I was up front with her as to what I could do. I also told her that if she needed something done that I didn't know, I would look into it and if I could- learn it. I figure any new knowledge is good and can hopefully be used with future clients. I'm wondering if I should bill her for the time I'm looking into the new skill, because she needs it done. Or, not because I'm the one needing to learn and it will be good for me in the long run.
What would you do?

__________________
Amy
www.porterofficesolutions.com

I would think not. To me that's one of the advantages of hiring a VA in the first place is not having to pay for training.

Amy,

I would not bill her for you learning a new skill or service. She was kind enough to let you learn on the job so to return the courtesy you should not bill and chalk it up to future earnings potential.

__________________
Lee Drozak
My Office Assistant

I would not bill for learning a new skill. However, if you are learning something specific to their business then I would charge half for the training time.

__________________
Erika Glem
www.advadminsol.com Let my administrative solutions be to your advantage.

Not is the way I was leaning too. Learning on the job is a great way to get going, gives you a better feel for the way things work.

__________________
Amy
www.porterofficesolutions.com

It's generally agreed that as a VA you don't charge a client for training. Lee has summarized it perfectly in that the client is extending you the courtesy of allowing you to learn a new skill or service, you return the favor by not billing them for that.

However, I would always suggest clarifying particulars like these with clients before proceeding so everyone is clear.

__________________
Kate V. Kerans
Kerans Virtual Assistance

I always look for new skills. I would not charge while learning. When you start applying the new skill, then charge!

I fully agree with the previous posts. Do not charge for time when you are learning a new skill, only charge for the time actually spend applying this skill.

Also if it took you twice as long to complete the clients project because you were still uncertain with your new skill, I would reduce the number of hours billed to that client. Example: If a VA with this skill could have completed the project in one hour, but because of your learning curve it took you three or four hours to complete the project, I would only bill the client for part of the time (maybe 1.5 to 2 hours).

Good luck learning your new skill(s),
Julie

__________________
Julie | Virtual Resource Services, Inc (VRSI)
http://www.vrsioffice.com

Thank you for your input everyone!!

__________________
Amy
www.porterofficesolutions.com

I'm going to add a slightly different perspective....typically I wouldn't bill for my time to learn a new program, but I would charge them for my time if they are wanting me to learn a new program that I would never have the opportunity to use with another client.

This might be a custom program build specifically for their business or some type of proprietary program that only the client uses.

__________________
Renee Shupe, Become a Techie Virtual Assistant
eMail Marketing & Aweber Training Starts May 15! - Save 50% using VAFAweber