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?

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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

Thank you for your input everyone!!

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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.

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Renee, WordPress Video Training Use coupon VAForum25 to save 25%

If you're able to learn a new skill, software, process, etc. I don't think you should bill for your time. You have the benefit of learning a new skill that you can use with other clients. It's grea that she's willing to let you learn as you go. In the long run, it's a plus for both of you. Great job getting your first client!

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Prins Cowin, CPS/CAP, Virtual Business Manager
www.KingBusinessManagement.com

Yes, I also think that you should not bill for the time spent learning a new software or skill, unless it is something very specific for that job that you are not going to be using with any other clients. If that is the case, maybe just charge half of the time.

Good luck !

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Marta Vaquero
www.idelega.com

I'm obviously in the minority, but in most cases I bill the client for time while I'm learning or researching a new software or skill that is specifically something they request.
You can argue that I'm learning a new skill, but the fact is, I may never need it for any of my other clients and learning something new can take up a big chunk of my time. Time that could be used doing something I already know how to do for another client.

And I would never reduce my rate because I was new at something, even if it did take me a bit longer to accomplish than a VA that already knew the skill or software. I'd be afraid of lessening my value in the clients eyes or opening the door for them to complain about the length of a future project expecting a discount.

That said, if it's something that I was planning on learning for my own business anyway, then of course that would make the situation different.

I have never had any of my clients complain that I bill them for the time spent learning skills for them. On the contrary, they appreciate the fact that I'm willing to do so.

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~Tina Marie Hilton of Clerical Advantage
& author of the VA Survival Guide & Workbook

Tina, I like your perspective and when I think of it the way you do, it makes complete sense and going forward I'm likely to adopt the same process.

As I think about it, if you were working for Corporation A and they wanted you to learn a new program they would pay your time to do so and at some point you may leave the company and be able to use that else where. So really why shouldn't it be the same if it's something new that the client has requested.

Thanks for providing a new viewpoint, I appreciate it and that's why I love the forum because of everyone's different outlook.

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Renee, WordPress Video Training Use coupon VAForum25 to save 25%

You're welcome. You state exactly the reason I chose to bill rather than not. When I was working for attorneys I often attended training sessions, etc and they were all considered to be part of doing my job for which I was paid.
While I understand the concept that part of the draw of virtual assistance is that we don't have to be trained, I always took that to refer to those skills that we brought to the table initially, after all no one can be expected to know everything.

And I agree, the diversity of ideas, opinions and outlook really does make this forum a valuable resource for all of us.

Originally Posted by reneeshupe

Tina, I like your perspective and when I think of it the way you do, it makes complete sense and going forward I'm likely to adopt the same process. As I think about it, if you were working for Corporation A and they wanted you to learn a new program they would pay your time to do so and at some point you may leave the company and be able to use that else where. So really why shouldn't it be the same if it's something new that the client has requested. Thanks for providing a new viewpoint, I appreciate it and that's why I love the forum because of everyone's different outlook.

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~Tina Marie Hilton of Clerical Advantage
& author of the VA Survival Guide & Workbook