I'm just curious because I recently did 4 hours of cold calling for a client for his new business launch. I had to cold call all the local businesses.

I only charged him for my time spent doing this but my husband thinks I should charge for the local calls as well. I didn't because it probably only amounted to $4 but I'm just curious if you charge for incidentals, like faxes sent/received, phone calls made, photocopies, any pages that you print off, paper used etc........not sure what the norm is??

What do you do?

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~ Danielle ~
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f3.../vgfbanner.gif

Danielle,
I don't charge for incidentals with my private clients, but for client assignments through a VA staffing agency I'm able to charge for reimbursements if I purchase specific supplies for a project, (stamps, envelopes, etc). I've always considered the phone charges as a cost of business that is compensated for in the rates I charge.

Hope that helps you.
Patti

Hi,

I offer appointment setting services and I do not charge an additional rate for calls. I maintain a local and long distance calling plan so it doesn't cost me any additional money. If you do not have an unlimited plan, check in to voIP. I pay only $19.99 per month for unlimited local and long distance! Otherwise, build the additional charge in to your rate. I charge a higher rate anyway for appointment setting because it is a specialized service. As far as faxes, paper and basic incidentals, if it in the course of daily business, then that is cost I absorb as a cost of doing business. If I do a mailing or need special office supplies, that gets billed back to the client. Your clients will appreciate a simplied billing! Hope that helps!

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Doreen R. Patrick, MVA, ACS, CIVA
www.virtualbusinesspartners.net

Much like Doreen, I consider my phone bill (local and long distance) part of my business expenses, and adjust my hourly rate to reflect that. I also only charge for incidentals when it's something fully measurable - like postage, packaging, postcard supplies, greeting cards, etc. I would definitely charge for international calls if that isn't included in your phone plan. Make sure you state this in your contract though.

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Brianna Young, VA and Graphic Artist
www.virtualsolutionsadmin.com
"It's not the piano that makes beautiful music. It's the person sitting AT the piano!"

Thanks, I agree that phone calls should be absorbed. It's all a tax right off at the end of the day.

Thanks for sharing.

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~ Danielle ~
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f3.../vgfbanner.gif

I agree with Brianna. You should charge for international calls, but build the other costs into you hourly billing so that doesn't look as if you are charging for every small item.

Be Well,

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Be Well,
Carla
www.bwellbusinessservices.com
virtually meeting your needs

Originally Posted by BwellBusinessServices

I agree with Brianna. You should charge for international calls, but build the other costs into you hourly billing so that doesn't look as if you are charging for every small item. Be Well,

Ditto! Its my experience that clients don't want to be nickled and dimed to death. It's best to hide the cost in your hourly billing.

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Shari Sultana
Online Business Manager (marketing for retail ecommerce)