Can anyone help me with pricing my services? Is there a formula I should be using? I'm so confused about pricing that I'm almost afraid to get my first client.

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Marsha Willis
Alternate Office Solution

Hi Marsha,

relax, pricing isn't as difficult as it seems. First you will need to decide if you want to do retainer packages or hourly pricing. Then take a look at the industry standard pricing. Match that with your years of expertise and try not to low ball yourself. Industry standard for admin work is between $20-$30/hr, with the more experienced able to get a bit more. If you specialize in a specific area, such as real estate, you'll want to compare numbers with other VA's in that sub sect.

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Kristi Bennitt
Virtual Assistant/Bookkeeper

Hi Marsha,
There are a few tools and threads here that might help you get some perspective -

What Am I Worth?

Freelance Hourly Rate Calculator <--- great for determining how much you need to charge to turn a profit

Determining how much to charge

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Set your hourly fee (based on your services) and then decide what you want for your retainers. (Most are 10 hour - certain % off, 15 hours - more % off, etc.) then decide if you want to give any specials (new client, non-profit, etc)

As for proposals - take a look at things you can do in one hour (sorry it is here somewhere but not sure where) and look at the tasks, give yourself a little cushion and make your bid proposal.

Just remember to take into account taxes and operating expenses in your hourly/retainer rate so as not to lowball yourself.

Good luck

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Lee Drozak
My Office Assistant

Thanks for all the great advice. Now I have a starting point for pricing my services.
I appreciate any advice anyone can give me.

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Marsha Willis
Alternate Office Solution

Originally Posted by Tess

Hi Marsha, There are a few tools and threads here that might help you get some perspective - What Am I Worth? Freelance Hourly Rate Calculator <--- great for determining how much you need to charge to turn a profit Determining how much to charge

Thanks Tess for the information, it's an older post, but it sure helped in answering my question.

RJWilliams