Virtual Assistant Forums | Work from Home

nekiwa07 · #1 (**permalink**) 02-03-2012

I have my first client that is requiring a fee/rate for my Wordpress creation services. I have no idea of how to charge. I really do not want to charge hourly but a flat rate but I do not know how long it will take me to complete so I don't want to undercharge and end up doing a tremendous amount of work for "pennies", can anyone offer advice?

leedrozak · #2 (**permalink**) 02-03-2012

I base my packages on the needs of the client. It is a simple site that just needs the bones or is it customization of the theme that they choose?

You could begin by seeing what others are charging and base a package on that however those who offer this service may be able to create a site faster than others. This should be a base to help you decide.

Also, put all the details in writing: free vs. premium template (who is paying for that), content and addition of it, images to be used, number of pages, amount of revisions, amount of training and support, etc. The little details will add up time wise if you do not specify the complete terms of the site creation.

VirtualBusinessServices · #3 (**permalink**) 02-09-2012

I have been trying to find out this same thing. When you can find what other people charge, the rates for Wordpress web design are considerably higher than what I have perceived as the "usual" VA rates (at least for my area) if you calculate by the number of expected hours it takes to do the work.

CK Virtual Assistant Services · #4 (**permalink**) 02-09-2012

I am doing the same thing. I have been Googleing other Va sites to see what they charge and what they offer. Its called scoping out the competition!

I based my first paying client a little less only cause I knew that it would take me longer to do, but now I have to charge her more since it has been way more advanced than orginally thought and what was put in the contract that she signed.

I know that my next client I will charge more than what I charged her. I would take to your client and get a good idea on what they want and need for their site to do and then look at it and see how long it would take you. Maybe base it off how long it too you to do your own site.

newwavedesign · #5 (**permalink**) 02-15-2012

I would agree what others are saying here, but also when you do research do it for your area and not all areas. Sometimes fees will vary depending upon where you or your client lives. SO what maybe a good price in XYZ, maybe too much for ABC. I hope that makes sense?

Your Virtual Wizard · #6 (**permalink**) 02-15-2012

NewWaveDesign,

Since VAs are global, I don't base my fees upon the localities of where a client is located. Fees are based IMO on experience and skill level. I offer the same skill level and experience to a client in LA as I would in Peoria so I charge the same.

Janine

SuzannaK · #7 (**permalink**) 02-16-2012

This was one of my concerns too. It can be hard to know how much to charge when you are not doing work that is straight forward. I guess you have to use your best judgement

Your Virtual Wizard · #8 (**permalink**) 02-16-2012

You list what you will offer and time yourself on the tasks.

Buy the domains
Set up the host
Upload the WP
Upload the theme
Add the plugins
Activate the plugins
Add images
Add text if the client wants
Allow for 3 or so edits

These are some of the tasks for WP creation (there are more) but once these tasks are posted then come up with a fee.

Anything over and above could be another package such as servicing the site throughout the month such as backups and adding and updating plugins.

Janine

nekiwa07 · #9 (**permalink**) 02-24-2012

Thanks everyone for the input. Thanks Janine!

wingman · #10 (**permalink**) 02-24-2012

creating websites is a whole different arena and this person probably just want something cheaper than having his website developed by a professional web developer.

I suggest that you charge more than your usual hourly rate, perhaps 50% more and make sure that the scope of the project is something that you can easily comprehend that being said you will not partake anything too complicated like changing wordpress code, or similar.

With that scope I think you would be fine.