hi i was wondering if anyone could give me some advice.
Iv just been called and asked by a company if i can stuff 250 envelopes for them with two sheets in c5 envelopes. Although i wouldnt normally do this work im considering doing it because i havent had any work for a while.
The only problem iv got is i dont know how much to charge for this, my usual rate is £15 per hour but i dont know how to charge this.
Does anyone have any experiance of this or any advice they can give me.
Thank you
Karen

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Hi Karen,

I do not have any experience doing this type of work however, when I encounter a new project that I have not done before I try to think about it from both angels. 1 - how much time do I think it will take and how much am I willing to do it for 2 - what is the perceived value for the client.

Hope that helps and good luck.

Kim

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Kim Beckers
Online Business Manager

Hi Kim and Karen!

I received some GREAT advice from Tess herself when we met up in Seattle for a dinner party she held. I asked her the same question on just how much should you charge for services?

Her response came readily and with confidence! She told me that she explains to the client that while she cannot actually predict the time it will take to do the work, she charges a one-time deposit that the client pays up front (say $200, for example). You can then explain to the client that you will start working and document how much time it took you and based on your hourly fee, you either use up the deposit or have some for refund. If you have money left over in the 'bucket,' then you reimburse the client (if you need to) and you're all set. Otherwise, if you use up the deposit and you require more payment, you invoice the client.

I, too, had the same dilemma trying to think of how to answer a prospective client with this possible scenario. So, I LOVE the idea of requiring a deposit and to be able to work from there.

I hope that answers your question. Let us know how you resolve this! Best wishes!

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Kathya Kalinine
http://www.emeraldvirtual.com

Kathya gives great advice. I hadn't thought of an initial deposit and then making a draw from there. And, if there is any $ left over, the client might think of something else you could do for them thus leading to more work, which is always appreciated.

You could also practice a few stuffing of envelopes...say 25 and time yourself. Then figure out mathmetically how long that task might take. So if it takes 10 minutes to do 25, figure times 10 or 100 minutes to do 250. You could give a range of 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours to complete the project.

As far as the rate, Kim offers good advice. Think about the project itself and what your time is worth to you. It's valuable. If you undercut yourself, your client might expect that rate for other more complicated projects.

Janine

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Originally Posted by Kathya

She told me that she explains to the client that while she cannot actually predict the time it will take to do the work, she charges a one-time deposit that the client pays up front (say $200, for example). You can then explain to the client that you will start working and document how much time it took you and based on your hourly fee, you either use up the deposit or have some for refund. If you have money left over in the 'bucket,' then you reimburse the client (if you need to) and you're all set. Otherwise, if you use up the deposit and you require more payment, you invoice the client.

This is how I operate with new clients, as well. I require a 5-hour up-front deposit before beginning work; this has prevented me from spending time on a project and then having the potential client say 'never mind' after I have invested time that could be better spent elsewhere (and more profitably!).

I also like 'Your Virtual Wizard's' suggestion of stuffing 25 envelopes just to see how long it takes you and using that as a springboard for estimating the time involved. These two suggestions combined will give you a reasonable quote to provide the client and guarantee that you won't do a bunch of work for free if the client decides they aren't willing to pay the fee you charge.

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Lily Chambers, The Virtual Office Goddess, LLC
Author "How to Do Your Own Small Business Bookkeeping"

As part of my volunteer job at a London theatre I often spend time stuffing envelopes with the flyers for future shows to send out to the mailing list. Going by the time it would normally take me to stuff with five sheets, seal, put on labels and stamps 250 would take me approx 3 hours (self seal envelopes) but then I'm not that fast (although it takes one of the other ladies twice as long as me but she is VERY slow) and I do have to sometimes answer the phone to take bookings etc. As has been mentioned it would probably be easier to time yourself and charge accordingly.