I have a local client who often requests that I come into his office for meetings. Should I charge him more than the normal rate for that?

Any suggestions

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Nikki Anderson
Owner, LGC Virtual Services

Funny, I struggle with this same thing. I sometimes meet in his office or pick up and drop off files. It is about a 1/2 hour away from me. I haven't charged him yet, however I am considering doing so.

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Cindy Leli
Your Secretary Cindy, LLC

If you are giving up your time to this client then I would charge them. This is time that you cannot spend on any other projects or clients. Depending on the amount of travel I would add a fee for mileage/travel. I as a general rule do not go to anyone's office however when I have a client that I need to attend a function for or with I will charge for travel expenses.

I generally charge standard IRS mileage on these bouts.

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Lee Drozak
My Office Assistant

I only have one client where I go on site. He's an author, elderly, not computer literate and doesn't walk too well. I charge for the two hours I assist him plus half an hour for travel time, but I only go once every couple of weeks.

Only you can know your client, but if he/she is the type that expects you to drop everything and come running whenever, then it might be wise to charge higher than your hourly rate plus mileage and travel time. If your client can get the same hourly rate on site then he/she may well demand more and more meetings, sucking the life out of you and taking time away from your other clients.

Lynne

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The Wordpro Wizard
www.wordprowizard.com

Nikki, we asked your question on the VAF Facebook page and wanted to share the responses with you here. Take a look!

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I have this going on right now someone, that wants me to go to his accounting office. It's 2 hours away, and that is gas. I'm def with agreement that this is billable time!

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I would also charge for travel time & mileage, expecially 2 hours away! My first client wanted me to come to their facility and I advised that I charge a 4 hour minimum for onsite work. She was okay with it.

I charge 1/2 hourly rate plus IRS mileage for the to/from and standard rates on-site (all time in 15-minute increments)

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

I just added this one to my contract - charging for travel time, plus time on-site, plus IRS mileage plus any additional expenses (tools, train tickets...) Thank you for all your advices.

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Sara
Your Reliable Help Just a Click Away

Yes you should charge. The whole point of being VIRTUAL is not having to go in the office.