There are actually two rate questions I have as a newbie and was hoping for some insight.

1) When you first start out, how do you know how long to bill a client for your service? For example: Your client wants a new form created for project A. How would you go about pricing the project? Estimate on how long it has taken you in the past until you can give a precise time frame or is there a better more accurate way.

2) I would like to pick the brains of all those who have come before (me) on how you should bill the client when first starting out. Let's see... Is it better it bill in 15 min timeframes or by project?

All thoughts, feedback, and experience welcomed!

Hi Faye,

For me, I rely on past exerience to judge how long a project or job might take. My clients understand that if unforeseen circumstances arise, the time could be adjusted either up or down and they are given the opportunity to negotiate if higher. I like to estimate a bit higher since everyone likes to receive a bill for less than was originally stated.

If I know from past experience the amount of time a job might take, I might suggest my project rates to a client.

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Jenny McKinney
http://www.offsiteofficepro.com

Hi Faye,
There have been several different threads that cover these topics in general and specifically. I would recommend taking a look in these sections about Billing Policies and for General Billing and Invoicing as there would be a plethora of information available there to give you a better idea of how different VAs handle their estimates, billing and invoicing.

Feel free to add to any of those threads to revive them a bit or to get some current discussion going on them if you still have questions!

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Kimberly
Facebook Marketing Magic!

Thank you Jenny and Kimberly for your feedback. I will review the billing policies and the General billing sections for sure!

Faye,

I bill in 15 minute increments. If it's a project I've never done before I give the client an estimate. Never had any problems in the past.

Carol
CJ's Virtual Business Solutions
www.cjvbs.com