I've been wondering what the going rates are in various locations. I'm just starting out my VA business and I've been searching online to find websites of VA's that are located in my area, no luck so far.

I live in Virginia and so far I do not know the going hourly rates here.

We are not allowed to discuss rates on this forum. Keep in mind that because VAs are 'virtual' and not tied to a specific geographic location, our rates should be based on a combination of our background/experience and financial needs.

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

I didn't really look at the going rate in my area, because I don't plan on focusing only on my area. Instead I looked at the going rates for all the VAs that I could find, figured out roughly what my costs will be, how much I need to make to pay my household bills, and how much I'd like to make for savings and fun money, and based my rate off of that. It's roughly what I've seen other VAs charging.

Sorry for posting that. I wasn't aware that we couldn't discuss various things. I was just curious not really on geographic location but wondering what a basic rate would be for a beginner. I feel I either will charge too much or not enough.

Thanks for letting me know.

You might find this article helpful, though it is from last year.

Keep in mind your rate should reflect your skills and service offerings more than your location.

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Thanks Tess, that did help to clarify some things.

Thanks

I would also search the forum for the various calculators that help you set your rate properly. I would start with this one! (see'ins how I posted it )

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

Another suggestion might be to check the salaries for Corporate Admins in a region who have the same skills sets that you offer. Take that amount and then determine how much your clients would save on overhead, benefits, etc. Reduce that by a certain amount, and let that guide you. You have to remember that you'll also need to calculate in self-employment taxes as well, to ensure you're netting what you need.

A good source for determining corporate rates is Office Team or AKA Robert Half International.

Hope this is helpful.

Wow, this is great information. I really appreciate the information!
Again, this is such a wonderful forum, many members advise has truly made the difference in my start going smoother.

Best wishes,

Rikki

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Rikki Green
www.timeforlifeconcepts.com

When I started my company in 1997, I called temporary agencies and pretended to be a potential client. I told them what I needed done and I asked the rates. She told me a rate and I used it for several years then I increased it a lot. Then I was getting quite a bit of complaints and lowered it to only $2 more than what I started with. Now everyone seems happy.

Cindy Freland
Maryland Secretarial Services, Inc.
www.webmss.com