Hi everyone

I am based in the UK and I have had a potential client call me this morning asking me to go and work for him on site for a couple of days per week for a few weeks to basically sort out a bit of a mess that one of his partners have left.

I know we cannot discuss rates on the forum but he wanted me to do this for about a third of what I usually charge and I do not charge a high rate anyway due to where I am based.

How do other VAs handle this - I really do need to build up my client base but I felt really insulted and in fact shed a few tears for feeling undervalued. This potential client knows me and knows that I am really good at what I do.

I obviously refused and said I would settle for 2/3 of my normal hourly rate which would amount to be doing less hours for the amount per day he could afford - but I still felt cheated.

Do you guys find that this kind of thing happens on a regular basis or do you just generally stand your ground - even though you might need the work

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http://frbusinesssolutions.co.uk

Lyn,

This happens all the time. You will get used to it. This is the reason that I publish my rates on my site.

Stand your ground! Others will come along who will value what you have to offer and you will be thankful that you waited for that ideal client.

If he cannot afford you now, he will not be able to afford you again so it is not worth your time or energy.

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Lee Drozak
My Office Assistant

I am sorry this has happened to you, but it´s something that has happened to most of us.

Even yesterday we had a consultation with a potential client who wanted this, that and the other and then went to say that she could probably afford half of what we usually charge. We will send her a proposal but quote our normal rate. We´ll see what she says.

I did start out with a much lower rate than my ideal rate. Got 2 very good clients very soon. i raised my rates after a reasonable time and they still are my clients. Our other clients I started immediately with the higher rate and they are happy, too.

I understand that you might want to lower your prices a little to get the business in. But someone who makes you cry is something you shouldn´t even want to consider.

Stand your ground and I´m sure other clients will come who do appreciate you and what you charge.

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Hilde
www.vbbassociates.com

Hi Hilde and Lee

Thank you so much, you have made me feel much better about my decision. A friend told me that perhaps I should just accept it and that he might pay more later, but I agree with you, he just wants somebody to do the job cheap. Thanks, I will stand my ground

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http://frbusinesssolutions.co.uk

Lyn, good for you! Stand your ground! That's why I post rates on my website and make no exceptions, though I do a bit of pro bono work for dog rescues, a cause dear to my heart.

If you had agreed to work for this person so cheaply he would expect to get you cheaply forever and recommend you to other cheapos. Even if you need the business never lower your rates.

Lynne

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The Wordpro Wizard
www.wordprowizard.com

Lyn, it's so hard when you are starting out to turn down business but you are right to stand your ground. A PC who haggles for such a low rate has a low perceived value of your services and is not worth your time. I have turned down a few PCs for various reasons and have not regretted my decisions. You can focus more time on finding the right kind of clients and less time wasting it on a PC who makes you feel undervalued - never a good way to start a working relationship.

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Linda
Clockwise Virtual Assistance

I had a refreshing phone call yesterday - the potential client said up-front "my decision will be based on rates. What is yours?" I told her and she didn't seem too shocked. I don't expect to hear back from her, but it WAS nice to not have her hem-and-haw and waste both of our time with needs BEFORE discussing rates.

I am unapologetic for my rates and have no problem getting clients. It sometimes takes a little longer than I would like, but all-in-all my clients who have paid me a reasonable rate up front are excellent to work with for the long-term.

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

I have had a little bit of everything. Some clients accept my rates no questions asked whereas others act as if we're on a market and try to haggle my fees. I decided early on that I wouldn't accept these clients as they wouldn't improve in the long-run and I've stuck to my guns. You deserve to have decent clients who appreciate your skills and expertise.

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Sabrina L. Williams
For a bird's eye view of your business

I'll chime in on this one. I find I have to tread cautiously with friends and family members, even for their referrals. Often they expect unreasonable discounts (sometimes even free) for projects that take as much and often more than "regular clients". Church people can be especially troublesome.

Originally Posted by Lyn Doyle-Taylor

Hi Hilde and Lee Thank you so much, you have made me feel much better about my decision. A friend told me that perhaps I should just accept it and that he might pay more later, but I agree with you, he just wants somebody to do the job cheap. Thanks, I will stand my ground

Nope, you should stand your ground. From personal experience, people who expect you to charge low rates won't every expect to pay more later. Best to forget them, move on and find clients that value your worth.

BTW I don't publish my rates and if people think I'm too expensive then I'm happy to let them find someone else... IMHO you get what you pay for.

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