Kelly~

In the consulting and contracts world, this is called "scope creep". You and the client agree to a project with includes a, b, c, d. Before you know it, the client is expecting e, f, and g because they "assumed they would be included" or "they are an integral part of the project". I'm glad that you have found a reasonable solution and hope that this situation has helped you see the importance of clearly defining what will and what won't be included if you do fee-based projects. Otherwise, the scope creep overtakes you and you don't end up making anything on the deal.

Warmly,

Lorri

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Lorri Morin, CPVA
www.virtualsynergy.net

I would ask for more money. But if it wasn't clear before you started the project that you would charge for revisions, she might not want to pay you. I would get paid for setting up the project before you continue working on it.

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

Hi,
I have had the same problem. I now have built into my contract (especially for the clients I know will want more) the 'add a little extra' clause. It gives me the ability to keep billing when at the end of the project they say "could you just add ..."

Daphne Rintoul,
VOA Services, Victoria BC

Well this was a great post. This will definitely advise me in any similar troubles I may come across in the future. Very good feedback everyone!

This is definitely a good learning experience, perhaps for us all. I'm building a custom database for my boss before I move, and even though she will end up being my first client, this is something we haven't addressed yet. I know all too well that I will be needed for updates and changes. I'm adding this idea to my notes.

Hi,
So glad that this worked out for you, and was happy to hear how your process worked.
I have had a few problems with billing as well, but it is always helpful to read how others are dealing with it. You never want to be pushy or rock the boat but sometimes I just feel really used. It would be nice to have a client that just kept adding in the money without the fight.

daphne

You really need to make sure they realize you are paid for all revisions before you begin the project.

This is a different subject. I have a client who calls me at all hours of the night. He texted me at 8:45 this morning (Sunday) and I was still in bed. He texted me at 9:30 last night (Saturday). I am not available 24/7 and maybe I should let him know. What do you think?

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

I will usually make a change and not charge if it is less than 15 minutes. I usually get payment before emailing the work so it would be very time consuming to send another invoice and get payment for such a small amount.

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

These are the types of things we need to think about about when writing our contracts. As Tess said this is a learning experience. In my graphic design contacts they can make up to TWO changes to the project after that they are charged $25 every time I have to open that file. Some clients can really get out of hand with the changes.

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Tamika R. Johnson, MBA, Principal
administrative partners, llc
www.administrativepartners.net | http://adminpartners.blogspot.com

Originally Posted by webmss

This is a different subject. I have a client who calls me at all hours of the night. He texted me at 8:45 this morning (Sunday) and I was still in bed. He texted me at 9:30 last night (Saturday). I am not available 24/7 and maybe I should let him know. What do you think? Cindy Freland Maryland Secretarial Services, Inc. www.webmss.com

Hi Cindy

Definitely let him know. The problem with being a VA is that sometimes you have clients in different time zones to you so they may be contacting you at what seems to be a reasonable time for them!

If you have set working hours then you need to make sure all of your clients are aware of times they can contact you by phone. Out of business hours I would suggest they email you. That way you can leave your emails turned on until bedtime and log back on when it is convenient to you.

Something else to consider is having a business (cell) telephone and a private one. My business telephone is turned off at the end of my business day (which could be any time from 5.30pm until 11pm) and turned back on again when my working day begins. Anything that comes in over night goes to my voicemail and is dealt with the next day!

Sharen

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Sharen Crane
http://www.virtualassistantservices.co.uk/