I see that a lot of time tracking software allows you to stop and start the clock as needed. Are there any tasks that may be related to being a VA but not specifically relevant enough to bill the client for? That is, is there a general rule of thumb for when you should stop the clock (besides the obvious unrelated interruptions)?

Thanks!
-Ro

I bill for anything directly related to the client's project or business development - including phone calls, emails, etc.

Are there any particular tasks you had in mind that you were uncertain about?

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Yes, actually the ones you mentioned were what I wasn't sure about. Things like emails, phone calls, etc or basically corresponding with the client regarding projects were what I wanted to know about.

Thanks for clearing that up!
-Ro

I have been surprised by clients who questioned billing for this time. I do track this time, too.

Dawn
Cycle Business Solutions

I'm with Tess - if it is directly client-related, I bill for it!

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

Do you generally send them a detailed summary of WHAT You did or ONLY if they ask for it? I had a client ask for one recently and luckily I had it to give. I use Time Tracker.

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Alyssa Avant
http://alyssaavant.com

For hourly clients, I bill in 15 minute increments. By doing this, I capture the time spent on routine email. If my client phones, I do make a note as to the start time of the call. That way, should the call last more than a few minutes, I can bill for the time.

I do not provide an itemized account of my activities. There is a measure of trust that needs to be in place between me and my client. I figure, my plumber does not provide an itemized bill of every step he took in the two hours of working on a leak, why would I?

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Robin A. Holstein
Robin's Desktop Virtual Administrative Services
My Blog

Good question, Ro. I've been wondering about this too!

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Lezly Harrison
Laserdog Productions - Code that Doesn't Bite

I agree, if it is related to the client- it is billable. I use freshbooks, which allows you to creat a task list. You can track different tasks and when you invoice you have the choice of showing it or leaving the info out (useful if the client wants details on time spent)

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Amy
www.porterofficesolutions.com

I think its a wonderful idea to have the itemized and detailed information available just in case a client asks for it. Otherwise I'll just send them an invoice without all the details.

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Progressive Business Partners
"Progressing your business to the ultimate level"