Prior to setting your rate as a VA or subcontractor you need to do a couple things. One major thing is to let potential clients know how you will benefit them. This will help them know if they're willing to pay that rate. This will be a base of setting the rate.

So think of the industry you're looking for as clients and make a list. List what benefits those clients will gain by with your services. Share those benefits with the group. Putting it down on paper is a great way to sort things out for yourself and to let others know.

It also helps to compare/contrast your services to the difference in costs (both obvious, like taxes & equipment and subtle, like 'water cooler' & holiday/vacation time) of an employee.

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

One major benefit I will give you as a subcontractor is flexibility of getting help only when necessary. No retainer is required so if you need me 10 hours one month and only 5 another I'm still available. Flexibility is the benefit.

Hi All:
Since I am just getting started I use a bidding service and do not have much experience with pricing. I recently sent a note to a employer concerning asking them if they considered using a virtual assistant and today just received a response they were going to consider me.

Now I am at the point were I am going to have to figure out pricing and come up with a viable list of benefits - I'm not sure were to go from here - I know I need to wait to see if they even want to work with me.