Hint What did you start out charging as a subcontractor? - Virtual Assistant Forums

hbplifestyle · #1 (**permalink**) 10-27-2009

Even as a subcontractor it's important to research what other VAs are charing for their services. This way you can tell if you're within reason. They aren't going to want to pay too much they start losing profits.

Rather than asking specific rates I'd like to challenge everyone on this board to post what they started our charging for one of their favorite tasks. Tasks like bookkeeping, blog creation, web research, editing, writing or whatever it is you love doing for your clients. I'm sure we are amazed that what we started at and what we're now getting has changed dramaticallly.

Office Goddess · #2 (**permalink**) 10-27-2009

Actually, my original hourly rate for bookkeeping services is still the same as I charge today. I researched quite a bit and used an online expenses calculator to determine how much I needed to make hourly prior to setting my rates.

hbplifestyle · #3 (**permalink**) 10-27-2009

Do you feel your bookkeeping rates are comparable to other VAs?

Action Jackson VA · #4 (**permalink**) 10-27-2009

Hi Collette,

I started out with rates that are in my area. Then realized after about a month that, that was not going to be able to make my bills. My rates now reflect what I can live off of.

Andrea

Business-Bytes · #5 (**permalink**) 10-27-2009

Collette, right after I joined this forum I visited numerous VA websites to get a general idea, then I took into account how many years of experience (not as a VA) that were brought to the table, and set my rates. Mine haven't changed, but I'm pretty new to the VA industry. One thing I do, though, is not be completely rigid with my rates as far as subcontracting for others, so I adjust to accommodate that venue--but I also have other regular clients that my rates are my rates, and that is what they are. It all evens out in the end for me.

Gosh, not sure I answered your question.

Action Jackson VA · #6 (**permalink**) 10-27-2009

This is also the same for me Jules. I have clients that I will give discounted rates to, so, that helps them.

Andrea

executive_assist · #7 (**permalink**) 02-02-2010

I charge a percentage of my regular rate for subcontracting. This way I am still making a decent wage, but not taking away from the other VA that much either. And I also have some past employers that I love so much I will charge a discounted rate if they end up needing my services.

ChristinaVOS · #8 (**permalink**) 02-02-2010

I do a lot of sub work building Wordpress websites. I didn't start out that way but have fallen into it and decided to just let it happen. I have my own clients as well but it's nice to just "do" the website and not worry about the rest of the process.

I find that 80% of the VA's who need a WP sub are not willing to pay my sub rate. Their excuse is that they would not make anything if they chose me as their sub.

I refuse to lower my sub rates (except in very special circumstances) only because my rate is VERY reasonable and I feel if they aren't able to make a profit then they are not charging enough.
If you don't design websites yourself you usually can't appreciate all the knowledge and hard work that goes into each one so you don't know what to charge for it.

My advice to anyone needing to sub out website work, please don't provide a quote to your client without speaking with a sub first to get their rates, then you can quote accurately.

Sorry, re-reading that it sounds like a bit of a rant but I needed to get that out there.

~C

InfinityBLUE · #9 (**permalink**) 06-07-2010

I believe my rates are a great deal, but not "lowball" great, lol. I do lower rates as a sub. I typically adjust my rates according for each bid I give out, according to the circumstances of the job and/or customer.