I had a co-worker look over my website recently and she made the comment that she wouldn't put pricing on the website.

But I disagreed because if I was looking for services, I would like to know what sort of cost I would be looking at before I made further contact.

Your opinions?

I definitely agree with your choice to display your rates, for the same reasons you menioned. There's the old phrase 'If you have to ask the price, it's probably too much...' and it applies to online services just as much as the traditional retail situation.

Here's a little tool that might help you illustrate your rates in a 'flattering' way for potential clients.

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I have my rates on my website. I think it's easier all around. I charge by the hour. Sometimes I get requests to bid for the project rather than by the hour, but after I explain to them that they are likely to be overcharged if I bid on the project then they usually just go with hourly. I am more likely to overbid a project than underbid.

I know for myself if I am looking at a website and they don't have prices, I am more likely to move on to someone else. I always feel like I am going to get "sales pitched" if I call them and I don't want the hassle.

If your pricing varies then just list a range. I think it's better than having no price at all.

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Rebecka Melson ~ Virtual Business Services

I am planning on putting prices on my web site. I know when I am looking for something if there are no prices, I move on to the next site.

I do not have rates on my site at this time.

I have seen other sites where some had two or three sets of rates, while others listed all sorts of different prices for the littlest of tasks, which I found to be overwhelming. I use Tess & Hamid's calculator, which happens to show my base rate. When I speak with potential clients, I explain to them that I have two sets of rates; Administrative and Graphic/Internet/Website and the difference is really not that big.

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Lisa George
Remote Admin Services
Web:http://remoteadminservices.com
Blog:http://remoteadminservices.wordpress.com

Thank you very much for your points of view!

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http://www.editingetc.com
Have a pleasantly productive day,
Bethany Lee

Great Question!

When I originally designed my website, I did so with the idea to not include my rates. However, after reading an article on just this topic, I have changed my mind. For the mere fact that (as already stated here) if a price isn't stated, then it is probably too much!

Another thought to ponder is this -- Have you ever been out for an evening and couldn't decide where to eat? Well, when there are multiple restaurants, menus are usually displayed outside so you can see what kind of food they have on their menu as well as their prices. Most people first look to see what they have to offer (in the case of a VA it would be the services you offer) and then they look at the price (or vice versa depending on the personality type).

Price can certainly be a deciding factor as to whether someone will want to use your services. So with all of that said, currently, I do not have rates on my site, but I am working on my payment policies today, so I will be putting them up by the end of the week!

Darlene

I agree with everyone else. Adding your prices or rates makes a difference to customers. You will not get any unwanted calls checking and trying to negoiate at your price. Pricing is always a factor with the clients especially small business owners.

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Be Well,
Carla
www.bwellbusinessservices.com
virtually meeting your needs

This is a big question and is often debated. I have gone both ways. I know have my rates posted. First, it takes a way the sticker shock when someone calls you who isn't familiar with VA rates, second it backs me up when I quote rates to potential clients.

I personally don't have my rates on my website. If people are shopping around based on price then they aren't the sort of client for me. My ideal client is after the benefits of using a Virtual Assistant - not just the cheapest one. I also use the cough test. If I quote my rate AFTER consulting with them for at least an hour discussing their business, their immediate and their future needs and they cough. I add after the rate 'but we can negotiate'. If I quote the rate and they don't cough then I usually think 'damn, didn't charge enough' LOL.

It really is a personal thing. Do what you want to do and what feels right for your business.

Kylie Short
Tilda Virtual Services