Hi All,


I am in doubt :huh2: whether to show my rates. Yes, because this is me and it is clear. No, because I rather have them call me and hear their reaction. Of course I will tell first why it is a great idea to hire me as there VA.

Do you show your rates on your website? Why do you or don't you?

Thanks!
Melissa

Hi Melissa,

I am in the process of reworking my rates/fees, but yes, I do have them on my site. My reasoning is that when I visit a web site if I am really interested in purchasing a product or service and they don't list a rate, I'll move on to the next one that does.

Curious to see how others respond to this.

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Jules, SunRise Virtual Solutions - WordPress Customization & XHTML/CSS Web Sites

Hi Melissa,

I used to put my rates but, personally, I found more people contacted me without them. For a long time, I provided package rates but not my hourly rate so I could pull in those who didn't want the "surprise" bill at the end of a project. One of the other 'tricks" I used was to give a range of hourly cost stating it was dependent on the scope of the project.

Now, as a Multi-VA firm, I don't have any pricing on the site. Clients pay the same hourly rate for everything.
They like that because, for one rate, they have access to all the talents my girls and myself can offer. It's easier for bookkeeping purposes too.

Hope that helps,
~C

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~Christina|BD Mag|VOSTeam

I do include my rates and packages that I offer. I am like Jules, I want as much information as possible when doing my due diligence.

Also, if they cannot afford or choose not to pay my rates then they will move on. This allows me to concentrate on those who realize the value of service my rates will include and I am not spinning my wheels trying to convince otherwise.

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Lee Drozak
My Office Assistant

Originally Posted by ChristinaVOS

Hi Melissa, I used to put my rates but, personally, I found more people contacted me without them. For a long time, I provided package rates but not my hourly rate so I could pull in those who didn't want the "surprise" bill at the end of a project. One of the other 'tricks" I used was to give a range of hourly cost stating it was dependent on the scope of the project. Now, as a Multi-VA firm, I don't have any pricing on the site. Clients pay the same hourly rate for everything. They like that because, for one rate, they have access to all the talents my girls and myself can offer. It's easier for bookkeeping purposes too. Hope that helps, ~C

Hey, you got me thinking, Christina. I've been designing a new pricing schedule with a range depending on project scope.

I am going to now mull this over in my lil brain: Putting up a downloadable pdf (with maybe a tiny screen shot of a portion of my cool fee schedule) that they can have if they give me their email addy and name (and maybe location). A "call to action" of sorts. This would serve two purposes: they get to know my fees/fee range in advance, and I get their email addy for marketing purposes. (Hey, they expressed enough of an interest to get the download!).

Otherwise, if they don't want to download my fee schedule, they can contact me per usual to discuss their project(s) as you stated regarding having no rates posted and your experience.

So I guess I've kind of backtracked/changed my mind a wee bit regarding my previous post. Hey, it's a woman's prerogative, right? But they would still see my fees, so I didn't backtrack all the way!

Don't know if this is a good idea or not, but I'm going to give it a shot!

Thanks!!

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Jules, SunRise Virtual Solutions - WordPress Customization & XHTML/CSS Web Sites

Jules,
It's an interesting idea but, making visitors "jump through hoops" to get your rates may not be the best way to go about it. Remember, we have to make things easy for visitors. The more clicks they have to do to get what/where they want, the better chance you will lose them.

Plus, if I was a potential client, I would wonder why you would have a fee schedule but would not share it openly. And those who understand "email lists" would be put off by you trying to build your list.

Playing devils advocate here :-)

Just my two cents.

and FYI- my clients do not know that they pay the same hourly rate as my other clients. I am careful to make sure they feel they are getting a "custom" rate. Makes them feel special which usually means they will stick around (especially once they see what my girls and I can do)

~C

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~Christina|BD Mag|VOSTeam

I like the idea of showing the package price.
You really got me thinking some more this coming weekend.

Thanks for your idea's on this issue!

Regards,
Mleissa

I have been struggling with this issue as I am starting up my business. I do not want visitors to the site to pass me up solely on my rates. However, I do need to come up with a simple, understandable fee structure.

Hi

I go back and forth on this too, especially when I started thinking of going with packages. I normally don't have my rates on my site. I find it better if they contact me so I can send my proposal or talk with them. It seems to work. I do sometimes have to talk with clients who I'm out of their range, but normally I can tell pretty quickly.

I probably do have some that just don't contact me and they might if I had my rates. I know I do like to see rates when I go on a site, but sometimes I think my rates might scare them off. Once they talk to me they see the value.

Thanks!

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Diana Ennen, www.VirtualWordPublishing.com
Author of Virtual Assistant the Series 4th edition

So far I am happy that I am not the only one who has doubts on this subject!
Thanks for your opinion.