This has probably been asked before, but it is really late (or early, depending on how you look at it ) so here I am.

Do you include your rates on your website? If so, why?

Do you NOT include your rates on your website? If not, why?

Thanks for your input! Now I'm going to bed!

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

Ah, the age old question that is always up for debate...

Some VAs do post their rates as they feel it weeds out people who are looking to get something done for nothing. Others feel that by not putting their rates on their website, it allows them to communicate the non-monetary value of the services they provide first before getting down to the nitty-gritty "how much am I gonna pay?" Both sides, I feel, have very valid points, and it is really up to what you feel is going to work best for you.

As I've worked on my new site, it's something I've debated with myself over and over. I've never put rates on my site before, but I am leaning towards putting only retainer rates on so potential clients can get a feel for what I charge.

If you do a search for "rates on website," you will come up with a number of other threads that have addressed this, too.

Including rates or not is definitely an individual choice - and I don't think there's a right answer. I added rates to my website for the following reasons:

1. Transparency - I want to show clients and potential clients that I have nothing to hide, and didn't want them to feel like I was "springing" something on them once we started talking about work.

Also - when I research professional services, like an occupational therapist for my son, for example - I appreciate those OT's that post their rates. I already know the ballpark that I'll be paying when doing my research, and I feel more confident in knowing that we are at least on the same page when I call to discuss their services. For me as a consumer, it's nice to have as much information as possible to be able to make my decisions.

2. Tire Kickers - Before posting my rates, I had multiple weekly inquiries about my services, and about my rates. When I responded, I never heard back from 99% of these inquiries. My thought is that they were perhaps looking for "cheap" services and not a VA. Once I added my rates - the inquiries that I have gotten have been less frequent - but more serious.

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Crystal Coleman, The Northern Edge

Thank you, ladies! That helps a bunch. I'll leave mine there for the "tire-kickers," etc. I, too, like to see prices because it helps a bit with my final decision when I'm making a purchase.

Thank you!

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

Yes I agree with Crystal here. I also have my rates up on my website so that my clients understand that I lay everything out on the table, transparency and openness is key. No confusion, no misunderstandings, no hidden charges.

There's nothing more frustrating than not knowing all the cards before one can make an important decision such as choosing the right Virtual Assistant for one's business or company. And it is true that serious clients also understand the real value of what your work is worth and will not be daunted by reasonable rates, or even rates that are slightly above average. As long as they know you are the right fit and can do a great job, you are worth every penny! :-)

Best,
Carlana

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Carlana Charles - Ciboney Virtual Solutions
Web: http://ciboneyvirtual.com Blog:http://ciboneyvirtual.com/blog

I never have thought that tire kickers would result in higher quality inquiries. I was always afraid that reduction in inquires would mean just that...not that the few inquires that I would get would be more serious but that makes sense to me now that I think of it.

I know that I will put rates up on my site when it is ready. I always want to know up front what I will be charged when I look for services. I am sick of trying to get services from various people and when I enquire about the price they say - its up for negotiation. In other words they will overcharge in the hope you will pay it. It's amazing how they come down in price when you fight. My mother was quoted £15,000 for a new kitchen 20 years ago - They soon settled for less than half that price . I have looked to see what other VAs in the UK charge and I feel that at £20 an hour is reasonable, especially if I specialise in legal work - I worked as a legal secretary for nearly 30 years so I have the expertise and although I have not worked for over a year - nothing changes as I have discovered through research

Sandra

Morning

I include my rates, but I have specified that for specific project work the rate may fall within a range.

I think publishing the rates gives people a ball park figure, once you get into the nitty gritty of the job you can settle on a rate that is suitable to you and the client dependent on the complexity.


cheers

I am having computer problems, so if this gets lost in the scramble...apologies!

Thank you to all that have replied. I think my biggest concern is for anyone from my local area looking at the prices I have on my site and running the other way. I'm going to keep the prices there because more than likely I'll be mostly an online business.

Back when I did accounting/bookkeeping for a corporation with five locations and 85+ employees prior to going out on my own, I was making pretty good money, but not the norm for this smaller rural area. Hmmm...maybe I need to somehow stress the benefits, etc. that one doesn't have to pay when hiring a VA. But, I think I've got that covered pretty well on my site and don't want to "over do" it.

It all boils down to what I like seeing when I visit a site. I like seeing pricing. If I don't see them it makes me wonder if it is because it is out of my price range and, I hate to say it, but I don't return to that site again - or only as a last resort. JMO only to my own thought process when I first posted this topic.

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

Many VA's have a different answer to this question. I myself have decided to include rates on my site. I feel that clients should know what my services cost.

When I go to a website and am looking something up, I want to know the cost. If I don't see the cost then sometimes and most of the time I move on. I know that moving on may not be the right thing to do but when I look for information I want all of the information. Therefore, I feel that everything should be out in the open for clients. Like Carlana state, "I lay everything out on the table."

Good luck with your web site and your business! I wish you much success!

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Michelle Colvin
www.MLCBusinessSolutions.com