In my eBook, "The RFP Transformation - Take Your Virtual Assistant Proposal From Blah to Bling", I offer a list of RED FLAGS to be aware of when vetting potential RFP Clients. This the second RED FLAG in the 10-Part weekly series.

Do not discredit an RFP in which a potential client needs a low number of hours with a large list of service needs.

A well-crafted VA proposal can educate a client regarding the true timeline for services requested. Additionally, there is nothing wrong with saying that the majority of the opportunity can be a packaged rate and then any additional services can be billed as hourly. But do be alert for clients who expect a lot of work to be accomplished in a short period of time.

I have reviewed RFPs where a potential client believes for example that setting up an affiliate program and creating sales pages can be completed in 5 hours.

A well-written proposal can itemize the tasks necessary to complete said tasks for a potential client but that might mean more than 5 hours to do so properly.

I would suggest writing the proposal in a clear manner with evidence, such as links to previously completed site examples explaining that achieving the goal may mean X number of estimated hours. This honesty will be appreciated by a client who shares the same vision as the VA.

Offer your packaged rate for the project and explain that any additional services can be billed as hourly. Make sure this statement is understood and that this clause is included in the contract.

More of The RFP Red Flag Series: Clients Who Miss the Scheduled Client Consultation #1

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