I am starting my VA business and trying to get all my guidelines and policies in order and one thing that keeps coming up is do you invoice the client and send them their completed work and wait to be paid, or do you expect payment first, then send them the completed work?

Thanks so much!

When I start with a new client, I tell them they can either pay a month in advance, or pay a retainer.

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Cheryl O'Neil
Southern Orange County

Hi Stepfanie,

It really depends on how you structure everything.

If you have both an adhoc per hour rate then you would send them the work first and then wait for payment. Most have a 7 day payment term.

However, if you are only going to take on clients on a retainer basis then you could ask for the money in advance.

You could always ask for a 50% deposit, particulalry good for new clients. But I don't generally do this for longer term clients unless it is a really big ongoing project.

Hope this helps?

Cheers
Nicole



I would send them the work first, it builds up trust between the client.

Some VA's actually charge a deposit for large jobs.

Stefanie,

I do both pay as you go and retainer. For all retainer rates I collect the initial first month up front as per stated in my contract. For pay as you go, I have have an intro rate (5 hours for price of 4) which I will complete work and then send for payment before I do any additional work. Then if they agree to stay with me I wait for payment and signed contract before I complete any additional work.

However, I use my judgment and if I feel a client is "not quite ready" for my services I send a deposit invoice before I start with them. This has only happened once and they never used my services so I guess that was a good call on my part.

If you want to PM me I can discuss my practices with you.

Good luck!

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Lee Drozak

I would strongly caution against delivering work to any new client before you've been paid for it. My contract requires a deposit (amount depends on the project) and payment immediately before the final work is submitted.

Once I know the client is to be trusted, I usually just bill them after submitting.

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Mary H. Ruth/Virtual Writing & Communications
http://www.writingVA.com