for which tasks should you stop the clock? - Page 4 - Virtual Assistant Forums

#31 (**permalink**) 09-19-2011

I think it's important to state the terms at the beginning, so that you avoid unpleasant surprises. Once I saw an online discussion whether emails and phone calls should be billable. And there were people from both sides (clients and contractors), and believe me - it's not so obvious then. I mean, everytime it may happen that there are people who don't play fair and on the other hand working for free is inacceptable. That's why putting it into the contract is a very good idea.

#32 (**permalink**) 09-21-2011

Has anybody else besides myself received calls from I believe Replicon? I received a call from them yesterday-left a Voicemail stating that they seen I posted on a forum about Time Tracking Software and they contacted me. Called twice today and did not leave a message.

#33 (**permalink**) 09-29-2011

They've found a good way of advertising. I haven't completed my profile yet, so they didn't call me (no phone number provided).

#34 (**permalink**) 10-07-2011

I agree with you guys, I charge for anything project and client related. So when I have to correspond with the client or her team, I'm running the clock. With FreshBooks, you can type notes and track time so that you client can log in and see what they've been billed for and how their budget is looking for sompletion of the hours/assignment. At first I was skeptical about cdharging for typing emails, responses, and phone calls-- but then I though about working at for a company as an employer.... If you are at work they pay you. So as I run my business, if I am "at work" for a client, I get paid. I think over time we become comfortable with this realizing our worth. A therapist gets paid even when the patient says nothing-- My doctor office charges if I miss an appointment (so does my hair stylist). So when it comes to my time (and your time too) I value it, and I like to be compensated for my effort, expertise, and work that I put in. Besides, I can't track everything-- sometimes my clients get freebies and they don't even know it. (Think about responding to an email at lunch, or brainstorming for a solution to a clients problem) Know your worth and charge accordingly.

As long as your remember to be fair and professional, clients will respect that.

#35 (**permalink**) 10-07-2011

I bill for any task related to my clients' businesses so phone calls, emails, meetings etc all go in. So far I haven't had to justify how I spend the time on their projects as they see the results for themselves but I am able to pull off reports if needs be. Basically the time tracking program is for me to gauge how much time I spend on a client and how much of their quota I've used. Our time is valuable so every second counts and if the client is benefitting from it, he should pay for it as well.

I try to be as fair and honest as possible so when I get up to do something else (bathroom, making a quick snack or drink), I do stop the clock. Trust goes both ways.

I agree with a comment I read about plumbers not giving their clients a minute by minute breakdown of how they made a repair and the same applies to VA's.

#36 (**permalink**) 12-16-2011

I also have my time running only if I am doing something related to the clients job. If i for any reason have to change what I am doing or go into another customers file, then I will stop the time