Hi. I'm stressing out. I started my bookkeeping business at the begining of April. I have had 4 people contact me, we have done the inital contact phone call, and then nothing. Here it is, now July, and no clients. I was hoping for 1 by the end of May but after some research found out that it could be 6 months of more before the first client. Now I'm wondering if it's possible that my rate is scaring people off. I have tried asking other bookkeepers in my area how much they charge and get the same answer. "It all depends on what you need done." Fine, ok, I get that, but please can someone tell me at what price to start? I'm lost and lossing sleep over this. I've been telling prospective clients $20 (starting) or $350 a month. The sad thing is is that is not enough for me to live on. If I were to work for 40 hours a week I'd have to start my rate at $28 in order to make enough for me and my family to live on, and leave at least $100 in the company every nomth. When I look at the job boards, companies want to hire a full time bookkeeper for $11 to $15 in my area (Toronto)

Am I expecting too much? Is $20 an hour too expensive? When can I raise my rate on a client I already have to try to make ends meet?

Please.... can anyone offer me advice? I know that some of you may worry that your clients may be reading this, (or even prospective clients) and don't want to state prices that they may hold you to later, so please PM me if you can.

Kim.