Let’s say you are a new virtual assistant. You have obtained your credentials from a reputable agency and are ready to set up your business. What rates do you charge as a virtual assistant?
This is always the big question—payment. No one wants to charge too much and be left out in the cold. Well, a worker is worthy of his hire. With the pay rate also comes expertise.
On the other hand, no virtual assistant wants to go too low and thereby cause their business to flounder before it even gets started. Underselling yourself won’t make the business any money. After all, the reason anyone goes into business for themselves is to make a profit.
If you are really confused by this time, consult the experts. Join a forum for virtual assistants. Better still, become a member of virtual assisting associations. Other more experienced virtual assistants are glad to provide mentoring and support to those who are just getting started.
One thing a veteran virtual assistant will tell you is that pay rate depends on credentials and training. First of all, a client will pay more for a virtual assistant who has taken the time to study and test to obtain recognition from notable virtual assisting groups. There is some value to having letters behind your name especially if you are starting your own business.
Pay rate also depends on training and the skills that you can offer to your clients. A virtual assistant who can type fifty or sixty words per minute, knows how to transcribe audio files, and can create documents for marketing campaigns will get the minimum hourly rate. Many virtual assistant rates vary from twenty to fifty or more dollars an hour.
The more skills you can offer a client, the more money a virtual assistant can charge. Adding web design, skills in several types of business marketing, and industry specific expertise will increase the rate. After all, the client will expect more and so should you. For instance, a virtual assistant with real estate experience will command a higher price within this specific group of clients.
Every six months or so, evaluate your rates. For new business, it is okay to raise the rates that your business charges. Clients that have hung in there from the beginning can enjoy your newbie rate but as business grows, all future clients pay a higher hourly rate.
To get the hourly rate that you deserve, try to begin your virtual assisting business with as many skills as possible under your belt. The more you know the faster and further the business will go.