A VA is paid hourly usually, unless her client retains her for a basic number of hours per month and in that case, she will be paid a flat monthly retainer rate (usually discounted off of the VA’s hourly rate). Any hours over that contracted amount, she bills at the end of the quarter to her client. A VA can also charge a flat rate by the project or service. It really depends on what works best for the client and the VA based on the work that needs to be done.

For example, as an Author’s VA for several clients’ blog talk radio shows, I charge for my services on an hourly basis, $20/hour. I keep track of my time in quarter-hour increments and bill each client weekly. For other clients, such as my not-yet-published writers, I usually charge a flat rate based on the project task.

RATE PLANS at The Writer’s Cottage

Retainer: Guaranteed agreed monthly hours. This is ideal for clients who need service on a regular basis. Payment is required in advance by the first of the month. Hours must be used within the month they were purchased. Retainer package is non-refundable. Discounts are available and depend on the hours contracted for each month.

Project: Rates on this plan are based on the size, complexity, estimated time and cost of the project. A 50% deposit is required prior to the start of the project with the balance due at completion and before delivery of the completed project.

Hourly: This option is ideal for clients who are not sure how much time will be needed, on a monthly basis, or for a one-time only project. Payment in full for a block of 10 hours is required to begin work. Full payment is due upon completion of work and before work is delivered.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

  • All information and materials related to the proposed project will be studied and a formal estimate will be delivered within 24 hours. There is no obligation to purchase any services.
  • Each assignment or contract is priced according to the work undertaken and the length of time required for completion. Rates are quoted either on an hourly basis or a project rate (see Plans above).
  • Estimates of final cost include travel time, meetings, reading, researching and writing. Any additional expenses, such as courier costs, postage, telephone calls, photocopying or any other miscellaneous costs will be billed to the client. The client will be notified in advance of such charges.
  • Extra fees or charges are not added without the client’s knowledge. Any fee changes and final costs will be mutually agreed upon between a representative of The Writer’s Cottage and the client.
  • Two (2) rounds of client edits are included in the final price of a project rate. Any further revisions are charged at an hourly rate.
  • Final proofreading is the responsibility of the client. All errors returned within 48 hours will be corrected free of charge.
  • An Agreement Contract must be completed and signed prior to start of any project. If required, a confidentiality agreement may be signed between the client and a representative of The Writer’s Cottage.
  • A 50% deposit is required prior to the start of projects with the balance due at completion and before delivery of the completed project.
  • For Hourly Plan clients, payment in full for a block of 10 hours is required to begin work.
  • Full payment is due upon completion of work and before work is delivered.
  • Termination of work at any time or for any reason requires payment for time already invested.

PAYMENT OPTIONS

Acceptable forms of payment are:

  • Money orders
  • Cashier’s checks
  • Payments through PayPal (the PayPal service fee to be paid by the client)
  • Personal checks are accepted, but the check must clear before work begins and/or the completed project is delivered.

All payments must be made before delivery of the completed project.

Updated 2012