Poll on the poll

[Bees Knees]

I once had a client pull something on me. I got mad. He knew it. Next time he calls wanting me to do something, I said no, I don't want to. He asked why? I said, because I don't feel like it.

He got the hint and never called again.

[JAinNC]

My value pricing is not for greed

--- I only use it in some situations where I normally (in the past) would not charge for 3 or 4 phone calls. I think it is fair to my client and me to charge an extra $50 to $100 for 3 or 4 phone calls during the year, especially when it concerns the same subject and I have discussed it fully. Or I might charge extra on the tax return bill for my time for 2 fine tunings of estimated payments.

My value pricing is to charge them (fairly) at least what my time is worth. I am in a rural small town area. In prior years some of my clients tought they were paying for 8 sheets of paper. They needed to be educated. I think we are almost there.

My post did sound like I just charge all I want...... I see why you thought that.

Jeannie

[Black Bart]

Value-pricing

--- I only use it in some situations where I normally (in the past) would not charge for 3 or 4 phone calls. I think it is fair to my client and me to charge an extra $50 to $100 for 3 or 4 phone calls during the year, especially when it concerns the same subject and I have discussed it fully. Or I might charge extra on the tax return bill for my time for 2 fine tunings of estimated payments.

My value pricing is to charge them (fairly) at least what my time is worth. I am in a rural small town area. In prior years some of my clients tought they were paying for 8 sheets of paper. They needed to be educated. I think we are almost there.

My post did sound like I just charge all I want...... I see why you thought that.

Jeannie

Jeannie / I agree with the distinction you're making on this issue. Sometimes it's the only way to be properly compensated for the time and effort you invested in that client.

[Lion]

Charging

I don't sign SE letters anymore after the nut I mentioned. I turned him over to my manager. I'll be going out on my own and have to make that decision. Of course, I won't be bringing that nut with me...

Many questions I deal with are on the phone or via email and short, what do you think, or I look up one thing. It's more of a hassle and time-waster for me to try to invoice and collect. So, if their return or bookkeeping services or paid work fall into my top half of charges, I consider a call or two part of their whole package. If it's more than a couple of calls or longer calls or longer computations or more research, I charge if we're face to face but add it to their next bill if we're not. I also add it to their next bill if they fall within my lower half of charges. I have a line something like ...and other services appropriate to... I add my notes or our emails to their file, so I have it when I bill; I'm more specific sometimes, like recomputing estimated tax payments.

There's just always a lag before the next bill and before I decide I need to bill for the time they've needed from me. So, I do look to tighten up on billing for more of my services, if not all of my services.