[shaunaru]

Greetings,

I just joined again because I haven't been out here in quite some time, but this site was very helpful when I first came out here. Now I'm here to ask a completely different question.

I have an opportunity to do some bookkeeping from home using my own computer. I haven't been able to work for several years due to a disability, but I've been slowly improving and this would be my first attempt at trying to work. I find that I'm able to figure out this latest version of Quick Books without too much trouble, so I was pretty excited about that! My biggest problem is that I do not have any clue about how to charge for this service! I'd be working for another small business, she runs a "pet goodie shop" and we live in a small town. This is a friend and she's always been very good to me and my service dog. She's always encouraged me in every step forward that I've taken so I want to be certain that my rates for her are VERY fair. I know that she wants to pay me a fair rate, but I want it to be a good deal for both of us.

Any suggestions about how to set prices for such a thing? Should it be a monthly fee? If so, based upon what? Her total sales? It doesn't seem like the best idea to charge by the hour because I can absolutely nod out over the keyboard while I'm working.

I'd appreciate any ideas you might share with me because she's been asking what she owes me and I should give her a price.

Thanks in advance for any help!

[puravida]

shaunaru, on Apr 11 2008, 02:49 AM, said:

Greetings,

I just joined again because I haven't been out here in quite some time, but this site was very helpful when I first came out here. Now I'm here to ask a completely different question.

Glad to have you back!

Quote

I find that I'm able to figure out this latest version of Quick Books without too much trouble, so I was pretty excited about that!

Congratulations!

Quote

My biggest problem is that I do not have any clue about how to charge for this service! I'd be working for another small business, she runs a "pet goodie shop" and we live in a small town. This is a friend and she's always been very good to me and my service dog. She's always encouraged me in every step forward that I've taken so I want to be certain that my rates for her are VERY fair. I know that she wants to pay me a fair rate, but I want it to be a good deal for both of us.

You could consider something monthly, if she cannot afford too much. But, I would probably ask her if she thinks something hourly would be ok. Maybe $5-$8 per hour? Maybe more?

If your goal in charging monthly is to make it easier on her, then maybe you should ask for $350-$500 or so. I guess the real question is how many hours do you spend working on her books for her?? You want to be fair but so does she. I wouldn't feel bad "asking" for whatever you decide because the worst she does is says no and she can tell you what she thinks is fair.

I hope that helps!

Brandon

[ciber8mx]

Hi,

My Hubby is a CPA, I do little client bookkeeping for him. He charges his client at least $65/hour for my time (maybe even more since this is rate about 2 years ago). Please note he only charges the time I actually working on client's book. He reviews his clients work load and gave quote for a monthly price based on hourly rate and estimated hours involved, and he reviews/adjusts the workload/price yearly.

Of course you won't be able to charge that much, but I would think at least $10 an hour depends on your knowledge and experience. Honestly even $10 an hour I think is too low (but I don't want to suggest too high result you losing clients)..especially if you are running a bookkeeping business which is different from being a bookkeeper employee.

[puravida]

ciber8mx, on Apr 14 2008, 01:49 PM, said:

Honestly even $10 an hour I think is too low (but I don't want to suggest too high result you losing clients)..

I agree that even $10 per hour is a really good deal for the customer to have someone else to keep the books.