Would you offer a first task free?

[Elle VA]

I am in the process of launching a virtual PA service and I am wondering should I offer potential clients their first task free?

I was doing some research on other VA's and noticed that a few of the larger VA companies offer clients an option to try a task for free. I am normally of the opinion if it's free then people won't value my service,now I am thinking would it be a good idea to offer this?

 

[Alan]

I'm not sure a free task would sway me, it might even be a negative indicator. If I were looking for a VA service I am looking for a long term relationship.

I think it would be better to offer a 100% no quibble, not happy then money back guarantee.

 

[roydmoorian]

Better to offer the 5th task for free

 

[Elle VA]

Alan yes agree that it may be a negative indicator, it has been good to hear it from another business owners prospective. I am going to offer a 100% guarantee, I think It's important to offer this security for clients.

Roy offering the 5th task free is something I hadn't considered, it may be a good incentive for clients to come back to me.

Thanks for the opinions it has been a great help,

 

[BRIDGREGORY]

I would only consider doing a free task if you want to do it in exchange for written testamonials if you have none already. Giving things like this away is a bit like discounts, people don;t want to start paying for what they just had for free.
A guarantee is always a good idea.

 

[Dawn Lane]

Hi Elle
Welcome to the world of virtual assistants. In reply to your query my comment would definitely be a no to any free work. As you say it would undermine your value.

Larger VA companies have a number of people working for them (most likely in the
Philippines/India/other third world countries) and don't pay very high wages/rates to their VAs.

Look for long term relationships with your clients - offering a guarantee on your work would work better - making sure any amendments to work is completed at your own cost - but ensuring you let your clients know that final proofreading of any work is their responsibility.

You could offer an introductory discount - eg 10% discount on first three months' invoices. If you do go down this route do make sure when you invoice you show the full amount of the work cost in one line of the invoice and the discount in another line - that way clients know that you are discounting your rate otherwise it will be difficult to raise the rate after the introductory period.

The best way to win clients though is to show your value to their business - eg by taking away the administration from them it allows them to get out and meet new clients, sell more items, work on their projects, have more time with family etc.

 

[Steve Alphabet]

100% agree with the offering a discount advice. Making it free just anchors your future rates lower, as people will always compare your first offer.

 

[joeptsearle]

I recently opted into a free trial period with a company for these services and from their end it worked very well as I have continued the services. I tried it for a week, they provided various reports on what they were doing, how they saved time etc and it swayed me! It was a week that they offered the trial period.

 

[jjoj]

I hear and agree with a lot of comments but I've also used a Free trail period to success. Granted not on this service but on others.

If the quality of your service is excellent then you can always add value.and you wouldn't have to lower your rates.

Personal Trainers, for example, use a 21 day rule. It takes about 21 days for a habit to be formed so after 21 days the idea of not having your services is scary to them because they're used to it, it's become their norm / habit. Although I understand offering 21 days wouldn't work for you

Personally, it would depend on how quickly you need cash and need your first clients. If you're in a rush, you could start with a trial period promotions, and once you have a base of work you can change your structure.

I really wouldn't worry about adding value to your service to justify the price. The last person was spot on. It's just important you go out your way to highlight just how valuable your service is to them. With reports etc. In the UK we're not very good at this, we consider it bragging. But generally speaking, a lot of people would not know how good or valuable you are because they're too busy focusing on other things and taking your service for granted. Letting them know and reminding them is essential to maintaining your value.

hope this monologue helps.