Rush Fees

[SmartChic]

Do anyone charge rush fees? What is a good way to determine the charge? Give examples, please .

[sydnee21]

Is it a long-term client or someone new?

I've never had to implement a "rush clause." I'm usually informed a week ahead of time, if not the beginning of the month what needs to be done and when. At this point I've been working with my clients long enough that I know things pop up and we can manage things well without having it happen often. I don't feel the need to charge them a rush fee if there is an honest-to-goodness rush. Things happen and I haven't had anyone try to take advantage of my time.

I don't take last minute projects from new clients. My schedule is set and one of my long-term clients would have to be bumped to make room. I couldn't give it the time it deserves. I refer them to another VA.

I do know VAs that have clients that are "repeat offenders" and they've implemented a rush clause of anywhere from an additional 20% to three times their standard rate. It's more of a deterrent to keep it from happening over and over than anything else. Most I know work on retainer-only and don't take project work.

It's more of a personal choice, what your scheduling policies are, what your schedule actually is, etc.

That was probably no help at all. lol

[tenXmom]

I don't have a policy written in stone - for my regular clients I work it in at no extra charge - Most of my rush requests are new clients who are happy to pay an extra 50% to have me complete a project properly in their timeframe