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Answer from our Guest Expert Donna Hall of The Right Answer - page 3

What to Charge for Your Services.

Knowing what to charge for a service business can seem like a guessing game at times. Too high and you'll have no customers, too low and you may loose your credibility as a professional. Check your local phone book or do some surfing on the web for companies offering the same service as you. Then call them up and ask specifically what services they are providing and how much they charge. Remember to compare apples to apples and oranges to oranges. The company's services should be the same ones you're providing. Another thing to remember is not to get too focused on what other people are charging, just use it as a starting point.

After you've found your starting point, judge the value of your own time and expertise. This can be a challenge, but with some digging and honest evaluation, you'll be better able to calculate a good starting fee for your services. After you've done a few jobs, assessing costs will be easier. Look at how much you've made after all the material costs you incurred. Don't forget to include the cost of your time. The rest is profit. Is it what you expected?

The leg work and the digging is always the hardest part of starting a business, but grab a shovel and get started! Helping to promote the importance of customer service in businesses is the icing on every entrepreneur's cake. It not only means a more productive business, but customers and customer service representatives will be thanking you too for creating a happier environment. You're on the right track!

Good Business Resources for You

Here are a few books, I'd recommend before you get started. They'll give you ideas and helpful hints on succeeding in your customer service ventures

The Independent Consultant's Brochure and Letter Handbook by Herman Holtz

How to Succeed as an Independent Consultant by Herman Holtz

Start Your Business: A Beginner's Guide by The Oasis Press

Good luck!

Donna Hall, president

The Right Answer: Customer Service Consulting

If you're chomping at the bit to dish up some more advice for this person, click here and post your reply today! The more, the merrier!

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