I just became a ProAdvisor and a potential client ask me to give him a flat fee for
(1) Setting up the Company Files
(2) Do a Data file analysis
Should I charge one flat fee to perform both of the services? or break up the services?
I have learned from experience that before you start thinking about a flat fee for setting up the Company Files, you may want to make sure you fully research the current method first. If you are setting your friend up from scratch, you may want to determine how complete his record keeping has been in the past and what it will take to get the information together you will need. Depending on the answer to this, you may want to make a clear outline as to what is, and is not, included in this flat fee. In regards to doing a Data file analysis, you may want to determine if one has ever been done and what may be involved in this analysis. You could always offer him a free initial consultation for a couple of hours to get your questions answered. That should give you an idea as to where he stands and what would be involved.
Another consideration is if your friend is one of your first clients then this may not be a bad idea. You will get experience and you can ask him to write a positive feedback letter for you. He may also be able to refer you to others he knows, which is a good way to build a client base. If you find that you underestimated on his job, let him know that if he refers you to others, their fee will probably be higher than his so he may not want to discuss the cost.
Charlene Smith, QB Support Services, LLC
