SVA Forum

DebbieB · Joined: 16 Jan 2012 Posts: 11 Location: Cardiff

I was just wondering whether there are any up to date rates or what the best rates are for charging for audio and copy typing. I dont want to price too low or too high.

Is it best to charge per audio minute for audio?
For copy typing is it best to charge per 1,000 words or by hour?

Any help would be great

Thanks

caroline · Posted: Wed Apr 18, 2012 4:26 pm Post subject:

Hi Debbie

I always charge by how long it takes us to do - essentially you could be stuck with a really awful file and only be able to charge for a fraction of the time you spent on it.

Having said that, with regular clients we know roughly how long it should take us so they know they aren't going to get a huge bill. If it is taking us longer than normal we tell them and they can say yes or no to the extra time.
_________________
To support SVA please donate to: http://tinyurl.com/37urec

NickyH · Joined: 19 Jul 2011 Posts: 36 Location: Isle of Wight

I use a mixture of both, depending on what sort of work it is I'm typing. Copy typing I usually charge by the hour, and clear audio by the minute as a general rule of thumb. However if it's audio involving several people in a meeting for example, or is a particularly bad sound file, I would always let them know beforehand that it's going to cost more.

I also found that when doing some research into pricing, that it also depends on where you live! Unfortunately where I live, people just will not pay 'mainland' prices for work done, and positively faint at the thought of 'London' prices! I only do work for one local person now because of that. It was OK when I was doing this sort of work to get some extra money alongside a full-time job, but now it's my living I'm just very grateful that I have some other lovely ladies on the mainland to work with. Businesses here seem to want something for nothing and don't appreciate my skill (well that's what I tell myself).
_________________
Nicky

AslanVA · Posted: Sun May 27, 2012 4:10 pm Post subject: Transcription rates

Hi Debbie,

I'm in Ireland and I have seen rates usually quoted per audio minute, ranging from €1.50 to €2.00, clear audio being at the €1.50 range and €2.00 being at the fuzzy cassette tape end! Personally I think €1.50 is too little, especially when in reality I spend quite a bit of time doing the spell-checks etc because I can't let anything go out that isn't as perfect as I can get it, so I go around the middle of these when quoting. I have secured work at these rates but I think I have missed others if transcription agencies are charging less, although I'm getting gradually more confident about my rates...if anyone doesn't want to pay my rates they are very welcome to try someone else.

Incidentally I have seen others factor in proof-reading and time for spell checks in their rates.

Of course these are in euro (or yo-yos as we 'affectionately' call our currency!) - I think €1.00 is around £1.20??

I hope this helps.

Lisa :)
_________________
Lisa Nolan
t/a Aslan Virtual Admin
www.virtualadmin.ie

AslanVA · Posted: Sun May 27, 2012 5:11 pm Post subject: correction on rates

P.S. Sorry, scratch that...exchange is €1.00 = £0.79 (totally different from my rambling above...so sorry).
Lisa.
_________________
Lisa Nolan
t/a Aslan Virtual Admin
www.virtualadmin.ie

caroline · Posted: Thu May 31, 2012 2:56 pm Post subject:

So around £1-£1.50? That sounds about right.

I think it also depends on how fast you type - I know for a fact that my typing speed isn't as fast as Charlotte's for example... (Mostly coz she has demon fingers!

LOL!) but I don't have any problem turning work round in about 3 times the amount of audio including checking. If it took me 5 times the amount of audio, I couldn't justify passing that cost onto the client charging per hour as it would price me out the market and I couldn't charge per audio minute as it just wouldn't be paying me enough to live off!!!
_________________
To support SVA please donate to: http://tinyurl.com/37urec

AslanVA · Posted: Fri Jun 01, 2012 7:48 am Post subject:

...and veering off the topic of the original question...Caroline, WHERE did you get that fab emoticon (of Charlotte's bionic typing!)?! I love it!!

Lisa
_________________
Lisa Nolan
t/a Aslan Virtual Admin
www.virtualadmin.ie

caroline · Posted: Fri Jun 01, 2012 4:07 pm Post subject:

If you type : typing : without the spaces it should show up!
_________________
To support SVA please donate to: http://tinyurl.com/37urec

AslanVA · Posted: Wed Jun 06, 2012 4:18 pm Post subject:

Thanks Caroline, but can't get that to work...darn it, cos I love it. Not to worry...
Lisa.
_________________
Lisa Nolan
t/a Aslan Virtual Admin
www.virtualadmin.ie