Hi Alys
Clients will often come back asking you to do more than was originally agreed so you need a strategy that you will implement from the start. If you respond without setting your stall out then they will just keep on taking the mickey and you end up doing it for free. I understand what you say about doing things to gain experience but Im sure the clients dont know that, so they will be expecting the service you are promoting as a fully fledged bookkeeper or accountant, although some will always try to get away without paying! You mention doing a P&L - out of interest and as an aside - why not a BS too? Also - when you say 'advice' - are you talking tax advice as the thought comes to mind - are you covered for this with your PII? If its just about how to fill a form in then consider this an opportunity to add value to her - she doesnt know what she is doing, you do so help her out but charge for it. You just need to say that whilst it wasnt in the original engagement letter you are happy to quote her for doing the work. I dont get why you wouldnt want to be like a solicitor and charge (I charge an hourly rate, but split down into 5 minute chunks - solicitors usually do every 6 minutes!) but I dont also then charge for an email or call separately. None of my clients have an issue with this as I tell them from the start - Im in this to make money after all! I find picking up the phone and having that conversation is usually better than responding by email. It might be harder initially but its much less 'blunt' than an email. In this instance you could say that you havent charged her for the first 'x' emails but in future it will be £x - people always like to think they are getting something for free.