I recently spent a day out of the office on a client visit 130 miles away, I'm in the process of invoicing him so I have included the time spent in his office 5 hrs and the mileage. However, my Husband says that I should charging for a day out of the office where loss of income?! Please can I have some suggestions?
Hi Michele
An interesting one and I understand what your husband is saying. Only issue with this one is that, I assume, you havent agreed to bill them for your travel beforehand so that could come as a big shock when they get their bill. I would suggest the things you would needto consider are - who called the meeting/did it need to be done at their offices/your existing relationship if you stick them with a big bill now and the impact it will have on that relationship. Might be worth considering saying you havent this time but for future visits you would need to - that way generating goodwill but covering off for next time.
HTH
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Joanne
Winner of Bookkeeper of the Year 2015, 2016 & 2017
Thoughts are my own/not to be regarded as official advice,which should be sought from a suitably qualified Accountant.
You should check out answers with reference to the legal position
I charge clients for my travel time as well as my mileage... especially for the time 130 miles round trip would have taken. I would invoice it, showing the travel time separately from on site time, and the mileage...and if the client complained, I'd call them being nice and friendly, and chat with them about it... and offer to go halves if they still weren't happy. At the end of the day, if the client values you and the work you do, it shouldn't be an unfair request - that's some journey. And, at the same time, as Jo says, if you haven't pre-agreed it, just go in gently and if you can sense its going to ruin the rapport, say you will let it go this time.
I charge clients for my travel time as well as my mileage... especially for the time 130 miles round trip would have taken. I would invoice it, showing the travel time separately from on site time, and the mileage...and if the client complained, I'd call them being nice and friendly, and chat with them about it... and offer to go halves if they still weren't happy. At the end of the day, if the client values you and the work you do, it shouldn't be an unfair request - that's some journey. And, at the same time, as Jo says, if you haven't pre-agreed it, just go in gently and if you can sense its going to ruin the rapport, say you will let it go this time.
I have one in Chester and charge, although I often make a day of it with shopping too - dont charge that bit....wouldnt that be nice if I could. Actually I go on a Park and Ride so he gets a cheaper deal than if I parked in the centre, but it also means much less hassle driving in the one way system so its a win win.
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Joanne
Winner of Bookkeeper of the Year 2015, 2016 & 2017
Thoughts are my own/not to be regarded as official advice,which should be sought from a suitably qualified Accountant.
You should check out answers with reference to the legal position
I had one client in Sale pull me up for adding £5.80 for the 20 minute trip.. I didn't charge him for the return journey home, as I was going to call in at my old office for a brew with the boss... I explained that at my prices, I had to charge for the travel time, but that I would deduct it, if he really wanted me to!
