Posted by Cyndi on 12/20/09 7:29pm
Msg #315114

Fees

What is the appropriate charge for extra mileage. My normal area covers 20 miles(one way), but sometimes I am asked to go 40 or 50 miles one way. I don't want to get nit picky about an extra 5 or 10 miles but I need to know what is proper.

Also my normal charge for a refi is $100.00 and my profile states $25.00 for e-docs but the companies seem to think the $100 should include the docs.

I know this is 2 different fee topics but I need all the help I can get. I don't want to undercut anyone and I definitely believe we all should band together. I know different areas charge differently.

Thanks for any help.

Respectfully, Debcyn

Reply by CopperheadVA on 12/20/09 7:36pm
Msg #315116

I quote an all-inclusive fee that includes the e-docs. Almost every job is e-docs - the caller will tell you if it happens to be overnight docs. Doing this avoids the hassle you described where they think your base fee of $100 includes e-docs printing, but doesn't. Believe me, if it's overnight docs, the caller will tell you because they expect a discount.

Reply by Lee/AR on 12/20/09 7:37pm
Msg #315117

With your experience, you ought to be able to figure out your costs for additional mileage, what you want to make for the additional time needed, add profit and arrive at an amount that will accomplish all that. What I charge in AR mountains is going to be different than someone in WY or NYC--or you.

Reply by John Schenk on 12/20/09 8:27pm
Msg #315118

I charge $0.55 per mile, take it or leave it, unless it's a really long trip and I charge more for that.

JJ

Reply by jba/fl on 12/20/09 8:41pm
Msg #315119

You can always say that your usual fee is $125 inclusive. As for mileage: I have tolls beyond belief in Orlando, so am always asking for extra money. I'll absorb some, but not if it is going to cost me $10. As for mileage - more miles is more time; time is part of the deal. No one needs to know how energy efficient my car is other than me - it is time, and gas is not cheap.

Notice again, it is time - and sometimes 4 miles will take me 30 mins., so I add on for this also. I hate when someone says to me: "but it's only 6 miles from you". So what - that is zip to zip, not real mileage and traffic. Irritates me to no end - like it is 6 minutes. You have to really understand your area, how to caluculate quickly how you are going to get somewhere and the time of day involved as well. Know thy zip codes in relation to self.

Then again - if we are talking good, steady customer, never have to chase my money and I'm working steadily thanks to them remembering me, I may say nothing above tolls and just say to myself that all those 10 min. trips help to pay for this 30 min. trip.

One of the things you have to be confident about in sales (you are selling your services) is asking for money. Don't be afraid to ask. Ask high, you can negotiate down, but seldom up. Example: First time caller asks what you charge. You respond: what do you normally pay? They say X, and you realize that if you had answered you would have quoted something lower. Bingo for you! Now if X is less than you would have quoted, then you quote and hope for compromise in your range or say thanks, no thanks.

Just so many variables you have to decide for yourself. (Isn't it fun?!)

Reply by GOLDGIRL/CA on 12/20/09 11:51pm
Msg #315131

If there's one piece of advice....

I'd give anyone who asked about fees I would tell them exactly what jba/fl just wrote. It's spot on and so true. It avoids alot of fruitless negotiations, runarounds and works every time:

<<One of the things you have to be confident about in sales (you are selling your services) is asking for money. Don't be afraid to ask. Ask high, you can negotiate down, but seldom up. Example: First time caller asks what you charge. You respond: what do you normally pay? They say X, and you realize that if you had answered you would have quoted something lower. Bingo for you! Now if X is less than you would have quoted, then you quote and hope for compromise in your range or say thanks, no thanks.>>