As a Virtual Assistant, deciding between hourly rates and fixed packages can feel like choosing between your favourite comfy leggings or that daring new pair of jeans—both have their perks (and drawbacks). Today, we break it down: if you’re sitting there with a pricing spreadsheet and a pencil, ready to dive in—this post is your guide to knowing your best fit, staying profitable, and still feeling like a confident mumpreneur.
1. Quick Overview
- Hourly Pricing = charge per hour worked
- Package Pricing = charge a set fee for defined deliverables
- You can also combine both, use retainers, or project-based pricing
2. Pros & Cons at a Glance
Hourly Pricing
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| You get paid for every minute worked | Unpredictable income—hours vary, so does pay |
| Easy to calculate your rate and client estimates | Time tracking becomes burdensome |
| Protects you from surprise scope creep | As you get faster, you actually earn less per task |
| Flexible work patterns—perfect for fluctuating client needs | Clients may over-scrutinize your bills |
| Ensures clarity on hourly worked and billed | Limited scalability—only so many hour-based slots in your day |
Package Pricing
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| Easier for clients to say “yes”—they know the cost upfront | Misestimating can cause burnout if scope takes longer |
| Lets you earn more by positioning your time as value, not hours | Less flexible—clients can feel boxed in if their needs shift |
| Encourages efficiency (no penalized for getting better!) | Clients must trust you to deliver—especially if high-value ££ packages |
| Predictable income and easier forecasting | Risk of scope creep if agreements aren’t clear |
| Simplifies billing & avoids tracking nerves | Poorly designed packages can confuse or limit client options |
3. When to Choose Hourly vs Package
| Situation | Hourly Rate | Package Rate |
|---|---|---|
| New clients/unclear scope | ✅ Spreadsheet time in real-time | ⚠️ Hard to estimate too soon |
| Admin-heavy or task-heavy work | ✅ You get paid for all that goes behind the scenes | ⚠️ Risk being undervalued |
| Clients want flexible “pay-for-what-you-get” | ✅ Transparent and accountable | ⚠️ May seem rigid |
| You want predictable, scalable income | ⚠️ You’ll hit a ceiling | ✅ Charge for impact, not hours |
4. Combining the Best of Both
You don’t have to pick only one. Many VAs use a hybrid model:
- Base monthly package (e.g., 10 hours @ $30/hr = $300)
- Additional hours/tasks at a set hourly rate (e.g., $40/hr)
- Or project-specific flat fee for one-off tasks + hourly retainer for ongoing work
This approach balances clarity, scalability, and flexibility.
5. Deciding Based on Your Lifestyle
As a mum and freelancer, your time is precious—both professionally and personally. Think:
- Hourly: Great when time is variable or admin-heavy.
- Package: Better when you seek stability, less admin, and higher earnings per task.
Pick what fits your rhythm—or experiment with both.
6. What Research & Industry Say
- VAs charging packages tend to earn more over time—because they’re rewarded for speed and efficiency
- Hourly protects you from surprise workload but is harder to grow from, and punishes skill improvements .
- Hybrid and retainers are top choice for VAs who value client flexibility and business predictability .
7. Implementation Tips
- Track your time now—do an audit for a month to understand your baseline.
- Map your task types—list repetitive admin tasks vs creative or strategic services.
- Design package tiers:
- Bronze: Basic admin (5 hrs)
- Silver: Admin + editing (10 hrs)
- Gold: Admin + outreach + reporting (20 hrs)
- Set extra-hour policies: e.g. “Package covers X. Additional billed at $Y/hr.”
- Write your contract to clearly define inclusions, revisions, timelines, and add-ons.
8. Sample Pricing Table
| Package | Includes | Price | Equivalent Hourly Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admin Basic | 5 hrs email/calendar | $250/mo | $50/hr |
| Content Mix | 10 hrs admin + socials | $600/mo | $60/hr |
| Premium Suite | 20 hrs + 2 blogs + strategy | $1,500/mo | $75/hr |
Hourly add-ons: $80/hr
9. Real Mumpreneur Stories
- Liza, mum-VA: Started hourly, switched to packages—tripled monthly income, regained time.
- Sam: Uses hourly retainer with extra flexibility—predictable but agile.
- Joanne: Hybrid model—50% packages + hourly support, ideal work/life balance.
10. FAQ You’ll Probably Ask
Q: What about variability in task time?
A: With hourly you’re paid; with packages, test with pilot clients first to adjust your pricing.
Q: Will clients trust a flat rate?
A: Yes—if you provide clear scope, past results, and payment clarity.
Q: How do I avoid scope creep in packages?
A: Be explicit—include X services, Y revisions. Extras = hourly at $Z/hr.
Q: Can I switch later?
A: Yes, it’s your business. Many successful VAs start hourly then shift toward more packages as they grow.
11. Your 30-Day Pricing Path
| Week | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Track time + audit tasks |
| 2 | Brain-dump service offerings |
| 3 | Draft package tiers + pricing |
| 4 | Trial with 1 or 2 clients, adjust if needed |
| Ongoing | Review monthly, refine pricing and value |
12. Final Mum-Boss Takeaway
Totally fine to start with hourly as you learn your pace—or dive into packages once you’re ready to optimize. Hybrid models let you have stability and flexibility—plus they protect your time, mind, and sanity (hello, bedtime stories!). Experiment, track, and adjust. This is your business—run it to fit your life, not someone else’s.
This post was written by your mumpreneur sidekick who went from hourly chaos to package peace—and now enjoys both client calm and family time.
Want downloadable pricing templates, contract clauses, or email scripts to introduce packages? Just say the word—I’ve got them ready with love and logic.
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