Doing typing to earn extra income

MothballsWallet

I've done a search of the forums, and I can't find anything suitable, so I thought I'd start a new thread about it.

I am thinking about using my computer to do typing as an extra source of income.

What do other MSErs think would be a fair hourly rate to charge, assuming I can drum up any interest from advertising in local supermarkets?

I was thinking of printing stuff off at the local library's facilities because they have access to a laser printer, and I'd have to factor that into my pricing structure.

Doodles

Hi
You need to be thinking of what to charge per item, rather than per hour. I charge £1.50 short letter (three quarters of an A4 sheet or less), £2.00 long letter (full A4).

I don't tend to do any printing though, just save onto a memory stick. But if you are doing printing, think about factoring in a nominal charge for printing also.

Think about doing audio-transcription too if you can.

Hope that's of some use to you?

MothballsWallet

Hi Doodles, that's brilliant! I'm glad I'm not the only one doing (or thinking of doing) this.

I have a little practice at audio transcription, but it was recorded by someone who was very good at stating how they wanted things formatted and what they wanted done. I'm sure a lot of people might not do that as well.

I was thinking of offering to get documents printed on a laser printer at the library because that will be better quality, at least until I was able to afford my own little laser printer for this.

I'm going to put cards in my local newsagent's window and Morrisons advertising boards and see if I get any interest.

Scaredy_Cat_3

Without giving away all your business secrets, can you share any info on where you find such work? Is it for small businesses or students wanting their project work typed up?

I'm curious because I've thought about doing this kind of work, on and off, for years (well over 20 years, actually). I did a small bit of typing work way back before literally everyone had their own computer - so now that this technology is so common I really wonder if there is anyone prepared to pay someone else to get their typing done?

I'd really appreciate suggestions because I'm in what's laughingly called 'dire financial straits' at the moment and looking for any little way I can earn a few extra quid.

Doodles

Scaredy_Cat wrote: »

Without giving away all your business secrets, can you share any info on where you find such work? Is it for small businesses or students wanting their project work typed up?quote]

I must I was lucky in that I was approached by a relative of a friend who was desperate for someone to type his letters. We came to an arrangement and its worked well ever since. I was just lucky that the job fell into my lap.

He is the only person I type for at the moment, and I do it around my full time job, but I'm thinking of marketing myself a bit more, and these are my thoughts. Don't mind sharing my 'business secrets';) and if anyone else has any golden nuggets they wish to share with me, I'm open to ideas too!

I have my own audio transcription machine. If you want to market yourself as an audio-typist it might be worth trying to track down a second hand machine as they are not cheap.

I work for a dentist. I have typing skills of about 80wpm which helps shift the work quicker - obviously the faster you type the more you can earn if you see what I mean. I hold a medical secretarial terminology diploma and have worked for doctors in the past so can confidently 'market' myself to the dentistry and medical professions.

Think about what your skills are and see if you can market yourself to a particular sector you have experience of? Eg. if you've worked in an insurance brokers in the past, why not approach small insurance businesses?

Logically I think that the best people to market are ones that don't have admin/office staff that they have access to, or can regularly rely on. Perhaps they are freelance, consultants or work in different practices/workplaces. Think about any self-employed people that you know, in your street, that your neighbours know, and put the word out.

You know, and this is just my opinion of course, I'm not so sure students necessarily are needing anyone to type their project work up now. Most of them have access to PCs, and many have been taught (or taught themselves) to type anyway. I could be wrong of course, and that's just my feeling. It could be worth putting an ad up in a university or something and seeing if it bears fruit!

Other places, off the top of my head, you could put ad's up or your own flyers

• supermarkets
• universities
• newsagents
• libraries
• pubs (especially ones that attract businessmen/women)
• leisure centres (in fact any public area that has noticeboards!)
• small businesses
• solicitors, docs, dentists, any practitioner, estate agents
• local councillors

Some other pointers I think fair to point out:

• agree price/arrangement in advance for the job. Invoice correctly.
• Think about postage - who pays?
• Think about printing costs - paper and toner if you're doing that from home.
• If its confidential typing you're doing for someone, they may not be happy to have their stuff printed on a public printer eg. library, just something to bear in mind
• It can be tedious - especially if you're working around a full time job, or waiting until the kiddies are in bed and you're tired.
• Agree a reasonable 'turnaround' time - dont be pressurised into taking work with unreasonable deadlines because you'll get resentful quickly and if you're ill or have an emergency at home (eg. child sick) there'll be no time to meet your commitment. Build a little bit of contingency time into it!
• Unlikely to make a fortune from it, but nice to have that 'extra' money though and I think it possible to make a few hundred a month if you did it full time and had constant work coming in. However having said that, apparently some people turn it into more of a virtual assistant role which can earn good money I understand.

Um, hope that helps folks?

MothballsWallet

Another thing to keep in mind is that if you're keeping customer records (such as contact details and invoices), you probably want to register with the Information Commissioners Office (known as "notification" - yes, they changed the name of the process), costing 35 quid a year...

I would only be using a printer somewhere else until I could get a laser printer for myself.

It would probably be an idea to include postage in the overall costs as well, unless the person ordering the work lives close enough to you that they can visit you (or vice versa) to collect/deliver the results.

ally_bally_3

Hi guys

Good idea for a thread. I am a full time virtual PA and happy to share any knowledge I have although my field is fairly specialised. I work from home and also go out to clients who need someone on their site. I am lucky as I am a music industry specialist so my clients are all musicians, management companies, artists etc so I get a lot of work on client recommendation which has worked out well. I worked as a PA in the music/media industries for years so built up a lot of contacts before I decided to go out on my own.

When I first started out I didn't have a full roster of clients so I used gumtree.com as a good reference point looking for people who were looking for part time staff and approaching them to show another way of working that saves them money on overheads, tax, NI etc. I would be cautious how you approach people as you are not supposed to send unsolicited e-mails but the way I saw it was I could fill the position and could save them money! You will also find people on there who are actually looking for VA's so worth a regular check. I barely have any hours in my day but still check it out regularly and see if there is anything I can fit into my routine. If you are honest with people and stress realistic turn around times or tell them you have another job then at least they can work out whether you are a viable option for them.

Advertising in local supermarkets etc is a good idea and if you have the money/time then a mailshot to local business or a look through yell.com can be invaluable. Sole traders etc are usually in dire need of someone to help not only with typing but with invoicing, credit control, basic bookeeping and telephone answering.

Another website I have used is peopleperhour.com although the competition on this site is pretty fierce (especially when people from outwith the UK bid against you) but worth a look.

Hope this is a little helpful.

I am not thinking a hundred percent straight today so please just ask if you have any specific questions and I can try my best to help.

ally_bally
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Doodles

Hi ally_bally
Your post was very interesting, could I ask a few things please?

How long did it take you to build your customer base up to having full time work?

Are there periods where it goes dead and you have no or little income?

Are the rewards good? Don't want to be nosey about what you earn, but could you give an indication if the money you are earning is comparable with say a full time 'office' PA?

Thanks muchly!

ally_bally_3

Hi Doodles

I took some lower paid clients to start with but have built up to ones that pay more money so even though I am working the same hours I am making more money.

It took me about 4 months to be working 40 ish hours per week and I am really lucky that I have managed to keep that up.

About 4 months ago I did have a scary moment where I nearly ran out of work but I went on the marketing and e-mailing offensive and managed to pick it up. Its not for someone who NEEDS a full time income but as in all self employed positions you get out what you put in and I work VERY hard.

My last full time job was as a PA to 2 x Directors of a National London Based Sporting Body and I am now back up to the same earnings as when I worked full time so it can be done. I can also plan my whole life so much better. If I want to work in the evenings or at weekends I can but similarly if I want to take a long lunch or go to the Supermarket during 'normal' working hours then I can. The freedom to do this and to pick my clients has been life changing for me although I do work a lot of hours, at least its my choice and to my benefit - not someone else's!

A
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Doodles

Food for thought, many thanks!:cool:

The_Edible_Dormouse

I work at home as an audio typist to supplement my income as a musician (at present for one client that I initially temped for), and I would recommend setting yourself up with digital software, as a quick Google (and a provisional punt around to build up my client portfolio) seems to indicate that most of the outsourcing companies don't use machines any more (mine's gathering dust...).

The good news, the best bit of software in my opinion is ExpressScribe, which is free to download. The bad news is you will still need to buy a USB pedal, but these tend to come in at under £100.

Good luck with this. I love working from home, and find that I can get much more done than in someone's office!

ED