The type of equipment you need is very dependent upon the services that you will provide. You likely already have much of what you need such as a computer and software to help with the type of services you want to provide. Most software is available online as open source software, or via a monthly charge today, such as Office 365 or Adobe Creative Cloud, so don’t think you have to fork out a lot of money to get started. It depends on the services you want to provide, but you can get started on the cheap and add to your software collection as time goes on.

 

Here is a list of possible equipment and software you may need:

 

 

Computer or Laptop

Office Software

Graphics Software

Ear Phones with Microphone

Skype

Project Management Software

Bookkeeping Software

Desk & Chair

Filing Cabinet

Printer / Scanner

Digital Camera

Mobile Phone

Broadband Internet

Adobe Acrobat

 

 

 

Setting up Your Office Area

 

Even if you don’t have a specific room for your office, it is imperative that you have a regular space free of clutter, commotion and worry. A place that is comfortable to avoid damaging your back or hands, and a place that you can keep organized. Some people start their services business with a laptop at the kitchen table. There is nothing wrong with doing this, but do make sure that you are comfortable sitting there, and that you can easily work there regularly.

 

Keep in mind that for tax purposes if you want to claim the home office deduction you need a separate space for your business that is used only for the business. It must be used “exclusively and regularly” for business. If there is a way for you to set up an actual office, even if it’s by using patricians, it will help you take your business more seriously. It will also help your family take your business more seriously. Having a place that you go each day to work will increase your productivity exponentially and signal to family and friends that you are “at work.”

 

Deciding How Much to Charge

Deciding what to charge for your services is just as difficult as finally narrowing down your service choices. You want to be sure to charge enough to cover your expenses, plus provide a decent income for your family. There are a few good methods that you can use to determine your fees.

 

One popular method is to find out what other people are charging and charge that. It’s easy enough to search for your competition, find three to five others, average what they are charging and there you have your fees. Another method is to instead, figure out how much money you need coming in, how many hours you have per day, week and month to work, (billable hours) and then charge that much. Both are legitimate ways to decide upon your fee.

 

Another way is to not charge an hourly rate but instead charge “package rates”.  This method can actually work in your favor if you are the type of person who gets faster as you learn how to do something. This way you don’t get penalized for being fast. However, it can also end up being a problem if you’re not clear in your contract with expectations of the service with no limits placed on the client as to how many times they can edit something.

 

Many service providers offer a combination of fee for service and hourly rates. This seems to work best for most service providers. But, again it depends on what services you will provide. Most people want to pay a set rate for graphic design, writing is usually billed on a per-word or per-page basis, with data entry tasks either by the word, line, or hour. Ultimately, you need to charge what makes you happy and find the clients who are willing to pay you for your hard work. This is your business.