Do you find yourself struggling with how to setup a fax for your home bookkeeping business? Should you get a separate line?  Or should you get a distinctive ring fax number?

When I first started out, I struggled with this issue as well.  I tried the distinctive fax number system and that worked for awhile.  Then I started getting really busy, so between my phone and fax ringing constantly, it turned into a total nightmare and drove me nuts.

So I signed up for an eFax online system to receive all my faxes. I still use my home phone number (and fax machine) to scan and send out my faxes.

But now all my incoming faxes get sent to my email in a PDF format. Plus, I get to decide which ones to print out and which ones to delete (saves on paper).  Problem solved — to the tune of $12 a month.

Also, I archive my faxes in my email for several months so that I can always go back and reprint a fax in case I’ve misplaced something (this has actually saved my butt a couple of times).  You can’t do that with a normal fax machine.

So, if you’re struggling with the same fax issue for your bookkeeping business, I highly suggest you check out an online fax service.  It’s not complicated, even if you’re not very tech-savvy.

I use eFax and they’ve been very good to work with.  I always receive my faxes on time and they charge my credit card automatically each month so it’s totally hassle-free.

Do you find yourself struggling with how to setup a fax for your home bookkeeping business? Should you get a separate line?  Or should you get a distinctive ring fax number?

When I first started out, I struggled with this issue as well.  I tried the distinctive fax number system and that worked for awhile.  Then I started getting really busy, so between my phone and fax ringing constantly, it turned into a total nightmare and drove me nuts.

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When you’re in the business of contract bookkeeping, it’s inevitable that sooner or later you’ll run into a problem client.  So what can you do to avoid having to deal with these types of clients?  There are a few steps you can take:

1. Be very picky about the clients you take on.  Don’t take on every business that comes your way.  Ask how long they’ve been in business because, statistically speaking, if they’re new in business there’s a good chance they won’t be around for very long.

2. If a client tries to negotiate your rates, you may have problems getting them to pay your bill later on.  So watch out for people who like to haggle.

3. Have every client sign a contract with you that states your rates, hours of operation, scope of services and your billing periods.  If you discuss these issues when you first take on clients, you’ll find that you’ll have much fewer problems with them later on.

4. Have a client pay you a retainer up front before you start work especially if you suspect that you may have problems collecting payment from them.  Then once one retainer is used up, rebill them for another.

5. Make sure you bill your clients regularly (such as at the end of each month, or at the end of each job).  If you client hasn’t paid your bill as quickly as you’d like, a friendly phone call is usually all it takes to get them to send you a check.  If you do this consistently your clients will be “trained” that you expect payment promptly and will usually do so.

If you take these steps when you’re contract bookkeeping you’ll find that you can avoid problem clients.  Who wouldn’t want that?

When you’re in the business of contract bookkeeping, it’s inevitable that sooner or later you’ll run into a problem client.  So what can you do to avoid having to deal with these types of clients?   (more…)