Should a Feelancer charge more for travel expenses?

lmahoney79

I work from home part time as a freelancer as I also look after my son. I am a web designer so all my work can be done from home but one client wants me to go into the office for a day or two to do some work. Do I just charge my usual hourly rate or do I charge more to cover travel expenses and the fact I would have to organise childcare? Thanks

blindsider

Will you have far to travel?

If yes, then charge your hourly rate. If not, and especially if they're a good client, I wouldn't bother.

Re childcare - I personally don't think that this is a legitimate business expense. It's definitely an expense to you - but I don't think you can pass it on to the client.

I would however, slip it in to conversation, and unless they're paying you well, I'd consider mentioning that you don't normally work on-site.

Also, if it's a one-off meeting at the start of a project (or similar) then it's part and parcel of the contract. You might just have to live with it.

lmahoney79

I wouldnt have to travel far so I dont mind that too much and I take your point about the childcare being my personal issue. They are a good client so I guess you are right, I will just charge my normal hourly rate. Thanks

Eoin

Thread moved in case you want more opinions from self employed folks