From Hourly to Package Pricing: How New VAs Can Earn More | VA for Course Creators

When you first start out as a virtual assistant, charging by the hour might seem like the easiest option. It’s simple to explain, track, and invoice for. 

But if you want to grow your income, work with better clients, and avoid burnout, you'll want to update your pricing model into package pricing.

Let’s dig deep and explore why switching from hourly to package pricing is a game-changer for new VAs, especially those supporting course creators. 

You’ll learn how to make the switch, what to include in a package, and how to confidently price your services.

Why hourly pricing can hold you back

Let’s start with the truth: hourly rates cap your income. You only get paid for the hours you work. If you’re efficient and finish tasks faster, you actually earn less. 

That doesn’t seem fair, right?

Some common struggles new VAs face when charging hourly might include having a harder time scaling (or growing) their income, having to track every minute of their productivity, having to explain their time spent to clients, and always chasing the next task.

Dealing with these headaches individually might not seem like a big deal, but they can eventually chip away at your resolve as a business owner or make you question why you got into this field in the first place.

Not good.

Hourly work also creates a “trading time for money” mindset. And while that’s okay in the very beginning, it won’t help you build a steady, successful VA business.

What is package pricing?

Package pricing means charging a flat fee for a bundle of services or a specific outcome - rather than billing by the hour. You focus on what you deliver, not how long it takes.

Here’s a simple example:

Hourly: “I’ll do customer support for $30/hour.”

Package: “I’ll manage your course customer support inbox for $300/week.”

See the difference? With packages, clients know what to expect, and you know exactly how much you’ll make.

⚠️Disclaimer: Bill.com suggests that both hourly pricing and package pricing have their place in the self-employment sphere¹. It’s best to understand how both work and weigh your options from there!

Why package pricing works for VAs supporting course creators

Course creators are busy. They need dependable support - especially during launches, enrollments, and ongoing student communication. They want results, not time logs.

Package pricing allows you to:

     📊 Present your services in a clear, outcome-based way.

     ☮️ Give course creators peace of mind by removing time tracking.

     💎 Get paid for your value, not your minutes.

     🥳 Build predictable income for yourself.

And here’s a bonus: course creators love repeatable systems. That means you can create packages around things like email setup, tech support, or customer service - and use the same structure for multiple clients.

How to build a VA service package (step-by-step)

Ready to create your first package? Let’s get started!

1. Choose a specific problem you solve

Look at the tasks you already enjoy doing. Do you love organizing inboxes? Setting up course tech? Scheduling content? Start with one service area.

Examples:

• Customer support during a course launch
  
• Weekly community moderation
  
• Monthly metrics and reporting
  

2. Define what’s included

Make a simple list of what the client will receive. Be clear about the scope and frequency.

Example:

“Email management for 3 accounts, inbox monitoring M-F, 24-hour response time, up to 5 replies per day.”

3. Set your price based on value

Don’t base it only on hours. Think about the outcome and relief you're giving the client. You can still estimate how long it will take, but price for results.

A package that saves a course creator 5–10 hours a week (and makes their business smoother) is easily worth $500+ per month.

4. Give the package a name

This makes it feel official! Something simple like “Launch Inbox Management” or “Student Support Starter” is perfect.

5. Create a 1-pager or website section

Once you’ve built your first package, create a simple PDF or webpage to showcase it. You can include:

• The name of the package
  
• What’s included
  
• Who it’s best for
  
• Pricing or “custom quote”

✨This is also something you might consider hiring a web designer and copywriter for. Even simple work can become overwhelming or time-consuming!

Overcoming common fears around package pricing

Worried no one will buy your packages? Or that you’re pricing too high? 

Let’s tackle a few fears you might have:

How to transition current clients to packages

Already working hourly with someone? You can make a smooth transition by:

1. Reviewing what you’re already doing and grouping the tasks into a package.
   
2. Highlighting the benefits (simpler invoicing, clear expectations, predictable billing).
   
3. Presenting it as a win-win:
   “I’d love to offer a monthly package that includes everything we’ve been doing, with room for [bonus item] each week. It would be a flat $XXX/month.”
   

Most clients will appreciate the professionalism - and you’ll both benefit.

Start small, grow big

You don’t need 10 packages or fancy pricing charts. Start with one well-defined offer that solves a real problem for course creators. As your confidence grows, you can create more packages and even offer retainer options for steady income.

And remember, this isn’t just about earning more - it’s about working smarter and building a business that fits your life.

Want help becoming a virtual assistant?

If you’re just getting started as a VA and want to learn everything from skills to systems, check out the course Learn How to Become a VA. It’s packed with training designed just for beginners - especially those who want to support course creators and earn real income doing work they enjoy.

Let’s chat!

Have you switched from hourly to packages yet? What’s worked for you - or what’s still confusing? Send me an email at [email protected] We’d love to hear how you’re building your VA business.