In order to get started on billing service business, you can start it by contacting area businesses to let them know of your credentials and availability. Place ads in business publications and general newspapers. Ask satisfied clients to recommend your services to other businesses; give them a bonus or a discount for any new business they bring to you.
In doing this kind of service, you will need the collect payments and post them to proper accounts. Besides that, you also need monitor accounts receivable and report to client about any problematic customers. You’ll need a current PC with access to the Internet, standard accounting or accounts receivable software, and a printer capable of producing invoices, labels, and envelopes for mailing. If your client requires you to use a specific software program, you may have to purchase and learn to use that package. Other expenses include advertising and promotion.
The most common billing scheme for small businesses is to charge by the hour or to offer a flat rate based on the number of bills processed per week or per month. Add to the bill the cost of paper and envelopes, postage, phone calls, and any special services requested by the client; alternatively, those expenses could be built into the hourly or flat rate. In dealing with your client’s property, seek to limit your liability for damage or loss to the actual replacement value of items in your possession. You should protect yourself against claims for sentimental value or loss of use.
