When operating a small business, the profit margin, especially out of the gate, is tight. Every dollar is extremely important - in fact every nickel and dime can be the difference between profit and loss when dealing with the sale of multiple products.

But when handling such operations as a small business, adding small fees to your customers for basic services is the surest way to turn off clients. Though making long distance calls or additional copies may eat into your profit figure for a given deal, a small business operator should never pass such costs on to clients. Certainly not by billing directly.

Instead, quote a hard figure for service that incorporates some leeway for some unanticipated expenses. Then no matter what happens, deliver your product or service for the amount agreed upon. The surest way to satisfy a client is to demonstrate that any extra services necessary will be delivered free as part of the agreement.

For more on the dangers of nickel and diming clients, see:

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