This is a story about single-mom dating etiquette, but it is also about single moms cruising for men together.
Having kids is often a deal-breaker when dating. That is OK.
When it comes to dating, the possession of offspring is right up there with bisexuality (in men), herpes, smoking, being a Republican, and refusal to perform oral sex. Most people have a few things they just aren’t willing to compromise about. No exceptions. As far as I’m concerned, that is perfectly fine.
But that doesn’t mean that dating as a single mom can’t put you in a pickle. Scratch that. Cruising for men can put you in a pickle.
Consider this weekend when I went out with a few SMILFs. And when I say “out,” I mean to a bar where we drank a lot.
We were all having a fine time enjoying our jalapeño margaritas when suddenly a swarm of cute, funny, drunk guys approached. One was celebrating his birthday, most were about our age (mid-30s), and most were firefighters. It was all good fun – lots of laughs and flirts and drinks all around, even if these dudes were not relationship material. After all, what single mom couldn’t use a dose of absurd, slobbering (if innocent) attention from some swaggering members of New York’s bravest?
When one tall blond asked us, “You girls must do really well in a place like this,” my SMILF friends and I shot knowing looks at one another. After all, if these dudes a) took off their Yuengling goggles they might not call us “girls,” and b) were pelted with our full stories of lingering divorce proceedings and preschoolers tucked into bed at their fathers’ apartments for overnight visits, gone would be our free beverages and lingering (albeit out-of-focus) glances. Or so we assumed. So we kept our glossed lips closed.
Now, a certain member of our posse caught the attention of one of these gentlemen, and her evening proceeded on a different path than the rest of us. Suffice it to say that his studio apartment was near the bar. After all, had she taken him home, he may have tripped on the Lightning McQueen collection populating the apartment and noted the California Baby wash in the bathroom. Post-coital he may have been surprised that the only snack she could offer was individually wrapped string cheese and a juice box.
Turns out, the random drunken hookup turned rather sweet and tender, and now she’d like to see him again. But he doesn’t know she’s a mom, and she has no idea how to broach the subject – or when.
“I don’t think that mentioning my divorce or kids right off the bat is my best bet,” she said later while dissecting her conundrum. “It’s pretty much guaranteed to shut the conversation down before it starts. But if I were to bring it up later, I might give him a chance to get to know and like me – and consider what it might be like to date a single mom.”
My first impulse was to smack the crap out of her. What is this – we manipulate men into loving our sexy ways? Make them fall crazy in love with us, then drop the information bomb about the most important topic in our lives—our dear children? Gimme a break! I say, lay it out. Just slip it into the conversation (“Yeah, just wait till you see my double C-section scar! Yikes!”). Let them make an educated decision as to whether to ask for your number, and go to sleep knowing that you are a decent, honest human being.
On the other hand, I’ve come to realize that I am the ultimate romantic. I believe that the most wonderful things in life are those that we cannot plan for, the things that challenge our ideas about who we are and what we believe. The best experiences in life are those that come with a big dose of magic. And let’s face it – any man willing to sign up for the shitshow that is often single motherhood will have to be rather magical.
I have full faith that there are plenty of guys out there that fit the bill. But to my friend’s point, some of them might not know it until they get friendly with some rather magical single moms (and when I say “moms,” I really mean me). Meeting someone at work, by frequenting the same shawarma cart, on dating sites, or through friends is an entirely different dynamic than chatting up guys at a bar. At a bar, it’s all silliness and fantasy. Until someone gets laid, of course.
While there are lots of men who are open to dating women with children, many – most, probably – are not. Lots of factors at play, and in our case, age is paramount. I asked a 54-year-old divorced friend his opinion on the matter, and he was all for full disclosure. But he pointed out that if he met a woman in a bar who was his age, he’d assume she had kids. Professional 35-year-old women hanging out in a New York City bar? Not so much.
As for my friend (and when I say “my friend,” I really do mean my friend), she’s hoping her love interest Googles her to find the readily available truth about her family status without further effort on her part. So far, he appears to remain clueless.
Any delayed reveal nurtures distrust. Horrible way to start a relationship — serious or casual. The last thing you want to do is have a man angry that you lied (and yes, omission is lying) about having a child.
Just tell him you have kids:
Or, drop it into conversation. Try:
“I have to get going. Have to get up early for my kids’ soccer game in the morning.”
or …
“The babysitter is waiting for me. Here’s my number — continue the conversation over dinner?”
What if you haven’t told him you have a child? Straighten in out ASAP. Say:
“I feel really bad that we have to have this conversation, but I am dating for the first time as a mom, and I didn’t tell you I have a kid. I am so sorry for being dishonest.”
First, get the kid fact out there ASAP. If you are dating online, mention your motherhood in your profile. If a friend introduces you, make sure that fact is known. If you meet a guy through work, or at a bar or hiking, weave it into the conversation.
If for some reason you wind up on a date with someone who does not know you are a mother, just tell them! “I'm not sure if I mentioned it, but I have two kids — how about you?”
NO MATTER WHAT, do not fall into the trap of thinking you must seduce him before dropping the bomb of kids onto the relationship.
Bottom line: Why it’s important to tell a date you have a kid
Kids are not a detriment, and lying and conniving is no way to launch a healthy partnership.
When should single moms tell a man she has kids?
Right away. Any delayed reveal nurtures distrust.
I often hear from moms who:
Say that their ex freaked out in jealousy when he found out she was dating, and how should she deal with him?
Ask how she should tell her ex about her new boyfriend.
Are livid her kids met her ex’s new woman.
Insist on meeting the kids’ dad’s new girlfriend before the children do
To all of these scenarios, I say: It is none of his or your business. So, if you are wondering, “Do I need to tell my ex about my new partner,” the answer is a resounding, “No.”
That is right: Your romantic life is none of your ex’s business. Nor is his yours.
Here are common responses to learning that your ex has a new girlfriend, boyfriend, or even new spouse:
Jealousy
Feeling threatened the new partner will replace you as a parent
Fear the new person will be a bad presence in your kids’ lives
Sadness that the relationship didn’t work out
Relief that he/she may now stop trying to get back together, or be happy again, or otherwise benefit from a nice relationship
Pity or empathy that your ex can’t stand to be alone
Pity or empathy for the new partner
Genuine happiness for him or her — love is wonderful!
Grateful that a nice new person will be in your kids’ lives
All of these feelings are totally normal — some of them justified, others reactions simply an emotional response you need to work through.
A new partner is not automatically cause for alarm, however.
(On the other hand, if you struggle about telling a new boyfriend about your divorce — that is another issue. He should absolutely know your marital status, and the general facts, but he may not want to be mired in the minutiae of the proceedings).
Can my ex demand to meet my new partner?
Now, you may follow Gwyneth Paltrow and the pat divorce advice that informs you to constantly communicate with your ex and involve them in all decisions that involve the kids, which you can do with a co-parenting app (especially if you and your ex don’t always get along). Some people have really beautiful relationships with their exes, or friendly or civilized relationships. That’s great. As in any relationship — platonic, romantic, familial, professional — you conduct yourself with dignity and according to the understanding of disclosure with the other party.
But that is an agreement — implicit or explicit — with that person. That is not the law of co-parenting for every family.
In other words, if you and your ex have a nice relationship and chat freely and often about the goings-on in your lives, and you start dating someone and have been telling everyone else in your life about this special new person, then it would be really weird and suspicious if you didn’t tell your ex.
Not that many people have that kind of relationship. Pretending you do, when you don’t, only creates problems.
As I’ve written about extensively, dating is normal and healthy regardless of your parental status. Kids seeing their mother or father spend time with nice people, people who may be casually involved in the children’s lives or become lifelong step-parents, does not need a security clearance from the other parent.
Because you are no longer romantically entwined and, as such, you are each free to date as each of you see fit.
Also: Parents dating is not a big deal.
Hear more about intro’ing your new guy to the kids, and whether you should tell their dad in this Like a Mother episode:
If it feels like a big deal that the other parent is dating around the kids, there are several possible explanations:
The upset parent is jealous or otherwise not emotionally over the relationship.
The upset parent is hyper-controlling (which is basically the same as above).
The upset parent has an unhealthy attitude about dating overall, and thinks it is a toxic, dirty thing children must be protected from.
Further, if you know your ex will be upset about the new person, but tell them anyway, there are some not-great reasons for this, too:
You’re trying to make him jealous.
You are living in a fantasy world in which you have a happy co-parenting relationship in which sharing about your romantic life is organic and normal, ignoring your reality that proves you have anything but.
You’re flaunting your newfound independence and his inability to control you.
You know he will get all crazy and jealous and make a scene in front of your new boyfriend, who you suspect will then get jealous and crazy and you get off on the sword fight (or some other similar crazy-making ain’t nobody got time for).
Should you tell your ex about your new boyfriend?
Are you worried that:
Your ex-husband is or will be mad about your new boyfriend.
Your ex-husband is jealous of new boyfriend.
Telling your ex-wife about a new relationship will upset your co-parenting.
These are all legitimate concerns. Sometimes people become violent, difficult or unreasonable when their exes start new relationships. A few guidelines:
You are not obligated to share details about your romantic life with your ex. It is none of their business.
If you have a decent relationship with your ex, and you have kids together, it can be both kind and practical to tell him or her that you have a new partner that will be spending a lot of time with the kids.
If your motivation in telling your ex about a new love interest is to make him or her jealous, or otherwise manipulate them, don’t.
Michael Ceely, a licensed marriage and family therapist in the San Francisco Bay Area, offers these tips for meeting your ex's new boyfriend or girlfriend:
Remember that it doesn't matter if you like the new partner. “If your ex’s new boyfriend or girlfriend seems unstable or unsavory, it might be better to stay out of the picture. In the eyes of your children, you meeting the new partner could be interpreted as a stamp of approval,” Ceely says. “You may not approve of your ex's new partner, and that's okay.”
Be open to being pleasantly surprised by genuinely liking the person.
Check your jealousy. “It's natural to be jealous about your ex’s new partner. But for the sake of your kids, keep your jealousy in check,” Ceely says. “Showing jealousy could create a rift between you and your kids, especially if they like your ex’s new partner. Be cordial and professional and don't embarrass your children by being jealous.”
When to tell your ex about your new boyfriend (if you choose to)
What to keep in mind …
Rules for introducing the kids to your new partner
As with other co-parenting tips: You decide within yourself what your values are, and conduct yourself consistently within these values. Everything comes back to this. Be consistent. Your commitment to your own values will inform your ex how he can expect you to behave, and what is expected of him. This teaches your children the meaning of values overall, and evokes their respect and sense of security (because they know their mom is a strong and just leader). It also does men you date a favor. They are likely unsure about the kids-dating-mom rules, and look to you for what is what.
For you, is dating or having a boyfriend and telling your kids about this man an earth-moving occasion requiring a NATO summit of your children’s closest inner circle? If yes, then draft a written letter informing your ex that the man you have been on six dates with will be joining you and the kids for Taco Tuesday three weeks from the following Tuesday, have the letter notarized and sent via your lawyer to his lawyer.
If you don’t think it’s a big deal to intro your new boyfriend to the kids, then just introduce your boyfriend to the kids when you feel like it. Remember: The longer you wait, the bigger a deal this becomes, the more pressure mounts on him, you, the kids, and the relationship.
If you have a nice, friendly and open relationship with your ex, then share your dating status with him in a way that is consistent with the rest of your dealings.
If you don’t think dating is a big deal, but know your ex will go ballistic if he finds out a man who is not him spent time in the same minivan as his children, then you should tell him. The reason is this: If you know he will go bananas about the kids meeting a man, then your kids on some level know their dad will go bananas about them meeting your man. That creates a giant tension in the family, and your kids will be inclined to choose sides, lie and protect you, their dad, and most of all, themselves.
No, and trying to do so is unacceptable unless there is a clear reason that person is a threat to your kids.
Can you stop your ex from introducing a new partner?
It is common for parenting agreements to include a clause about how long the relationship must last before the kids are introduced, as well as that the other parent must first meet the new partner.
These clauses are bullshit.
For one, they are not enforceable in court. Let’s say your divorce or separation agreement states that you and your ex must wait 6 months before the kids meet a new partner, but your ex violates that. Are you going to haul him to court? And if so, what do you hope the judge will do?
Most likely the judge will be pissed that you are wasting her time with your control issues.
Two, this business of controlling the other parent’s dating life is messy. What if your ex starts dating a long-time neighbor the kids have known for years? Do they have to stop waving hello in the driveway until 6 months-from-the-day-they-first-had-romantic feelings? Who has time for all this minutiae?
Plus, that six-month rule is somehow supposed to increase chances that the relationship is secure before the kids are brought into the mix. Of course, there are zero guarantees about relationship stability, most especially after divorce.
Three, let’s say you do meet the new girlfriend before the kids do, and you don’t like her. Then what? You have no more control over how that situation progresses than your ex has over your new boyfriend.
Let it all go, and focus on things you can control!
Can my ex stop my child from seeing my new partner?
Any separated couple can put these sorts of rules in their divorce, separation or custody agreement — but they are rarely enforceable in a court.
Can my ex stop a new partner moving in?
Again, a divorced or separated couple can put any kinds of rules in their custody agreement — but they are rarely enforceable in a court.
Can my ex demand to meet my new partner?
In other words, if you and your ex have a nice relationship and chat freely and often about the goings-on in your lives, and you start dating someone and have been telling everyone else in your life about this special new person, then it would be really weird and suspicious if you didn’t tell your ex. Not that many people have that kind of relationship. Pretending you do, when you don’t, only creates problems.
Can your ex control who you date?
No, and trying to do so is unacceptable unless there is a clear reason that person is a threat to your kids.
Can you stop your ex from introducing a new partner?
It is common for parenting agreements to include a clause about how long the relationship must last before the kids are introduced, as well as that the other parent must first meet the new partner. Those clauses are not enforceable in court.
Can my ex stop my child from seeing my new partner?
Any separated couple can put these sorts of rules in their divorce, separation or custody agreement — but they are rarely enforceable in a court.
Can my ex stop a new partner moving in?
Again, a divorced or separated couple can put any kinds of rules in their custody agreement — but they are rarely enforceable in a court.
Van Cleef & Arpels four-leaf clover Alhambra motif is as popular as ever – a recognizable luxury item while being more affordable and accessible than ever before with the ability to buy lower-priced items at mass retailers like Bloomingdales as well as local, privately owned jewelers.
Even more compelling is the resale market: Macys now joins the likes of TheRealReal and Poshmark in offering pre-owned Van Cleef & Arpels necklaces, earrings, bracelets and other items. In fact, the resale value of VCA is so strong, many view buying its jewelry as close to an investment: Buy now, resale later.
TheRealReal‘s research foudn that Van Cleef & Arpels is the top fine jewelry brand in terms of resale value, selling for an average of 86% of their original price, and 90% of pieces sell within 30 days.
By comparison, most fine jewelry is worth only the value of its gold for resale.
Keep reading to learn more about how to sell your Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry for the highest price.
Van Cleef & Arpels was literally built on love. In 1895, Alfred Van Cleef, the son of a lapidary and diamond broker, married Estelle Arpels, the daughter of a precious-stones dealer. A decade later, the couple opened the first Van Cleef & Arpels boutique in Paris.
The jewelry brand gained global attention with its proximity to the swanky Hotel Ritz and eventually garnered the adoration of royals and A-list clientele, including actress Grace Kelly, who received a suite of pearl and diamond Van Cleef & Arpels pieces as a wedding gift from Prince Rainier III in 1956.
The brand and its iconic clover-shaped enamel and mother of pearl pieces adorned with gemstones and diamonds have been worn by Elizabeth Taylor, Cameron Diaz, Reese Witherspoon, Mariah Carey, Beyonce, Margot Robbie, Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway, Julia Roberts, and Scarlett Johansson and Kate Middleton. The Duchess of Cambridge wore mother-of-pearl and yellow gold earrings and matching necklace from the Magic Alhambra collection to the 2020 BAFTAs.
Our No. 1 recommendation for selling Van Cleef jewelry is Worthy.com, an online jewelry marketplace that will auction your item to hundreds of qualified jewelry buyers.
Worthy is our top choice because:
A Better Business Bureau and hundreds of positive customer testimonials
Worthy has been featured in reputable publications including the New York Times (twice), Crain’s New York Business, Washington Post, Entrepreneur, Reader’s Digest, Woman’s Day, and others
Free FedEx shipping
Insured for free by Lloyds of London up to $100,000
Free GIA lab report with every sale
Auction platform helps push prices to market highs
Worthy only accepts diamonds that are .5 carat or larger and jewelry that will sell on its marketplace for at least $1,000. If you have smaller jewelry, or silver, gold, gemstones or silver flatware, we recommend A+ BBB rated Diamonds USA.
Where to sell Van Cleef jewelry: 5 ways
As evidenced by its top-ranked resale value, demand for Van Cleef jewelry is high, but not all resale venues will get you the same payout. For example, many online jewelry buyers will only offer the scrap-materials value of your piece. That might work if you just wanted to unload a gold bracelet from your early 20s, but for a piece of fine jewelry from Van Cleef & Arpels? Not so much.
Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry can also be sold on eBay and via online consignment stores, but fakes are being reported. This could affect how much your authentic Van Cleef items sell for.
Before you decide to sell, make an appointment for an appraisal of your Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry. Once you know the value of what you have, a jeweler will be less likely to lowball you on the price. Worthy provides free GIA or IGA lab reports, along with estimated sale prices, that can help you understand the value of what you have.
Selling to a local jeweler is a fine option if you need cash quickly, but you will likely leave money on the table because of the high overhead costs of brick-and-mortar jewelry stores.
Sell on consignment
Another way to sell Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry is to find a local consignment store that deals in fine jewelry. Bring along your appraisal to help the store owner set the highest price possible.
Some consignment shops pay upon acceptance, but others pay only when the item sells (which could take time).
Some online consignment shops, such as TheRealReal and MyGemma accept Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry, and you can always sell directly to customers on ebay or Facebook Marketplace.
Sell at a pawn shop
Like selling to a local jewelry store, pawn shops might get you a fast payout, but you likely won’t get back the full value of your Van Cleef jewelry as pawnbrokers specialize in buying gold, silver and diamonds for their scrap value — not brokering branded luxury goods.
More to the point: A pawnbroker might not understand the luxury value of your Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry. Due to the brand’s high resale value, a pawn shop or pawnbroker is not the best place to sell Van Cleef jewelry.
Sell at an auction
At a jewelry auction, your pieces sell to the highest bidder. Both Sotheby’s and Phillips auction houses are willing to put Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry on the block in live or online auctions, depending on the value and whether or not your item has a documented provenance of interest to collectors — such as proof it was owned or worn by a celebrity. Most auction houses take a month or longer to send payment once your item sells.
Sell to a professional jewelry buyer online
Worthy.com consistently fetches high prices for jewelry with its auctions because of its large pool of buyers from around the world.
And not just any buyers: Worthy only works with vetted professional buyers in search of beautiful jewelry. These bidders understand value, and they’re willing to pay for it.
We like Worthy because:
For an estimate, all you need to do is describe your item(s) and upload some pictures.
Worthy has a B+ rating with the BBB and a score of 4.6 (out of 5) stars on Trustpilot, based on more than 3,500 reviews.
Worthy gives a free Gemological Institute of America (GIA) lab report for each item.
You get to choose a minimum price you’re willing to accept for your jewelry.
Worthy pays for shipping, handling and insurance, which means it costs you nothing to get started.
You can also sell your Van Cleef jewelry to an online gold and diamond jewelry buyer like myGemma, formerly WP Diamonds, which is one of the oldest and most reputable. Check out our myGemma review here.
How to sell Van Cleef jewelry online
The best way to sell Van Cleef jewelry online is by visiting Worthy.com. As noted above, Worthy attracts a global clientele of discriminating buyers who understand the brand’s value.
The company makes it super simple to sell Van Cleef jewelry:
Enter your contact information, describe the piece(s) you want to sell and upload a few pictures. Worthy will do a market analysis to determine trending market prices.
Receive a trackable FedEx mailer (usually within one day) and mail your jewelry. Don’t worry: It’s insured for up to $100,000 by Lloyds of London.
Worthy will photograph your jewelry, have it professionally graded at the GIA lab and put it up for auction.
Watch your offers come in via Worthy’s live auction viewer tool. Approve the final bid, and your money will be sent through PayPal within 24 hours or by check — your choice.
How much is Van Cleef jewelry worth?
How valuable your Van Cleef jewelry might be is determined by factors like:
Condition (even a tiny scratch that you can barely see could affect resale value)
The age of the piece
The jewelry’s rarity
The popularity of your piece’s particular style
Worthy reports a “strong” market for Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry, some of which have sold for more than $50,000. You can get a sense of what your Van Cleef jewelry might be worth if you check auctions and past sales of similar pieces. Here are a few examples of Van Cleef jewelry that sold on Worthy in recent years:
Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra 18k gold pendant necklace: $1,950
Watch Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra watch in 18k white gold: $3,918
Vintage 1950s Van Cleef & Arpels couscous emerald and diamond bangle bracelet: $23,914
Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra Bracelet, 18K yellow gold chain bracelet with four gold/diamond/porcelain charms: $8,278
Van Cleef & Arpels round-cut diamond and platinum stud earrings: $10,500
FAQs about selling your Van Cleef jewelry
Is Van Cleef & Arpels real gold?
Yes. Van Cleef & Arpels uses an 18-carat gold alloy, which equates to 75% gold. The other 25% is alloy metal, which improves the hardness and durability of the finished jewelry product. This kind of alloy is also referred to as 750 in the millesimal fineness system, which denotes the purity of the gold in the material.
All gold works from Van Cleef & Arpels are stamped with an eagle’s-head mark to certify their purity.
Does Van Cleef have resale value?
If you want to sell Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry, you’ll be glad to know that these beautiful pieces hold their value.
According to jeweler and appraiser Kevin Zavian from this episode of Antiques Roadshow, Van Cleef & Arpels is in demand:
Van Cleef & Arpels was ranked as the top fine jewelry brand in terms of resale value by luxury resale site TheRealReal. Van Cleef & Arpels’ signature Alhambra designs reportedly sell for an average of 86% of their original price, and 90% of pieces sell within 30 days.
Bottom line: Where is the best place to sell Van Cleef?
Yes. Van Cleef & Arpels uses an 18-carat gold alloy, which equates to 75% gold.
Does Van Cleef have resale value?
If you want to sell Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry, you’ll be glad to know that these beautiful pieces hold their value.
Known as “Jeweler to the Stars,” Harry Winston first got the attention of the public when Marilyn Monroe’s character sang his name in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, and with his donation of the Hope Diamond to the Smithsonian Museum in 1958.
Today, Winston is known for pioneering the concept of lending out jewelry for the red carpet — and continues to be associated with high-end, luxury jewelry by partnering with celebrities like Helen Mirren, Salma Hayek, Madonna, Rosario Dawson, Jennifer Lopez and Elizabeth Taylor, whose 69-carat Taylor-Burton diamond necklace put the jeweler on the map in 1969.
Even more modest Harry Winston pieces tend to be a good investment, selling at a premium above simply the cost of the metal and diamonds or gemstones.
In this article, we explore the ways to sell your Harry Winston jewelry for the highest prices, including our No. 1 recommendation, online jewelry marketplace Worthy.com, which joins other fine jewelry resellers in naming Harry Winston to its list of jewelry designers that retain their value.
Worthy is our No. 1 choice because:
B+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and hundreds of customer testimonials
Worthy has been featured in top publications including the New York Times (twice), Crain’s New York Business, Washington Post, Entrepreneur, Reader’s Digest, and Woman’s Day, among others
Free FedEx shipping insured by Lloyds of London up to $100,000
Free Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or International Gemological Institute (IGI) lab report with every sale
Auction platform helps drive prices to market highs
The rarity and condition of your Harry Winston necklace, ring, earrings or bracelet, along with the popularity of its style, will affect its resale price — as well as the quality and size of the diamond or gemstone. Here are five ways you can sell Harry Winston jewelry:
Sell back to a jeweler
Some jewelry stores buy fine jewelry and resell the items as estate or antique jewelry, or resell the item at a profit to another retailer. Harry Winston does not buy back its items from customers.
Before you sell Harry Winston to a jeweler, get your item appraised. The more you know, the less likely you’ll be ripped off by a jeweler who thinks you don’t understand the value of what you have. Worthy provides free GIA or IGI lab reports, along with estimated sale prices, that can help you understand what you have.
Keep in mind that local jewelers have high overhead costs and less competition than top online jewelry buyers like Worthy, so you will likely get less money if you sell Harry Winston rings or other jewelry to a brick-and-mortar jeweler vs. an online jewelry buyer.
A local consignment store that deals in fine jewelry is another way to sell Harry Winston rings, necklaces or other jewelry. Show the manager your jewelry appraisal and hope for the best.
Typically, consignment stores only pay once the item sells. (Hint: That might not happen right away.)
If you want to cast a wider net, you can also sell your items to an online consignor. Companies like Mercari and TheRealReal both accept Harry Winston jewelry.
Sell at a pawn shop
Pawn shops and pawnbrokers offer immediate cash for jewelry trades, but the payout for your Harry Winston jewelry will be low.
Sell at an auction
Major auction houses like Christie’s and Sotheby’s often sell Harry Winston jewelry in both live and online auctions. Whether or not they’ll accept your jewelry depends on the piece’s value and provenance — if your necklace, earrings, or engagement ring were once owned by a celebrity or have an otherwise glamorous history you can document, they are more likely to be of interest to any buyer.
A downside to selling Harry Winston through a major auction house is that you won’t be paid until a month or more after your auction closes (Sotheby’s has a 45-day payout period).
Sell to a professional jewelry buyer online
Worthy.com also auctions jewelry — but exclusively online. Worthy works only with vetted professional diamond buyers. These jewelry buyers understand the value of high-end brands like Harry Winston, and they are willing to pay what your jewelry is worth.
We like Worthy because:
Getting an estimate is hassle-free: Just describe your jewelry and upload some pictures
The company has a B+ rating with the BBB and a score of 4.6 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot (based on more than 3,500 reviews)
You get a free GIA or IGI lab report for each item
Buyers choose the minimum price they’re willing to accept for their jewelry
It costs you zero dollars to get things moving because Worthy pays for shipping, handling and insurance for up to $100,000 by Lloyds of London
Worthy only accepts items that will sell for at least $1,000. If you have smaller jewelry, or gold, silver, gemstone jewelry, coins or flatware, we recommend DiamondsUSA.
How to sell Harry Winston online
The best way to sell Harry Winston jewelry online is through Worthy.com. Worthy has a reputation for discriminating buyers and makes it super simple for you to sell Harry Winston rings and other jewelry.
Type in your contact info, then describe the Harry Winston jewelry you want to sell and upload a few photos. Worthy uses these photos to do a market analysis and will let you know what similar jewelry is selling for right now.
Watch for the trackable FedEx mailer (typically within one day) to send your stuff to Worthy. No need to worry: It’ll be insured by Lloyds of London insurance for up to $100,000.
Worthy will do the rest: Professionally photograph your Harry Winston jewelry, get it graded at the GIA lab and then start the bidding process.
Finally: Use the live auction viewer tool to see bids come in on your jewelry. Once you’ve approved the final bid, your money will be sent to you via PayPal within 24 hours or by check if you prefer.
How much you get when you sell Harry Winston jewelry depends on factors such as:
The age of the piece
The rarity of the jewelry
The popularity of a particular style
Condition – a small amount of damage to metal or gemstone that’s barely visible to you means it can no longer be sold as “mint condition”
Worthy describes the market for Harry Winston jewelry as “strong,” adding that most Harry Winston jewelry is “quite valuable” — pieces have recently sold for more than $20,000.
Here are a few examples of Harry Winston pieces that recently sold on Worthy:
Worthy describes the market for Harry Winston jewelry as “strong,” adding that most Harry Winston jewelry is “quite valuable” — pieces have recently sold for more than $20,000.
Bookkeepers.com (formerly Bookkeeper Launch) is an online course launched in 2015 by Ben Robinson, a certified public accountant, and owner of his own CPA firm.
Robinson reports he has helped more than 12,000 people start their own bookkeeping businesses since 2001.
Bookkeeper Launch is an online bookkeeping course led by Ben Robinson, a certified public accountant and owner of his own CPA firm, through his website, Bookkeepers.com. The course is designed to help people start a virtual bookkeeping business from the ground up.
Bookkeeper Launch teaches:
Modern bookkeeping skills
Systems to build an efficient business
Marketing strategies to attract clients
Bookkeeper Launch reviews
Bookkeeper Launch reviews from the BBB
Bookkeepers.com, the parent company that offers the Bookkeeper Business Launch course, is accredited with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and has 5 out of 5 stars based on 98 customer reviews:
Bookkeeper Launch reviews from Reddit
The number one concern of people looking for feedback about Bookkeeper Launch on Reddit seems to be the course’s $2,999+ price point. But course graduates have jumped in to justify the cost based on the course’s quality and large alumni network.
This thread offers multiple reviews from people who took the Bookkeeper Launch course with no prior experience in bookkeeping or accounting:
Bookkeeper Launch reviews from graduates of this course
Erin Bardsley was a newly divorced single mom in Vermont when she enrolled in the Bookkeeper Launch course with no prior bookkeeping experience.
Although the course was a major investment for Bardsley at the time, she now earns $70 per hour as a bookkeeper working on her own schedule. Her roster of clients includes a bakery, yoga studio, and an arts nonprofit, which she landed through word-of-mouth referrals.
Check out our interview for her full Bookkeeper Launch review:
After a tough divorce, Kim Barnes-Edmiston had to restart her life at age 48. She needed a job where she could work from home and support her kids:
There are currently only two complaints listed on Bookkeeper.com’s Better Business Bureau profile and none filed in the last year.
The only complaints I could find online had to do with the course’s high price point or comments like this one on Reddit about an older version of the course:
Bookkeeper Launch course details
The current course includes video lessons, worksheets, templates, quizzes, interviews, role-play scenarios, case studies, and checklists — and a dynamic closed Facebook community only for Bookkeeper Launch clients.
Here is an overview of the curriculum, according to the Bookkeeper Launch syllabus:
Section 1 – 21st Century Bookkeeping Skills
This is where you learn the technical skills you need to become a bookkeeper. Each skill section is broken down into individual modules like these:
In this section, you’ll learn:
How to clearly understand the role of a bookkeeper for businesses today
How to create beautiful financial reports that will blow clients' minds (compared to the ugly spreadsheets delivered by most of your competitors)
Everything you need to know about:
balance sheets
income statements
statements of cash flows
Ben's proven system of “clean up” the books of even the messiest, most chaotic client (and how to brace yourself for clients' ecstatic reactions)
How to give your client hope for a better financial future
How to stay up-to-date on new bookkeeping technology and rules
These modules break down how to find clients and how to get them to work with you.
In this section, you’ll learn:
The difference between busy vs breakthrough work — and how to use this lesson to make the big bucks
Identify your ideal target market
Craft sales copy and networking language that connects with your ideal target client
How to get inside prospective clients minds to understand what they're REALLY looking for
The #1 mistake people make with their business card (this costs them lots of clients)
Word-for-word scripts to use at networking events, conferences, on sales calls to build trust, get people to like you, and help you feel professional and confident
The secrets to coming across as confident in a professional setting (even if you feel terrified inside)
Where to find high-quality clients
How to price your services
How to send proposals that prospective clients buy
How to quickly set up a website by yourself
Section 3 – 21st Century Business Systems
Business Systems modules show you how to do your job efficiently and effectively so you can maintain a better work-life balance.
In these modules, you’ll learn:
Quick launch system to launch your business in less than one week — including a checklist to give you the confidence that you have covered everything before you open for business, including:
Tax setup
A list of licenses and permits required — and how and where to get them
Tips on how to set up bank and merchant accounts to avoid mistakes that cost you money and headache
How to onboard a client safely and smoothly
“The Breakthrough Framework” for getting more done (in less time)
Bookkeeper lifestyle hacks to help you get more done in less time, and make more money so you can enjoy your new life.
Power Units
Some units are designated as Power Units, which are designed to bring you to the next level of your business (for example, how to get clients to come to you instead of constantly searching for clients).
In these units, you’ll learn:
Ben's simple follow-up system to make sure no interested prospect ever gets by
How to build a bookkeeper business on referrals
How to define your niche market and double your profits
How to facilitate conversations and turn contacts into profits without extra time or effort
How to hone your advising skills for a 21st century client
Email Handshake template to have clients lining up to talk to you
You also get access to the extensive Bookkeeper Launch “Resource Library,” which includes guides, templates and worksheets you need to start your successful bookkeeping business:
A detailed workbook to help you work through all of your bookkeeping practicals.
Tested and proven templates for Proposals, Engagement Letters and other key marketing materials so you can be confident in your sales process
Results-Oriented Checklists for your key systems to make sure you don't miss any important details
Interviews with successful students on how they overcame key challenges in their journey so you don't have to run into the same pitfalls
Study hacks to show you the most effective learning methods so you can acquire your new bookkeeping skills as quickly as possible
All material library materials are based on what's working NOW for the most active and successful bookkeeper
Special software and tool recommendations for a virtual bookkeeping business, so you can be efficient and maximize your free time
Quizzes, tests and final exams so you've proven that you know what you're talking about
These are some of the available templates/tools:
Bookkeeper Launch certificate of completion
While there is no actual bookkeeping certification required to run a bookkeeping business, Bookkeeper Launch does issue a certificate of completion, which is both helpful in marketing your new business, as well as giving you the confidence to seek out and book clients.
Also, QuickBooks Online and Xero both offer free certifications. These are not necessary to operate as a bookkeeper but can be helpful in building your skills and worth mentioning in your marketing to potential clients.
Bookkeeper Launch Premiere Private Coaching Group
For a premium fee, the Premiere membership level includes a private coaching group where you will receive a high-touch network of fellow bookkeeping students, as well as coaching from instructors.
All members can access the Bookkeeper Launch Family community.
Nearly every review for Bookkeeper Launch is positive. Its provider, Bookkeepers.com, is accredited with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and 5 out of 5 stars based on 98 customer reviews. The site has had no complaints filed with the BBB in the last year.
Ben Robinson is a great teacher. He breaks everything down in engaging and easy-to-follow video lessons that you can take at your own pace. For each video, you can turn on captions, listen to an audio file or read the transcription if you prefer. There is also a tool to take notes while you listen.
The course sequence is designed to help you start your business quickly. For example, Robinson asks you to choose a working business name in the first set of video lessons and to start prospecting for clients even before you’ve learned all of your technical bookkeeping skills. These tactics are designed to push you into action one step at a time so by the end of the course, you feel confident and ready to serve your clients.
Each module lists how long it will take, so you can plan your training schedule accordingly.
You can access templates/tools for marketing to prospective clients and actually conducting your business, including a pricing calculator.
Unit quizzes and tests test your retention and progress.
You get unlimited lifetime course access, so you can go back for a refresher whenever you need to. The course index lists all lessons by topic so you can easily find a specific part of the course.
You have access to a support team of Bookkeeper Launch graduates/current bookkeepers who also hold twice weekly live Q&As.
The course isn’t just about learning bookkeeping skills — it’s about mindset, creating a work-life balance, and establishing yourself as a successful business owner from a 360-degree view.
Bookkeeper Launch cons
The course’s starting $2,999 price point may be steep for some. But numerous reviews say the investment is well worth it. You can see for yourself if it is a fit by taking their free bookkeeping course.
The 64 modules take a suggested 90 days to complete, so if you’re not 100% sold on starting a bookkeeping business, you may want to dabble in some shorter and less expensive training to start. Check out this post for a list of bookkeeping courses at various lengths and price points.
Robinson asks you to take aggressive steps like searching for clients before you’ve finished the course. If you’re a perfectionist who doesn’t like to do anything until you’re 100% confident and ready, this course might not be for you.
FAQs about Bookkeeper Launch
Is Bookkeeper Launch accredited?
Bookkeepers.com, the site that offers Bookkeeper Launch, is accredited by the Better Business Bureau with an A+ rating.
Bookkeeper Launch has not been vetted by any bookkeeping accreditation agencies. However, you don’t need an accredited degree or certification to run a bookkeeping business.
Who is Bookkeeper Launch for?
The typical Bookkeeper Launch client is drawn to these benefits of owning a bookkeeping business:
You want to boost your income (the average Bookkeeper Launch client reports earning $60 per hour).
You want to work part-time and/or remotely from home — or anywhere in the world!
You would enjoy helping other businesses and entrepreneurs grow and thrive
8 LIVE group coaching sessions giving you more preparation and accountability in a small class setting
Led by course creator Ben Robison
Unlimited open mic sessions
The Premiere program also has a payment plan of 12 payments of $349.
Pay in full, and save $689 on the premiere plan.
Ben Robinson, the founder (who you will meet in all the sales and course videos, and is immensely likable) is so confident that this course works, that he offers a 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee.
“If you aren’t completely satisfied with the program (for any reason whatsoever) you can request a full refund within the 30-day refund period,” said Ben Robinson, Bookkeeper Launch founder.
Bookkeeper Launch Team costs $4,999 (one-time payment)
For those who already have a bookkeeper business and are ready to scale up. Bookkeeper Launch Team costs $499 monthly (for 12 monthly payments so long as the student continues to pay). Or save $989 when you pay in full.
Team includes:
Everything in Pro and Premiere, plus:
In-bound marketing and sales processes
Access to a community of elite bookkeepers to share ideas and strategies
2 Knowledge Licenses for your team members (Bookkeeper Launch Skills)
Bookkeeper Launch offers a 30% military discount for active-duty members, retired service members, and spouses. To prove their eligibility, the individual must supply a copy of their orders (active) or DD214 (retired).
How long does it take to finish Bookkeeper Launch?
The Bookkeeper Launch System includes 64 hours of coursework. The suggested pacing is about 90 days (the course provides a recommended timeline for each unit).
More Bookkeepers.com courses/products
While Bookkeeper Launch is parent company Bookkeepers.com's core, flagship product, the company also offers a suite of supplemental courses to help bookkeepers scale their businesses. These programs are meant to be taken alongside, not in place of, Bookkeeper Launch.
Course designed to help bookkeepers improve and automate their marketing processes and scale their business
Build a 6-Figure Bookkeeping Business
Cost: $497
Course to make your bookkeeping business highly profitable using technology and best practices
Bookkeeper Lab Annual/Monthly
Cost: $370.00/year or $37/month
Advanced community for bookkeeping professionals that includes resources to help you grow your business, two times per month live office hours, and a private support community. Annual members also get the Cybersecurity course ($97) for free.
Outstanding Processes & People
Cost: $2,995
Learn how to document your bookkeeping processes so you can train and hire people to do the work you don't want to do
Pricing & Packaging
Cost: $998
Course to increase your current prices to maximize profitability and get prospective clients to work with you
New Client Onboarding
Cost: $497
Course to streamline your process for bringing on new clients quickly
Cybersecurity for Bookkeepers
Cost: $97
Course to protect yourself and your clients from cyber criminals, including tips for working with passwords and login info, protecting identifying client information, and securing all of your devices without spending a lot of time and money
Advisory Services
Cost: $2,995
Course teaches you how to become a trusted advisor for your clients and how to market yourself as more than a bookkeeper
TaxBiz Membership
Cost: $2,995
Membership to become a tax professional and start your own tax preparation business, including one-year access to QuickBooks Online and listing on TaxPreparers.com
Bottom line: Is Bookkeeper Launch good?
Yes, Bookkeeper Launch is a legit course to help you start a bookkeeping business from scratch. Bookkeeper Launch has helped thousands of people start successful bookkeeping businesses and attract high-paying clients, often earning $100,000+ per year.
Bookkeeper Launch is accredited with the Better Business Bureau and has an A+ BBB rating, payment plan, and money-back guarantee.
Bookkeeper Launch is an online course launched by Ben Robinson, a certified public accountant, and owner of his own CPA firm. It is designed to help people start a virtual bookkeeping business from the ground up.
Is Bookkeeper Launch accredited?
Bookkeepers.com, the site that offers Bookkeeper Launch, is accredited by the Better Business Bureau with an A+ rating.
Who is Bookkeeper Launch for?
The typical Bookkeeper Launch client is drawn to these benefits of owning a bookkeeping business: you want to boost your income, work part-time, and you don't have lot of time or money to invest in a degree or a business.
How much does Bookkeeper Launch cost?
Bookkeeper Launch starts at $2,499.
How long does it take to finish Bookkeeper Launch?
The Bookkeeper Launch System includes 64 hours of coursework. The suggested pacing is about 90 days (the course provides a recommended timeline for each unit).
Is Bookkeeper Launch good?
Yes, Bookkeeper Launch is a legit course to help you start a bookkeeping business from scratch. Bookkeeper Launch has helped thousands of people start successful bookkeeping businesses and attract high-paying clients, often earning $100,000+ per year.
You don’t need to have a formal education, degree or even certification to become a bookkeeper or to start your own bookkeeping business.
So, while you can technically start a bookkeeping business with little investment, there are some steps and costs to consider if you want to establish a legitimate business and attract quality, high-paying clients.
Fortunately, there are numerous online bookkeeping courses available, from short introductory courses that are only a few hours long to in-depth, months-long courses that include a certification — which is helpful for your own education, as well as marketing your services to clients.
We recommend Bookkeeper Launch because it is specifically geared toward people who want to learn bookkeeping and start a bookkeeping business — and it is taught by successful bookkeepers who has helped thousands of people launch their own successful companies.
Get a taste of whether bookkeeping is for you, and what this A+ BBB program entails with this free bookkeeper course >>
You could also read our Bookkeeper Launch review to learn more about what this career takes, or continue reading the steps you could take to start today:
Typically, you only need experience in accounting to find entry-level work. Many employers are also willing to hire inexperienced bookkeepers provided they have the basic math and software skills.
However, thousands of moms have gone through Bookkeeper Launch, an online video course and community to learn everything you need to know to successfully launch a bookkeeper business, including both the hard skills, selling and marketing, as well as mindset blocks that can hold you back from launching and growing into the 6-figure, at-home career that many moms dream of.
Bookkeeper Launch issues a certificate of completion, which is both helpful in marketing your new business, as well as giving you the confidence to seek out and book clients. This post details learning to become a bookkeeper.
2. Get experience working part time or as an intern.
Many bookkeepers find work with a single organization, while others work as freelance bookkeepers for a handful of clients. The high level of skill required for this career has also paved the way for wages as high as $100 per hour or more, according to sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics and ZipRecruiter.
Visit hiring websites like Indeed or Ziprecruiter to see what part-time jobs or internships are available for bookkeepers.
Some online courses, like Bookkeeper Launch, will connect you with a community of other bookkeepers who may be looking to hire help.
As I mentioned before, you’ll probably want to register your business as a sole proprietorship or LLC. In most states, these are the steps:
Name your business.
Register online through your state’s Department of State website as a sole proprietorship or LLC and pay the corresponding registration fee.
If you register an LLC, you’ll also have to file a Certificate of Organization laying out details of your bookkeeping business (address, employees, etc.).
In some states, you have to run an ad or ads in qualifying newspapers or other publications to establish your business.
If you want to become an official business, you’ll need to choose a business structure — likely a sole proprietorship or LLC — and pay the required fees to register in your state. How you structure your business will affect your taxes and legal liability, so you may want to hire an attorney or accountant to discuss your options. These vary state-by-state.
For example, the requirements to form an LLC in Arizona include that LLCs publish a Notice of LLC Formation in a local newspaper for three consecutive weeks, and the LLC must submit an affidavit of publication to the Arizona Corporation Commission to complete the formation process. In Delaware, there are other compliance steps, such as designating a registered agent within the state and filing annual reports.
Some states also require businesses (both sole proprietorships and LLCs) to publish an advertisement in a qualifying newspaper or legal publication as part of the registration process.
4. Get a business checking account and insurance coverage.
Open a business checking account to keep track of your business income and expenses, and consider investing in insurance coverage to protect your business and personal assets. If you’re self-employed, consider getting the following coverage:
Bookkeeper Launch recommends bookkeepers get errors and omissions insurance, a type of professional liability insurance that will protect you from lawsuits if you make a mistake, don’t deliver your work on time (or at all), or otherwise fall short of expectations. According to Investopedia, most policies cost between $500 to $1,000 a year.
5. Get bookkeeping software.
You’ll likely need to purchase software to actually conduct your business. Quickbooks is regularly cited as the most popular bookkeeping software and costs anywhere from $30 to $200 a month.
6. Launch a website when you’re ready to hang your shingle and start marketing.
At the very minimum, you will need a basic website detailing your services. To reach potential clients, you may need to invest in marketing like Facebook or Google ads, direct mail, email campaigns, networking events, or even local newspaper ads.
Bookkeeping businesses help other business owners to maintain their business’ financial records. This can include recording sales, revenue, and expenses, check statements for accuracy, verify receipts, billing and account receivables and payroll.
Some businesses have bookkeepers on staff, though it’s increasingly common to hire independent bookkeepers — especially small or new businesses. Many bookkeepers have multiple clients at the same time.
Independent bookkeepers can expand and hire a roster of bookkeepers. Increasingly, both staff and independent bookkeepers can work remotely, meaning your client base can be anywhere in the world.
How much money does a bookkeeping business make?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the average salary for a bookkeeper at $42,410 per year for 2020 (the most recent data available). However, it’s unclear if this figure includes salaries from self-employed bookkeepers.
ZipRecruiter lists the national average salary for a self-employed bookkeeper at $77,480 per year or $37 per hour. Top earners stand to make more than $250,000 annually.
Is a bookkeeping business profitable?
Sageworks, a provider of financial risk software, ranked bookkeeping and related businesses at the top of its list of most profitable small businesses, with an average profit margin of 18.4%.
Is it hard to start a bookkeeping business?
The process laid out by Bookkeeper Launch is simple:
Decide you want to own your own bookkeeper business.
Learn the basics of bookkeeping in 90 days.
Set up a website with basic marketing materials (Bookkeeper Launch shows you how, step-by-step).
Start networking in your community. Afraid? Imposter syndrome? The course helps you work through these very normal fears. Successful clients report that the Bookkeeper Launch closed Facebook community is especially helpful in inspiring new bookkeepers to launch and think big — as well as provide tactical and emotional support as you start and grow.
How much does it cost to start a bookkeeping business?
The cost of starting a bookkeeping business can range from $0 if you are simply using a computer and some software you already own, work from home, and get a few clients by word-of-mouth.
However, if you choose to invest in a training and certification program, buy a new laptop, invest in some specialized software, business licenses and insurance, build even a basic website to promote your services, and some marketing efforts, you can easily spend $10,000 to get off the ground.
How do I find bookkeeping clients?
After opening a bookkeeping business, you need to find clients to bring money in. Bookkeeper Launch’s number one recommendation for finding clients is what founder Ben Robinson calls “Yakkity-Yak,” which essentially just means telling all the people you know that you’ve started a bookkeeping business. He says this is how he landed his first handful of clients.
Robinson advises his students not to try to sell themselves or even ask for referrals. Yakkity-Yak is just about planting seeds so people will think of you the next time they or someone they know needs bookkeeping services. He also recommends handing those people a business card with your website and basic contact info.
This method is also how Erin Bardsley, a Bookkeeper Launch graduate, landed most of her clients.
“There are millions of small businesses in this country, and every single one of them needs a bookkeeper,” says Bardsley, who had no prior experience in bookkeeping when she started the course. “Just using my own personal contacts has been incredibly helpful.”
Bardsley currently works with seven clients across different industries, including a bakery, yoga studio, and art nonprofit. Check out her full interview here:
These are some places Robinson recommends informing people about your business:
Bus stop
Book club
Birthday parties
Social media
Religious services
Kids events
School events
Clubs and activities
Sporting events
Waiting room
Second to Yakkity-Yak, Robinson recommends networking. Because bookkeepers can work virtually from anywhere in the world, your networking efforts can include in-person events and virtual forums.
These are some ideas/places to find networking opportunities, both in person and online:
Business Networking International
Local chamber of commerce
Rotary club
Websites like Meetup.com, eventbrite.com
Google “business networking events near me”
Online events, groups and forums with a business focus
Facebook groups
Linkedin groups
Professional association websites
Industry-specific websites, blogs, publications
These are some other ways to find or attract bookkeeping clients from the Bookkeeper Launch course:
Google My Business page
Facebook business page
Email marketing to high-quality leads (the people most likely to work with you)
Freelance sites like Upwork to find quick gigs and build your portfolio
How to get bookkeeping clients: Is it hard?
As Robinson says in his Bookkeeper Launch course, the more you put your message out there, the more likely you are to get clients. Bookkeepers.com, the site that offers the Bookkeeper Launch course, says most of its students take about 3 to 6 months to get their first clients.
These are some things you can do to increase your chances of finding bookkeeping clients.
Get training/certification from an established provider like Bookkeeper Launch
Make a list of all the people you know and find ways to let them know you’ve started a bookkeeping business
Form relationships with referral partners (they recommend you and you recommend them)
Take on freelance gigs or subcontract clients from an established bookkeeper – Bookkeeper Launch has an online community of bookkeepers who offer each other help/advice about the industry
Build an attractive website to promote your business and include it on your business card
Robinson also recommends specializing in a niche industry so you can hone your marketing strategy. If you have past experience or specialized knowledge in a certain industry, you’ll have a leg up in landing clients in that industry. These are his top 10 recommended industries based on their simple business models:
Construction
Real estate investors
Dentists
Online product sales: Amazon, Shopify, e-commerce
Professional services: engineers, architects, IT, consultants
Agriculture
Trades: electricians, plumbers, painters, etc.
Physicians (if you have an “in” with someone in the medical industry)
Veterinarians
Attorneys
How much should a small business bookkeeper charge?
Depending on your experience, demand for your services, and the industries you service, self-employed bookkeepers should charge between $30 and $100 per hour.
Bottom line: How to start a bookkeeping business quickly
Bookkeeping can be a steady, in-demand career that gives you the opportunity to control your schedule, location flexibility, and work with interesting and passionate business owners and entrepreneurs.
Bookkeeper Launch is an easy way to learn not only bookkeeping skills, but get the steps and support to actually start, grow and manage a successful bookkeeping business.
Get a taste of whether bookkeeping is for you, and what this A+ BBB program entails with this free bookkeeper course >>
A bookkeeper typically works with either a small business or accountant clients to make sure that the client's revenue and expense records are organized and accounted for. This helps the client with tax filings and to understand their business operations, so they can make decisions on how to grow.
How much money does a bookkeepers business make?
ZipRecruiter lists the national average salary for a self-employed bookkeeper at $77,480 per year or $37 per hour. Top earners stand to make more than $250,000 annually.
Is bookkeeping profitable?
Sageworks, a provider of financial risk software, ranked bookkeeping and related businesses at the top of its list of most profitable small businesses, with an average profit margin of 18.4%.
How much does it cost to start a bookkeeping business?
While you can technically start a bookkeeping business with little or no investment, there are some costs to consider if you want to establish a legitimate business and attract quality, high-paying clients: courses/training, establishing a business, insurance, software, and marketing.
How do I find bookkeeping clients?
Bookkeeper Launch’s number one recommendation for finding clients is what founder Ben Robinson calls “Yakkity-Yak,” which essentially just means telling all the people you know that you’ve started a bookkeeping business. He says this is how he landed his first handful of clients.
Is it hard to get bookkeeping clients?
Bookkeepers.com, the site that offers the Bookkeeper Launch course, says most of its students take about 3 to 6 months to get their first clients.
