What Business Owners Should Look For Instead of a Price List

One of the most common questions business owners ask when choosing an accountant is simple: “How much does it cost?”

So should accountants publish their prices online? The answer isn’t as straightforward as it might seem. In this article, we look at the pros and cons of publishing accountancy fees and explain why many firms (including ours) take a more tailored approach.

Why Some Accountants Do Publish Their Prices

There are clear benefits to putting prices on your website:

• Transparency – Clients like clarity and knowing what to expect

• Time saving – Fewer enquiries from people outside your budget

• Trust building – Open pricing can feel reassuring to first-time business owners

For very standard services, such as basic sole trader accounts, online pricing can work well.

The Downsides of Fixed Online Pricing

However, accountancy services are rarely one-size-fits-all. Two businesses that look similar on the surface can require very different levels of work.

Publishing fixed prices can:

• Oversimplify complex situations

• Lead to misunderstandings about what’s included

• Result in clients comparing on price alone rather than value

• Make it harder to offer flexible, tailored support

In reality, the right fee depends on factors such as business structure, record-keeping quality, software used, and the level of advice required.

Why Many Firms Don’t List Prices Online

Rather than advertising a single headline figure, many accountants prefer to:

• Offer fixed fees agreed in advance, based on your specific needs

• Build packages around the level of support you want

• Ensure there are no surprises once work begins

This approach allows businesses to pay for what they actually need — not a generic package that may be too much or too little.

What Business Owners Should Look For Instead of a Price List

If prices aren’t shown online, look for:

• Clear explanations of services

• Fixed-fee agreements (not hourly billing surprises)

• A willingness to understand your business before quoting

• Transparent discussions about costs from the outset

A short conversation can often tell you far more than a price list ever could.

Our Approach to Pricing

We don’t believe in guesswork or hidden costs. Our fees are fixed, agreed upfront, and tailored to your business — whether you’re a sole trader, limited company or growing owner-managed business.

If you’d like to understand what your accounting support might cost, the best first step is a conversation about your business and what you want to achieve.

Thinking about changing accountants or starting a new business? Get in touch to discuss your situation and find out what support would work best for you.