Updated October 21, 2026
Where paying clients come from
In Greece paying clients come from a few predictable places. Neighbours and local small businesses are often the easiest first customers if you work in services that fit a local market. Former colleagues and current workplace contacts can hire you for one-off projects or refer you. Schools and other institutions may contract consultants for training or short projects, especially in towns and regional centres. Online search and professional networks bring clients from anywhere in the country. Word of mouth matters - a satisfied client in a small town can lead to several more local jobs. Marketplaces and directories like Websta can make you visible to people searching by service and place.
- Local neighbours and small businesses
- Former colleagues and workplace contacts
- Schools, NGOs and local institutions
- Online search and professional networks
- Referrals and marketplace leads
How to set a first price and talk about money
Start by calculating what your time actually costs - account for taxes, social contributions, business costs and the fact that some time is not billable. Choose whether you will charge hourly or per project. For simple offers it is often clearer to offer a per-project price and an estimated time range - that helps clients compare and reduces friction. If you use hourly rates, state the rate and an estimate of hours.
When discussing money be direct and specific. Put the price range or a clear starting price on your profile or proposal. Offer a written scope and payment terms - for example a deposit and a final payment on delivery. If a client asks for cheaper work, explain what is reduced in scope or offer a phased plan. If you are unsure about tax or invoicing implications of a particular arrangement, tell the client you will confirm the correct method after checking with a tax advisor or the relevant authority.
- Calculate your costs including taxes and social contributions
- Decide hourly or per-project pricing and state it clearly
- Use written scopes and simple payment terms - deposits help
- Be transparent about discounts and what they change
What the first ten customers usually look like
The first ten customers tend to be a mix of people who already know you and a few new clients found online or through referrals. Expect friends, family, neighbours and former colleagues to give you early work or referrals. Local micro-enterprises and sole traders are common clients for business-focused consultants. A few customers will be small projects that take less time than you expected; others will be longer assignments that teach you how to scope work better. Early customers are as valuable for learning how to sell and deliver as they are for income.
- Friends, family and personal contacts
- Former colleagues and workplace referrals
- Local small businesses and sole traders
- One-off projects and short pilot engagements
What to sort out when taking money as an independent in Greece
Before you take regular payments you should clarify registration, tax and social security obligations. For tax and invoicing questions contact AADE - ask how to register your activity, whether you must issue invoices through myDATA, and when VAT registration is required. For social contributions contact e-EFKA - ask how contributions are calculated for self-employed consultants. If you need business registration or a company form, check G.E.MI. or your local Chamber of Commerce - ask which registry applies to your activity. A tax accountant or certified advisor can answer how your particular employment status interacts with self-employment.
- Ask AADE how to register, invoice and when VAT applies
- Ask e-EFKA about social security contributions and categories
- Check with G.E.MI. or the Chamber of Commerce about registration
- Consult a tax accountant for personalised advice
Common things that go wrong in the first months
Several missteps are common among new consultants. Underpricing can make work unprofitable once taxes and costs are included. Vague scopes lead to scope creep and much more unpaid work than planned. Delayed registration or incorrect invoicing can create tax complications. Chasing late payments wastes time if you have no clear payment terms. Poor time management when mixing consulting with a job causes missed deadlines and stress.
You can reduce these risks by writing simple contracts or terms, requiring deposits for new clients, keeping basic records from the start, and asking a tax professional early about invoicing and contributions. Track your actual hours on projects for the first months so you can refine prices.
- Underpricing and ignoring taxes
- No written scope or payment terms
- Late or missing registration and invoicing errors
- Poor time management mixing job and consulting
How a Websta profile fits into finding and taking paying work
A Websta profile is a single page you can send to prospects and share on social media. It lists your services, shows photos, displays prices and supports online booking and a contact form. On Websta card payments from customers are paid out to your own bank account through Stripe and you set your prices. The marketplace side helps people nearby find providers by service and place and lets potential clients post tasks that you can offer on. Use your profile as a public brochure and a place where clients can pay or book - that reduces back-and-forth and makes your offering consistent.
- Profile shows services, prices, photos and booking
- Payments are paid out to your own bank account through Stripe
- You set your own prices
- Marketplace lets local people find you or post tasks
Practical next steps to get started
Decide a clear first offer that you can explain in a single sentence. Set a price that covers costs and includes a margin you are comfortable with. Create your Websta profile and add a clear service description, a price or price range, and a short booking or contact process. Contact a tax advisor or the AADE and e-EFKA to confirm how to register and invoice - do this before you scale payments. Start with people you already know to learn how long work takes and how to talk about money. Keep records of time, invoices and conversations so you can improve quickly.
- Define a simple first offer and price
- Set up a Websta profile and publish services and terms
- Check registration and invoicing with AADE and e-EFKA
- Start with known contacts and refine from real jobs
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need to register as self-employed to work as a consultant in Greece?
- You should check with AADE about registration requirements for your activity and with e-EFKA about social security. Ask AADE how to register, whether you must issue invoices through myDATA, and when VAT registration is required.
- How should I set my first consulting price?
- Calculate your costs including taxes and social contributions, decide between hourly or per-project pricing, and set a price that covers those costs. Start with a clear written scope and adjust after your first clients.
- Can I consult while keeping my job?
- Many people start as consultants alongside employment. Check your employment contract for moonlighting restrictions and consult a tax advisor about how your income is taxed and how social contributions apply.
- How do I get my first customers in Greece?
- Begin with people you know - neighbours, former colleagues, local businesses and schools. Use online search, professional networks and a Websta profile so people can find you and book or pay easily.
- Does Websta handle payments and payouts?
- Yes. On Websta card payments from customers are paid out to your own bank account through Stripe. You set the prices and control your offers.
About the numbers
Counts in this guide were read from the Websta catalogue when the text was written and are refreshed above from the live catalogue. Part of the catalogue was built from the public business register and is marked as such on each profile.