How Affo sets pricing for micro businesses
Affo keeps pricing tied to the size and activity of your business. A micro business with a small team, simple payroll and steady monthly bookkeeping needs a different level of support than a business with casual staff, weekly wages or extra payroll checks. The aim is to keep the service affordable without cutting corners on accuracy.
We look at the number of employees, how often payroll runs, how much bookkeeping is needed each month and whether there are any catch up tasks. That may include payroll cleanup, leave tracking or deduction support. This approach helps keep the monthly cost predictable, which matters when cash flow is tight and every Rand counts.
What is usually included in the monthly fee
Most clients want a simple monthly structure that covers the essentials. Affo can include bookkeeping and payroll support in a way that suits the business, whether you are based in Sandton, Randburg, Midrand or further afield in Cape Town, Durban, Pretoria or Gqeberha.
- Monthly payroll processing for small teams
- Weekly wage payroll where staff are paid every week
- Payslip processing and delivery
- Leave tracking and time sheet capture
- New employee setup and termination pay
- Deduction support and payroll reporting
If your business has seasonal staff, holiday payroll cover can also be added when needed. This is useful for businesses that run with lean admin support over December or during busy trading periods.
When a once-off clean-up is needed first
Sometimes the starting point is not a normal monthly fee. If your payroll records are not up to date, or if previous months need checking, Affo may recommend a once-off cleanup before regular support begins. That gives you a proper base to work from and reduces the risk of carrying errors forward.
Common reasons for a clean-up include missed payslips, unpaid leave not recorded correctly, deduction issues or staff changes that were never captured fully. Once the records are sorted, we move the account onto a regular support cycle. It is a practical step, and it often saves money later because small mistakes do not build up.
What affects the final price
Not every micro business needs the same level of support, so the final price depends on a few clear factors. We keep the discussion straightforward and explain what is included before work starts.
- Number of employees on payroll
- Weekly or monthly payroll frequency
- Volume of payslips and reporting required
- Whether bookkeeping is included or payroll only
- Need for catch up work or payroll cleanup
- Special allowances, deductions or termination calculations
Businesses with more moving parts may need a bit more time each month, especially when staff come and go often or when payroll must be processed around load shedding, public holidays or shift changes. The pricing reflects that time, not guesswork.
How the pricing process works from first enquiry to sign up
Clients reach us through the enquiry form on our contact page. From there, we ask for a few basic details about the business, the staff numbers and the kind of support you need. This helps us match the service to your actual workload and avoid unnecessary extras.
After that, we explain the recommended service structure and what will be handled each month. If your business operates from Bryanston, Pretoria, Cape Town, Durban or Gqeberha, the process is the same. You get a clear outline, a practical start date and a service plan that makes sense for a small business owner who has enough on their plate already.
Why micro businesses value predictable support costs
Micro businesses need certainty more than complicated finance talk. A predictable monthly cost makes it easier to plan around wages, supplier payments and tax deadlines. It also helps owners decide when to hire someone new, when to increase hours and when to hold back.
Affo was founded in 2012 and is led by Thabiso Mokoena with a team that includes bookkeeping, payroll and compliance support. That means the pricing is backed by people who understand the pressure of small business admin and the need for accurate records without unnecessary overheads.
For many clients, the real value is not only the price itself but the time saved. When payroll is handled properly and bookkeeping stays current, you can focus on sales, service and day to day operations instead of chasing figures at month end.
