Paying for Virtual Assistant Services

Now, let’s talk about money. Always a good subject…well, as long as we are receiving it, right?

Anyway, for those of us working from home, such as virtual assistants, receiving payment for our services is a bit different than working outside the home. In the offline business world, payment is given once the services or hours have been completed.

For virtual assistants and most online business owners, payment is due before services are completed. (You will find exceptions to this general rule). Now, this may sound backwards to you however, there is a logical reason for this. Since the business relationship is virtual, no one wishes to work hard and then not receive payment.

Now, you may be saying, “Hey, by paying beforehand, this doesn’t protect the client from the virtual assistant taking payment and not doing the work.” I agree with this point, however, the fail safe in this is….for a virtual assistant who does this (well, really anyone who does this online) will not be in business for long. As you know, we live in a extremely fast paced VIRAL world…word spread very quickly.

Virtual Assistant services usually range from $25-$55 per hour, depending on the type of services you are requesting or needing at that time. Some virtual assistants will have discounts on retainers set up, so the more hours you purchase in a month, the less per hour rate you need to pay.

The preferred method of payment for most virtual assistants is Paypal. Now, if you have not used Paypal before, it is pretty easy to use and convenient. The process is pretty simple as well. The virtual assistant will write up an invoice for services in Paypal and send it to your email. The client will open the email to receive the invoice and click a link that will allow them to make the payment. Like many things online, you will set up an account using your email and a password. Or, if you don’t have an account (or don’t wish to set up an account) with Paypal, you can still make payments to a virtual assistant using the system. You can pay using your credit card or even an eCheck. Most payments made via Paypal (except eCheck) are done almost immediately. *The eCheck takes about 2-3 days*.

For any business owner, the process of purchasing services is one of those things that needs to be completed efficiently and effectively for their clients. In the online environment, that goal is still desired, however, the time of payment is different. Payment is usually made before services are completed but the method of paying for those services is simple and convenient. And remember, virtual assistants wish to develop long lasting relationships with their clients…so they don’t want to upset you by not providing the services you paid for in advance. Virtual assistants are in business to make their client’s business and lives run smoother so they strive to make paying for their services the same as well.

Teresa Morrow is on Florida Board of Advisors with The WECAI Network ™ (http://www.wecai.org) and Editor at Large for WE Magazine for Women ™ . She has over 15 years working with various industries to include property management, landscape architecture and financial planning firms in executive administrative positions. In 2007, Teresa started Key Business Partners, a virtual assistance & online promotion company for coaches, speakers and writers. She is passionate about her work and cares about her clients. She is available for 20 minute free consultation to discuss how she can help you with your business. You can contact her via email at keybusinesspartners@verizon.net or visit her website at Key Business Partners