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Virtual Assistant Companies Vs. Freelancers

As your business starts to grow, and tasks start to pile up, having an extra hand will surely help make sure that important chores in our business aren’t getting neglected. For most business owners, Virtual Assistants are often their choice of people who would help them out, as not only are they well experienced and skilled in different things, they also cost less than hiring local staff. If you find yourself in need of a VA, one of the choices you have to make is whether to hire one from an agency or get a freelancer.

Luckily, we can help you with deciding. Below are the differences between Agency Based and Freelance Virtual Assistants.

Cost

Agency Based

Cost more than freelance, as part of what you are paying includes overhead costs like administrative support, office space/infrastructure, and payroll processing.

Freelance

Cost less than Agency-Based VA, as most are working remotely, or from home, and manages their own expenses, which they have already included in their rates. Their rates are also negotiable whether you’re paying them per hour, week, or monthly.

Hiring

Agency Based

Has a large talent pool so hiring wouldn’t be any of your problems. However, you would have less say on whom they would be assigned to work with you, as the agency is the one qualifying the VA, according to what you are looking for.

Freelance

You have more freedom in the hiring process, wherein you can make sure that the VA you hire passes your standards with regards to your working style, as you can interview them personally.

“In the long run, outsourcing is another form of trade that benefits the U.S. economy by giving us cheaper ways to do things.”

Janet Yellen, American Economist

Skills and Training

Agency Based

Part of the cost you are paying for an agency based VA’s are skill certifications. This is to ensure that the Virtual Assistant assigned to you are well trained, and experienced with the work you’re requiring them to do. This also means that you may be able to find VA’s that can offer multiple skills, depending on your needs.

Freelance

While freelance VA’s are well experienced with a lot of things, their knowledge and skillsets are also limited to the kind of work they have been receiving, or have done in the past. Although freelance VA’s are continuously trying to upgrade their skills, finding one that can do administrative tasks and other things like marketing, or customer service, will be quite a challenge.

Availability

Agency Based

VA’s from an agency or company is usually available round the clock as they are from a big team. This is to ensure that someone can attend to your needs whenever they are needed. Rest assured that someone will take over the job if in case the main VA working for you is on a leave.

Freelance

Most freelance VA’s are paid based on how much time they spend on a task, or its output, which means they are mostly working part-time. While they do cost less, it is not guaranteed that they can respond to you whenever you call.

Finding the right VA is not a one-size-fits-all, as a lot of things about your business has to be considered. When finding one, it is best to make sure that they can provide you with your needs and that they are within the budget, before making a decision.

iHR Buddy can add leverage to your business by helping you manage the tasks that are taking up too much of your time by providing you quality first class Virtual Assistant service. Start outsourcing with us today!