Virtual Assistant Contracts
By Jan Harris
Virtual Assistant Contracts are an important part of running a successful home business.
Before you start a virtual assistant business, you want to give some thought to your
terms of service and the contracts you will use. A legal contract will ensure both you and
your client have the same expectations of the work you will do and the compensation you
will receive. Even if you are working for a family member or friend, a good contract can
prevent misunderstandings and hard feelings down the road.
There are several types of virtual assistant contracts you can choose from and what you
decide to use will depend on the types of services you offer as a VA. Once you determine
your services and your target market, you will design your business contracts to describe
the work you will perform in detail, as well as your terms of service and compensation rates.
Some virtual assistants prefer to work only on retainer, while others use short-term
and long-term contracts depending upon the client and their needs. You need to think about
what services you want to provide and what terms are best for those types of services. A
virtual assistant who offers web design and on-going site maintenance may prefer a
long-term contract. A VA who offers general administrative services may find an hourly
contract for some services fine. There are many virtual assistant contracts to choose from
once you determine what is right for you and your clients.
Here are the three typical contracts Virtual Assistants use:
• Hourly - For clients who need you once or with occasional work they
prefer to outsource, the hourly contract can be all you need. It should clearly state what
your hourly rate is, billing increments and any minimum time requirements and advanced
payments you require.
• Per Project Contracts - If you are working for a client on a
specific project, particularly a one-time project, a per project contract can be a good
choice. It should define the scope of the work, estimate of the time to finish the
project, estimated costs and any payment terms you have in advance.
• Retainer Contracts - Many Virtual Assistants prefer to establish a
long-term relationship with a client and bill them monthly in advance with a retainer
agreement. This type of contract needs to clearly define the type of services you can
provide and the number of hours you will be available for that client during the time
period of the contract. These retainer agreements are beneficial for the VA because they
provide a predictable stream of income. It is also beneficial for the client because they
know you will be available to work for them for a determined number of hours, usually at a
discounted rate, without the worry you will be too busy working for someone else when they
need you.
Virtual assistant contracts are necessary to ensure that everyone is happy and covered
in the event of any conflict. Written agreements are an important part of doing business
and are just as important for a home based business. It is important that all aspects of
the work you will perform be clear to both parties and the proper forms signed before
beginning work. Fortunately there are contracts that have been created for those who want
to become a virtual assistant.
Jan Harris is a veteran administrative professional with over 20 years of experience
and currently works at home as a Virtual Assistant. To learn more about
Virtual Assistant Contracts
and starting your own business visit
Virtual Assistants Guide
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