How VAs Charge for Services

After you've decided how you want to use a Virtual Assistant, you will need to consider several things to help in deciding which one you will work with.

Aside from finding a VA who provides the services you need, pricing is the next biggest issue.

Most VAs provide their services in these ways:

1. Retainer - You select a set number of hours that you will use your VA's sevices and contract with them to use at least that number every month.  There are some stipulations that you should be aware of. You have to retain the VA for a minimum number of hours that the VA sets forth (10, 15, 20 hours per month).  You will need to give notice before cancelling (the next month will be your last).  With retainer packages, you usually receive a discounted hourly rate and you can be sure that your VA will have time during the month to work on your tasks.
2. Pre-Paid - You can pre-pay for a set number of hours that your VA will work off of.  There usually is no set amount or minimum number of pre-paid hours you can contract with.  You typically do not have to give advanced notice to cancel a pre-paid agreement.  Some VAs will discount their hourly rate for pre-paying, but not to the extent of a retainer package.
3. Hourly - Some VAs allow you to "pay as you go."  In this instance, the VA provides services and you pay for them at the end of the month or on whatever terms you agree to with the VA.  Some VAs will limit the number of hourly work they will do before being paid. When a VA works hourly, they cannot guarantee that they will always have time for your tasks as retainer and pre-paid clients take precedence over hourly. You will usually pay the highest rate when the VA works hourly as they cannot plan their time and your hours are not guaranteed from month to month.
4. Project-based - Some VAs have set fees for specific projects that they can handle for you.  Project work can include transaction coordination, designing presentations, and website designing or maintenance.

There are several things you should always ask the VA during your initial interview.  These include:

• What payment options does the VA offer (check, money order, credit card, online payments)?
• What contract options are available to the real estate professional (retainer, pre-paid)?
• With retainer packages, how are additional hours billed (higher rate, same rate, lower rate)?
• When are payments due (1st of the month, 5th of the month, upon receipt)?
• How are late payments handled?

This should help you budget for your VA with no surprises and no unexpected expenditures!

~Renae - Market 4 Real!

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Marketing 4 Realtors provides marketing services for our clients through lead management and listing coordination.  Our goal is to help you manage your leads and listings in such a way as to ensure that you get the most exposure for yourself and your listings!  Give us a call or send us an e-mail for a no-commitment consultation on how a Virtual Assistant can help you grow your business!