| Many virtual assistance companies charge variable | | | | rate, while writing the ad will be charged at a |
| rates. A few charge a "flat rate" for all services. | | | | premium rate because it is considered to be |
| When looking at the "rates" on various VA | | | | "creative writing." |
| websites, you come across various phrases like: | | | | In general, expect anything other than the most |
| Basic, Premium, Executive Assistant and other | | | | basic of tasks to be charged at a higher rate. |
| rates. This means the rate charged by company | | | | How is variable billing charged? |
| varies; depending on what type of task the | | | | In most cases you will be billed twice: A flat fee |
| assistant is working on. | | | | at the beginning of the month for basic service, |
| What are the Pros? | | | | and again at the end of the month for the |
| With a variable rate plan, the billing rate will change | | | | premium services that you use. |
| depending on the skill level required of the virtual | | | | Make sure you understand what the premium |
| assistant who will complete the task. In essence, | | | | rates are, and when you will be billed at the |
| you pay less for simple tasks, and more for | | | | premium rate, or you may end up with a much |
| complex ones. | | | | larger bill than you expected. If you are a small |
| What are the Cons? | | | | business owner hiring a virtual assistant to help |
| Essentially, the only drawback should be that a | | | | control costs, a variable rate plan may be the |
| variable rate plan is more complex to keep track | | | | opposite of what you want. |
| of than a flat fee plan. | | | | How do I know I am being charged the right |
| What to watch out for? | | | | rate? |
| Be aware of companies who attract customers | | | | Every company will have a different method of |
| by offering very low rates for basic virtual | | | | keeping you up to date. Whatever the method, it |
| assistance, then charge twice as much or more | | | | is ultimately your responsibility to make sure you |
| for premium services. This is the same principal | | | | are being billed at the proper rate. |
| retail stores use when offering a sale on select | | | | If you decide to go with a company that uses |
| items, assuming that once you are in the door, | | | | variable rates, It may be a wise practice to ask |
| you will buy other items at a higher mark up. | | | | what rate you will be charged at for each task |
| When will I be charged which rate? | | | | that you submit to your virtual assistant. |
| That question can only be answered by the VA | | | | Is there an alternative to variable rate plans? |
| company you choose to work with, but in a | | | | Yes, there are remote assistance companies with |
| broad sense it works like this: | | | | simple "flat rate" plans covering all services that |
| Lets pretend you need a virtual assistant to post | | | | are offered by that company - is one of those |
| an ad on posting the ad will be charged at a basic | | | | companies. |