Virtual Assistant Contracts - What Should I Use?

Virtual Assistant Contracts are an important part ofwhat your hourly rate is, billing increments and any
running a successful home business.minimum time requirements and advanced payments
Before you start a virtual assistant business, you wantyou require.
to give some thought to your terms of service and thePer Project Contracts - If you are working for a client
contracts you will use. A legal contract will ensure bothon a specific project, particularly a one-time project, a
you and your client have the same expectations ofper project contract can be a good choice. It should
the work you will do and the compensation you willdefine the scope of the work, estimate of the time to
receive. Even if you are working for a family memberfinish the project, estimated costs and any payment
or friend, a good contract can preventterms you have in advance.
misunderstandings and hard feelings down the road.Retainer Contracts - Many Virtual Assistants prefer to
There are several types of virtual assistant contractsestablish a long-term relationship with a client and bill
you can choose from and what you decide to use willthem monthly in advance with a retainer agreement.
depend on the types of services you offer as a VA.This type of contract needs to clearly define the type
Once you determine your services and your targetof services you can provide and the number of hours
market, you will design your business contracts toyou will be available for that client during the time
describe the work you will perform in detail, as well asperiod of the contract. These retainer agreements are
your terms of service and compensation rates.beneficial for the VA because they provide a
Some virtual assistants prefer to work only on retainer,predictable stream of income. It is also beneficial for
while others use short-term and long-term contractsthe client because they know you will be available to
depending upon the client and their needs. You need towork for them for a determined number of hours,
think about what services you want to provide andusually at a discounted rate, without the worry you will
what terms are best for those types of services. Abe too busy working for someone else when they
virtual assistant who offers web design and on-goingneed you.
site maintenance may prefer a long-term contract. AVirtual assistant contracts are necessary to ensure
VA who offers general administrative services maythat everyone is happy and covered in the event of
find an hourly contract for some services fine. Thereany conflict. Written agreements are an important part
are many virtual assistant contracts to choose fromof doing business and are just as important for a
once you determine what is right for you and yourhome based business. It is important that all aspects of
clients.the work you will perform be clear to both parties and
Here are the 3 typical contracts Virtual Assistants use:the proper forms signed before beginning work.
Hourly - For clients who need you once or withFortunately there are contracts that have been
occasional work they prefer to outsource, the hourlycreated for those who want to become a virtual
contract can be all you need. It should clearly stateassistant.