A virtual assistant is like a personal secretary. They provide customer support, write, answer calls, transcribe, do research, etc. They basically work at home and communicate with their Employer through the Internet or through phone. One method many companies take to maximize the likelihood of having a positive experience in retaining a virtual assistant is by going through a virtual staffing agency. These virtual staffing agencies operate similarly to conventional staffing agencies. When setting up the structure of a virtual assistant business, the owner must decide how he or she will collect the money earned for the services performed.
Traditional Invoicing/Net 30 Days If the virtual assistant does a lot of work for larger corporate clients, she may find that her clients will only do business with her if she extends Net 30 Day terms. With this arrangement, the virtual assistant will issue an invoice at the specified time periods or at the end of a project, whatever is agreed to prior to starting the project.
Traditional Invoicing/Due Upon Receipt Issuing the purchase order or having an agreement where the terms are Due Upon Receipt will help the virtual assistant to get paid much quicker. Just like Net 30 Day terms, the virtual assistant will send an invoice at specified times or at the end of the project and wait for the company to send a check.
Credit Card Payment The virtual assistant can set-up a merchant account and collect payment from the client using a credit card. An invoice will usually still need to be given to the client, but payment can be processed immediately at specified times. The virtual assistant can keep the clients credit card number on file and charge it as soon as a project is completed and the invoice is approved. Credit card payments can also be processed through PayPal without setting-up a merchant account.
Retainer Many virtual assistants collect a retainer from their clients. Often a discount is given when the client agrees to a certain number of hours of work per month charged if it is used or not. Since the client has already paid, they will most likely use the time, however, this is a nice way for the VA to estimate how much he or she will work in a month because the client as already committed to a certain number of hours.
A Missouri Retainer Agreement for Virtual Assistant Services is a legally binding contract that outlines the terms and conditions between a virtual assistant (VA) and their client in the state of Missouri. This agreement solidifies the working relationship and sets the expectations and responsibilities for both parties involved. The retainer agreement typically includes key details such as the duration of the agreement, payment terms, scope of work, confidentiality clauses, and termination conditions. It serves as a crucial document to ensure clear communication and protect the rights of both the virtual assistant and the client. There may be different types of Missouri Retainer Agreements for Virtual Assistant Services based on various factors, such as the nature of the services being provided or the specific industry in which the virtual assistant operates. Some common variations include: 1. General Virtual Assistant Retainer Agreement: This type covers a broad range of VA services, such as administrative tasks, social media management, email correspondence, research, scheduling, and more. 2. Specialized Virtual Assistant Retainer Agreement: This type is tailored for VA's who possess unique skills or expertise in specific areas, such as graphic design, content writing, bookkeeping, or website development. It outlines the specific services to be provided within the designated area of expertise. 3. Project-Based Virtual Assistant Retainer Agreement: This agreement is applicable when the virtual assistant is hired for a specific project or assignment with a defined scope and timeline. It includes project-specific details like milestones, deliverables, and deadlines. 4. Virtual Assistant Retainer Agreement for Multiple Clients: In cases where a VA works with multiple clients simultaneously, this agreement specifies the terms and conditions for balancing workload, ensuring availability, and maintaining confidentiality across different projects. Regardless of the specific type of Missouri Retainer Agreement for Virtual Assistant Services, it is crucial to emphasize key aspects like payment terms, communication expectations, intellectual property rights, confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements, dispute resolution methods, and termination clauses. These details ensure a transparent and satisfactory working relationship between the virtual assistant and the client while complying with the regulations and laws specific to the state of Missouri.
