Not sure if hiring MVA is cost-effective?
Consider the alternative of a full-time
administrative assistant employee.
Cost of Hiring an On-Site
Administrative Assistant
Based on Annual Cost
Base Salary (approx. $16.00/hour) $33,280
Benefits (15% of salary) $4,500
Payment for time not worked (13%)*
(vacation, holidays, sick, lunches) $3,900
Payroll Taxes (12%) * $3,600
Administrative Costs (7%) ** $2,100
(recruiting, hiring, training, etc.)
Equipment, Maintenance & Supplies $3,900
for employee
Rent of space for in-house employee $2,250 Annual Total $53,530
* U.S. Chamber of Commerce
** These costs assume a stable staffing situation. High turnover can double administrative costs annually.
Cost of Partnering with
a Virtual Assistant
Based on Annual Cost
Base retainer of 20 hours a month $8,400
(approx. $25/hour)
Occasional overage of hours some months $1,200
Benefits (15% of salary) $0
Payment for time not worked (13%) *
(vacation, holidays, sick, lunches) $0
Payroll Taxes (12%) * $0
Administrative Costs (7%) **
(recruiting, hiring, training, etc.) $0
Equipment, Maintenance, & Supplies
for Employee $0
Rent of space for in-house employee $0 Annual Total $9,600
* U.S. Chamber of Commerce
FEES AND PAYMENT TERMS:
Administrative Support Fees:
MVA believes that each of our clients are unique and we want to be able to evaluate each assignment to provide you with the most competitive rate possible. Administrative support services are charged on an hourly or project basis. Our average rate is $35.00 per hour.
Per Project Projects with one time assistance needs ---such as resumes or jobs where hourly tracking would be difficult to calculate, will be negotiated. Estimates will calculated according to the complexity and longevity of the project; including format, grammar, readability, organization, and technical content of the material submitted, as well as the estimated time it will take for a qualified service provider to complete the project. "Estimates" are just that, estimates only, based on the Client's representations, the Client will be charged, and will be responsible to pay, for the actual time spent on the Client's project. It is standard policy to require a 50% deposit for all projects estimated to take longer than two hours to complete.
Web Design Fees Web design services are quoted based on your specific needs. Once your needs are assessed, a proposal will be submitted to you, itemizing your web design needs.
Retainer Rates Clients who need our services on a continuous basis will enjoy discounted rates through a retainer contract. Savings are from 5 - 15%, based on blocks of time to satisfy your varied needs and budgets.
10 hours per month - 5% discount
20 hours per month - 10% discount
40 hours per month - 15% discount
Retainers are invoiced monthly and are payable in advance at the beginning of each month. Additional hours needed per month will be charged at the standard rate. Any unused time will not roll over to the next month.
Incidentals
Postage, long distance phone calls, travel time, shipping charges, etc., any additional type charges as needed per job will be billed to the client
Color Copies will be billed at $1.00 per copy (front & back will be billed at $2.00 per copy)
Printing on special paper (brochures, card stock, etc.) will be an additional charge unless customer provides the paper
Photocopying will be billed at $.25 per copy
Faxes will be billed at $.50 each page
Rate Exceptions Different rates will apply under the following circumstances:
10% will be added to projects requiring evening hours
15% will be added to projects requiring weekend hours (NO Sunday hours)
25% will be added to projects requiring 24-hour turnaround
Billing Policies and Payment Terms
MVA requires that clients sign our Work Agreement before work begins; it simply states that we have agreed on a rate for the work to be accomplished, a billing cycle, that we work as independent contractors (1099), not as an employee and ensures my confidentiality to your company.
Hourly rates are billed in 15-minute increments using Quickbooks Pro timer, with a 1 hour minimum. After the initial consultation, all phone conversations are billable time. We prefer e-mails for work requests and questions.
An invoice will be submitted when the project is complete. Longer projects will be billed on the 20th of the month and are due up receipt.
Late fees will be assessed for accounts past 15 days and a $50.00 fee will be charged on all returned checks.
Business or personal check - please note: if you are a new client who chooses to pay for an initial project with a business or personal check, we cannot start working on your project until your check has cleared, which may cause unnecessary delays, particularly if your project is on a quick deadline.
SPECIAL OFFERS
Special 5 Hour Starter Package: This offer would be good for the business owner who is not sure how much assistance they will need at first. A 5% discount will be given for this trial package. Should additional time be needed after the initial 5 hours, another 5 hour package may be purchased. After one month, we can fully evaluate your needs and place you on a package plan that best meets your needs.
Referrals:
MVA has a great referral bonus. For anyone who is referred to MVA and work is generated from that referral, you will receive between 1 and 2 hours of MVA assistance FREE. That is $25 to $50 worth of assistance to you absolutely FREE, just for your referral!!
Give the Gift of a Virtual Assistant:
Recently a VA Associate of mine was given as a gift to a charity that helps children in our Southern Appalachian area. I thought this was an amazing thing to do.
Are you tired of giving gifts that just sit around collecting dust? Do you want to give a gift that really helps someone out? Do you have a friend or family member who needs help with their busy life or business? Why not give them a "gift" of a Virtual Assistant? A one hour gift of $25.00 would get them started or you could give them a 5 hours gift for only $125.00.
If you know of an organization or non-profit that needs some extra help, you could give some hours to them in the name of your family or friends. This way you know that your investment in the organization is going to good use and will have the satisfaction of helping those in need.