First, be clear about the tasks and skills you expect of your VA, so you can make a like-for-like comparison. For example, an experienced PA costs far more (c.£20,000-24,000 pa) than a Secretary (c.£16,000-20,000) or an Administrator (c.£10,000-16,000 pa).
Then, decide how much time you require. Everyone over-estimates the amount of a VA's time that's needed as it's often far less than you would plan for an employee - try to find a realistic benchmark, ask around.
Once you've compared the direct hiring costs, consider indirect costs, such as:
- Office Costs ...Providing office space, a desk, PC, telephone, etc
- Training Costs ...Learning new business skills, PC/software training, etc
- Management Costs ...Your supervision time, PAYE, sickness/holidays, etc
- How the person sounds on the phone and interacts with customers
- The quality of work and how the person adds to your professionalism
- Dealing with employment problems, attendance issues and other hassles
- Having all the necessary skills, precisely at the time when need them
- The backup to handle surges in demand or deal with emergencies
- ... this list really does go on and will be personal to you.
So, how does the case look now? I suspect your initial mental assessment is perhaps more convincing than you previously thought. If you'd like to see a case worked through, take a look at VA Comparative Costs.
For more ways to help you save time, money and hassle Search This Blog or visit www.office-lifeline.co.uk