There are a lot of businesses and individuals from different part of the globe outsourcing virtual assistants in the Philippines. Many have success stories but there are also people who (I think) still need more information on what should be taken into account when hiring a virtual assistant in the country.

Below are some important things to note when hiring a VA in the Philippines:

The costs

I have been in outsourcing business for almost a decade and as far as I know, the usual rates for virtual assistant job in the Philippines range from $700 to $800 per month for a full-time job – this rate is from outsourcing companies. Maybe you can find prices lower than that but those, most probably, are from freelancers – most of them are home-based.

Why pre-paying is discouraged

This is discouraged most especially if you hire a freelance virtual assistant. As we know it, one of the motivating factors to do the assigned tasks better is the salary – something that an employee expects at the end of a month ( or perhaps every 15th day). When you prepay, one possible scenario is that a virtual assistant might lose his enthusiasm in performing his tasks which can lead to non-productivity – you do not want it to happen.

The holidays (vacations)

When you outsource in the Philippines you must be aware that there are approximately 20 (days) holidays (13 are regular) in a year. This is so that you will be able to do some adjustments of the tasks that you have for your VA that may be affected when he is on a vacation.

The 13th month pay

This is usually given when the year ends – this is under the labor code of the Philippines. Employers are obliged to give a 13th month pay which is equivalent to a 1-month salary to his virtual assistant. Be reminded again that this is different from a salary bonus - 13th month pay is obligatory while bonus is optional. If ever an outsourcing company insists that you are obliged to give a salary bonus for your VA, that is not right.


The option of monitoring system installation

There is no question about your employee's performance if he delivers output as expected or when he fulfills your target goals. However, you may encounter some times where output is less than expected. And then you will hear from your VA his reasons...reasons...and reasons. When dealing this issue, you have the option of installing a monitoring system to ensure that your VA is doing his duties. Some are using programs for screen shots capturing, basecamp, and there also who use video monitoring.

Above are a few things to remember when outsourcing a virtual assistant in the Philippines. Try to learn more as this can help you succeed in business.