FAQs

What is a virtual helper/assistant?
What sort of things can a virtual helper help me with?
How do the different pricing options work?
How soon do I need to use up the time I’ve purchased?
How do I communicate with my virtual helper?
What makes the Virtual Helpers service different from freelancing sites like Elance and oDesk?
Where are your virtual helpers located?
Where do you source your virtual helpers?
What if I have a disagreement or problem with the quality of the work?
Is hiring a virtual helper exploitation?
Can you help me recruit someone full time?
Will I get the same helper each time I use the service?
How do I know I can trust my virtual helper?

What is a virtual helper/assistant?

A virtual helper is a person who is able to help you with common daily tasks that take up a lot of your time. They can be located in another country and work remotely, taking instruction from you by email or Skype.

What sort of things can a virtual helper help me with?

A virtual helper can help you with all sorts of general administrative tasks such as data entry, transcription, handling your emails, telemarketing, and research, as well as more complex tasks like maintaining your website or basic graphic design.

How do the different pricing options work?

We sell virtual helper services in blocks of time. The smallest block you can buy is 5 hours. This might be for a one off project such as some data entry or transcription, or just to get a feel for what’s possible and how long things take.

How soon do I need to use up the time I’ve purchased?

There is no time limit on how soon you need to use up your purchased block of time. You’ll be assigned a helper within 24 hours of your purchase (or faster with our “Express” option) and can then begin sending them instructions for tasks to be completed. If you don’t use up all your time right away it will stay in your account to be used when the need arises.

How do I communicate with my virtual helper?

You have the option of communicating via email, Skype chat, Skype voice, or Skype webcam. We’ll note down your communication preferences when you place your order. Whichever method you choose is the way your helper will make contact. You can then begin assigning tasks for your helper and liaise with them via your chosen communication method.

What makes the Virtual Helpers service different from freelancing sites like Elance and oDesk?

There are several important differences between Virtual Helpers and the big freelancing sites. We’re a local Australian business and we serve Australians. We hand pick our helpers and stand by their work with guarantees. And finally, we save you the time and effort of having to become a recruiter by simply matching you with the best fit. Find out more about our differences here.

Where are your virtual helpers located?

Most of our virtual helpers are based in the Philippines. This ensures a cost-effective option for any small business and a good match with Australian time zones.

Where do you source your virtual helpers?

We have several sources for recruiting helpers. We accept applications via our Careers page. We actively headhunt strong candidates on the major outsourcing and freelancing websites, and we use our network of existing helpers to refer candidates who’d be a good fit for our clients.

What if I have a disagreement or problem with the quality of the work?

We’ll do everything we can to make things right in the unlikely situation that there’s a disagreement or a lapse in quality. If the situation can’t be reconciled then we stand by our no-questions-asked 100%  money back guarantee. 

Is hiring a virtual helper exploitation?

The wages our helpers earn are significantly higher than not just the minimum wage in their country but also the average wage in their country. Many virtual helpers are able to support their entire family thanks to the expanding overseas labour market and opportunities provided by services such as Virtual Helpers.

Can you help me recruit someone full time?

All of our helpers are there to help on a casual basis as needed. We plan on offering a permanent recruitment service in the near future. Join our mailing list to be the first to know when we bring in new services.

Will I get the same helper each time I use the service?

By default you’ll be matched with the same helper you’ve used previously, but if you’d like to try a different helper for any reason then simply mention that in the appropriate section when filling out your briefing form.

How do I know I can trust my virtual helper?

We don’t accept just anyone as one of our team of Virtual Helpers. Our helpers are carefully vetted and hand picked to ensure they are competent, reliable, and trustworthy. All of our virtual staff members have proven experience as virtual assistants, with many satisfied clients. If you’re particularly concerned about trusting your helper with sensitive information we recommend using an NDA or confidentiality agreement, which we can help facilitate.

More questions?

Get in touch via our contact page.