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.
Some of the most common rate schedules used in the virtual industry are hourly, retainer, and per project. Hourly rates are said to work well for those who require routine assistance but are unsure how much of their workflow will be delegated at any given time. Retainer rates secure a predetermined number of hours within a preset time period at a discounted rate. This has been recommended as an excellent way to go if you want to work with someone on a regular basis. Per project is recommended if you have small projects that are either one time or recurring.
