Your Virtual Assistant resource find what works for you.

1. Time etc.

Time, Etc. has a strict, 10-step selection process for their Virtual Assistants and less than 1% of applicants are approved. Each assistant is college-educated and has an average of 12 years of experience. Most Time Etc VAs serve customers from their home offices in either the US or UK — depending on your location.

They also have a special advisor with a claim to fame – Penni Pike is Sir Richard Branson’s former assistant and she has helped train and mentor some of the assistants.

Process: Once you sign up, Time, Etc. matches you with a suitable assistant based on your specific needs and preferences which is a similar process to copmanies like Boldly and Zirtual. This typically involves an initial consultation to understand your requirements and goals. Initially, it’s recommended to start with one or two tasks to allow the assistant to get familiar with your systems and expectations. Over the next few weeks, you can gradually add more tasks as your assistant becomes more integrated into your workflow. This phased approach ensures that the assistant adapts smoothly and efficiently to your business needs​. The overall setup time can vary, but many clients start seeing productivity benefits within the first few weeks of working with their new assistant

Why They Stand Out: Urgent task requests are free of charge, and the company provides a money-back guarantee, same-day turnaround, and the option to cancel services at any time. Also, Time Etc. clients can even invite friends, family and colleagues to use their account. 

Positives: Time, Etc. is among the lowest cost option with prices between $35-38/hour. They’re also aimed at a niche of entrepreneurs who are unable to afford a full time assistant, and allows new business owners to delegate tasks that are taking up too much of their time. You can also add additional users for no fee, unlike Zirtual where you are charged per authorized user. 

Negatives: One drawback of Time, Etc. is that their Virtual Assistants don’t have specialized skills, so although each assistant can handle general administrative tasks, you won’t find VAs who can complete specialized tasks like social media, marketing or content development. 

2. Virtual Assist USA

Virtual Assist USA has been in business for nearly 20 years, and it distinguishes itself by employing its virtual assistants as team members and W2 employees rather than part-time contractors. According to their management, this approach means enhanced security, loyalty, and a career-oriented mindset among their staff. They also have a rigorous hiring process that includes multiple interviews, a DISC personality assessment, and a thorough background check. For clients, this commitment translates into reduced turnover and better alignment with their ideal Virtual Assistant.

Process: They provide both a dedicated Virtual Assistant as a singular point of contact, as well as a trained back up assistant in a team approach. This prevents service interruption in the event of a sickness or vacation, which is favorable for clients who need continuity in services. 

Why They Stand Out: Their team members are all W2 employees which ensures that all employment and compliance requirements are being met. This prevents any clients from opening themselves up to the risk of non-compliance and personal liability as this type of model ensures complete legal compliance, taking the burden off of your shoulders. Furthermore, it can improve job satisfaction which guarantees a long-term commitment. 

Positives: Virtual Assist USA’s packages never expire, and hours continue to rollover. This affords maximum flexibility especially around budgeting and planning As a nod to their flexibility, they don’t enforce long-term contracts or levy cancellation penalties. They also offer access to an entire team of Virtual Assistants for various specialized needs like bookkeeping, digital marketing and content development, without an added cost (whereas companies like Boldly charge a premium for these services.)

Negatives: Unlike services like Woodbows, they do not offer cold-calling or receptionist work as a service.

Pricing: Pricing starts at $36.60 per hour for a 60 hour package. There are also other package options and hourly rates.

Set-up fee: $0

3. Belay

BELAY, formerly known as EA Help, is a virtual assistant company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia with nearly 1,200 independent, part-time contractors. They specialize in bookkeeping, as well as general admin.  Belay has developed a reputation for specializing in providing Virtual Assistant services to churches and faith-based organizations.
Services: Their VAs typically have 5+ years of experience and can help with various recurring tasks

Process: BELAY matches clients with a contractor VA that will fit their needs. They offer a dedicated virtual assistant service, which means you will work with the same VA consistently. You will also be offered a relationship manager, who will help you with any outside needs that may arise.

Why They Stand Out: BELAY is well-established, emphazies their core company values and has specialized knowledge of working with the needs of faith-based organizations.
Pricing: Pricing starts at $1,380 per month plus a startup fee, but can vary based on client needs so it’s best to contact their team for a direct quote.

Positives: They’ve been in business since 2010 and have served over 10,000 clients. They are a fully managed solution and offer a Client Success Manager to help ensure everything goes smoothly.

Negatives: BELAY charges a start-up fee which can be a barrier for small businesses. Additionally, clients are required to commit to a certain contract length or service package, which could be restrictive if their needs change. Understanding the terms and conditions for canceling or adjusting services is important to avoid any unexpected fees or complications. Belay’s turnaround time to get started with a Virtual Assistant is at least one week so keep that in mind for timing purposes.

4. Zirtual

Zirtual is a US-based virtual assistant service that provides college-educated virtual assistants to handle various tasks, including scheduling, event planning, travel booking, invoicing, and data entry. Part of the Startups.com platform, Zirtual caters to both personal and professional requirements, sharing workload for specialized tasks through their team if needed. 

Process: Zirtual’s Virtual Assistants come with an “Epic Gaurantee” which says that you’ll be satisfied with their work, and if not, you can have a new Virtual Assistant assigned or there is an option for a refund (in certain circumstances.) 

Why They Stand Out: Zirtual offers US-based, college-educated virtual assistants that are available to handle a wide-variety of tasks and that are designed to help people get and stay organized. Zirtual has also recently acquired a few smaller Virtual Assistant companies and is poised to take a large market share.

Positives: They promise a 2 hour response time during business hours. Zirtual also emphasizes hiring highly educated and experienced assistants, ensuring a high level of professionalism and skill in the services provided.

Negatives: Many years ago Zirtual went bankrupt overnight and while this was many years ago, this instability still lingers. In an August 10, 2015 email to customers, Donovan announced a cessation of operations until further notice. “It is with an incredibly heavy heart that I have to send this message. As of today, August 10th 2015, Zirtual is pausing all operations.” A few weeks later, Zirtual was acquired in an all-stock transaction.  Zirtual does not allow rollover hours so if you don’t use your hours that you’ve pre-paid for, you lose them. 

Pricing: Pricing is per hour $45.75 – $33.98 dependent on the package that you choose. 

Set-up fee: $0

5. Boldly

Boldly is a premium subscription staffing company with employees in the US and UK — think of them like a higher-end alternative to virtual assistant staffing agencies. They’re a great option for demanding, high-level executives who can invest a little more money in a high-quality VA.

Process: Boldly takes a personalized approach in matching virtual assistants with clients. After onboarding, Boldly suggests clients that align with the VA’s skills and interests. The VA and client then meet to confirm it’s a good match for both parties (note: this also means that the VA has to agree that the client is a good fit for their working style.)

Why They Stand Out: They offer a paid buy-out program should you wish to hire your Virtual Assistant directly in the future. 

Positives:  They have a highly curated and premium approach. Boldly also allows you to be matched with, and meet, your Virtual Assistant before committing or paying a penny. Additionally, their team is made up of W2 employees, and they’ve established a supportive work culture. They back their work by a 100% money-back guarantee. 

Negatives: Boldly requires a minimum of 10 hours a week or 40 hours a month, so this is not a good choice for those who want to start slow or who do not have consistent work. There are no rollover hours so there is minimal, if any, flexibility here. Pricing starts at $59/hour.

Pricing: Prices are based on monthly payment by ACH Direct Debit. Credit card payments incur a processing fee of 3%. They have a higher rate for specialist tasks such as “project Management, web development, blog writing, design, etc.” which are billed at $79/hr.

Set-Up Fee: $0