I am not a new member but could not figure out how to start new thread. I always just comment or at least lurk...

I just relocated thus totally changing the scope of my business so only VA with no on-site in Illinois any more. So while I have years of experience this new potential client is a big deal...

I am in a dilemma... I saw an RFP here and I believe it may have expired, but I contacted the potential client to see if they still could use a VA. They had advertised for per project $250 - that one was gone. They said they have 12 VAs but have on-going projects and can use more. He (Steve) referred my information to his assistant.

She sent me a W-9 and NDA which I immediately signed and faxed back to them. They talked as though projects would be coming soon.

There was no mention re pmt - amt., method etc There was no information forthcoming. When asked, she told me thought per hour preferable. I sent an email with several alternative pmt types and asked re their contract or mine...

She emailed back to me that had not expected all this (I thought I was trying to make it easier...) they are too busy to go through all this and will get back to me when have time to review and sort it all out. She went on to say none of their VAs required contracts or deposits, and paid them 12 something an hour. I went down on my fee, waived deposit (after she finally told me they pay weekly)

I just got an email back from her - that they gave out all assignments for the week -- I replied with a summary and probably did a no no cause I also sent this reply to Steve (the original contact). Was this wrong?

ALSO - Has anyone heard of/dealt with Purple Trout LLC?

GEESH -- did I totally screw up? Is it me? I got this RFP from here and I used guidelines I see on here... any feedback?

HELP!! Am resubmitting this as can't believe NO one replied...

They handed out all projects - told me they had to "review" my email as was not expecting such a hassle. Stated none of the 12 VAs they have - have contracts. I thought I was trying to make it easy for them when I said their contract or mine!

Are we VAs shooting ourselves and other VAs in foot when not getting contract?

I was SO excited that I had a client to subcontract from -- not so much now... what should I do/consider if they contact tomorrow as they hand out projects on Fridays and sometimes Tuesdays if overflow.

Luckily I will be busy with another client for almost 40 hours for the next 2 weeks... but...

I'd always sign a contract - not sure who would be working without them and from what you say they are not expecting to pay reasonably for the work. I know its tempting to take work, but I'd probably walk away from the job, it doesnt seem worth it.

Deb,

I too always have a contract and have never heard of this company. I would let it sit for a little while and contact them again asking if they received everything that was needed from you to be on their subcontract list. I also would only deal with the assistant and not Steve. If he handed you off there was a reason.

There are some possible scenarios here:
* You stepped on some toes and they are politely ignoring you
* The assign work in a particular order and do not have enough jobs for everyone
* Your terms and rate are too high or you do not meet the criteria based on everyone else.

I would start concentrating on other potential clients as I am not sure this one will pan out for you.

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Lee Drozak
My Office Assistant

Appreciate feedback!! I will email them today asking if they have all materials they need from me. Then I will do like I do with all prospective clients and just followup in a couple of weeks if I don't hear from them.

Had thought of them as client as had done signatures per their request (w9 & NCD)and they told me was sending me work last week. That is why I asked them ?s re payment and if they preferred their contract or mine.

Sorry have not been on -- following up. I have been working on-site 40 hrs this week. In addition the above company did send me an assignment for the week consisting of 4 projects. will keep you updated. Thanks so much for the feedback!

I"m coming into this a little late, but personally, I'd move on. It's only good business to sign a contract and if they consider it too much of a hassle my gut feeling is that you'll find yourself having some kind of issue down the road and no recourse because there wasn't a contract signed between you and the client.

To me, this appears more like they are just looking for people to work as "employees" but call them "independent contractors" to save themselves the extra paperwork and monitoring for taxes etc....

If someone doesn't want to work with you based on terms you've set or mutually agreed upon then in my opinion they are calling the shots and it's your decision whether or not you work with them, not the other way around. As a business owner you have that choice and power.

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Renee Shupe, Become a Techie Virtual Assistant
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Thanks so much for your comment Rennee. I had gotten an assignment from them, submitted it and also invoiced them through PayPal -- actually received pmt in full via PayPal and another assignment -- ALL BEFORE YOUR COMMENT last week. Was ecstatic!
but wow... this week appears problems again.. will keep you all posted re this company and actions regarding reputability etc.

Pmt received today in PayPal. Hope I can weather thru rough waters as feel this would be excellent client. I was given 3 different jobs last week as part of 1 assignment -- unfortunately did not do one of them (1st time has ever occurred for me) lot of different circumstances... -- mostly things beyond my control but also mistake on my part in determining how much time would take. I ended up returning it. Did not receive assignment this week but did get email they would use me again (hope so)

Originally Posted by reneeshupe

I"m coming into this a little late, but personally, I'd move on. It's only good business to sign a contract and if they consider it too much of a hassle my gut feeling is that you'll find yourself having some kind of issue down the road and no recourse because there wasn't a contract signed between you and the client. To me, this appears more like they are just looking for people to work as "employees" but call them "independent contractors" to save themselves the extra paperwork and monitoring for taxes etc.... If someone doesn't want to work with you based on terms you've set or mutually agreed upon then in my opinion they are calling the shots and it's your decision whether or not you work with them, not the other way around. As a business owner you have that choice and power.

Exactly what I was thinking Renee!

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