Feedback on inquires received... - Virtual Assistant Forums

vidatica · #1 (**permalink**) 02-04-2008

Hello everyone! I received an inquiry and with this one it’s now two direct prospects that I have who came to me.

Since I am new in this industry, I’m not familiar with the way prospect clients approach their inquiry to a VA so…I have my doubts concerning what their plans are.

This particular one intrigues me. I received an inquiry, which I think is great!!! But, I’m finding myself thinking that these people are just goofs. Even my boyfriend thinks so. Maybe that is how it works in the VA industry when it is not from a referral or someone you know, but it sure does sound funny. So… I am copying what the prospect wrote so I can get some feedback from you since you have dealt with clients, inquires, etc.

I will be updating on this and other things going on in my thread but would like to know… How does this sound to you?

Prospect Wrote:
Message:
I have a great deal of work I need done in a variety of field types. I would like to propose the following initial task-set for evaluation. This will be based on quality of work, value of work provided (cost analysis), and efficiency of work provided (speed). The bid on request will be for such.

I need results from research (any form, just relevant and to-date) as follows; 1)general info (1 page give or take) on the biochemical theory/process behind what makes wine, in particular, quality high alcohol content red wine, go bad,
2) what is the average life expectancy of a wine (both white and red) and what determines this (if anything.. such as alcohol content, sugar content etc),
3) are there research studies on the subject of wine turning bad (if so, please pull the top 2),
4) are there any products in the market specifically targeted to this except for the vacuum pump sealer (if so, please pull a list of them and their websites and/or contact information,
5)what is the biochemical process and or theory (no chemical equations necessary) on why avocados do not turn brown easily if part of the peel is stored with the cut fruit (if so please pull 2 of the most relevant),
6)is there any clinical or market research on veterinarian interest or posted need by vets for animal (dog) nutritional supplements (vitamins) and if so please provide the top 5 most relevant and largest # of opinions)
7) what is the most popular or utilized publication viewed by veterinary medicine doctors
8) Is there a database or list serve of some sort to reach a very large # of these doctors for a survey
9) What are the names of the most cited authors of nutrition and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD/ADHD) and their contact information if possible
10)I need to find recent (2006-2008) journal articles or other publications (not just stuff on a website but quality data from research etc) of the link between nutrition and ADD/ADHD including but not limited to nutritional deficiencies, allergies (food allergies in particular), yeast infections, and what supplementation (may be several different lists) is recommended by leaders in the field (please site references)
10) Lastly, please research any articles or research on the cost of wine loss for restaurants (US) serving wines by the glass (with references).

Thank you for the bid (per hour and per listed project).

If you think this is real, do you think he wants a summary of what the sites say? Because meaning that he wants to know about the sites, it would probably take two hours to find him a good set of sites. But if he wants a summary of the most “relevant” as he mentions I would also appreciate some feedback on how long it could take (hours). It just sounds funny to me due to the list the prospect is giving.

Tess · #2 (**permalink**) 02-04-2008

Viviana, Just curious how did you come to be in contact with this client?
The way he's asking for a 'bid' leads me to believe he's been using the freelance bidding sites quite a lot.

If I were faced with this situation, I'd write back to the client with as much information as I can about my skills at internet research - perhaps provide a case study of a similar project done and how the results were beneficial or profitable to the client and then I'd close with a statement on my hourly rate (or retainer, if that's what you offer.)

Asking for a per-project *bid* on something like this is the same as asking for $4 per hour....(in my estimation). Particularly considering the scope of the research.

Treat it like any other potential client (he/the project sounds reasonably legitimate to me) but be clear about your rates. Don't be disappointed if this client decides to go elsewhere based on price - if he is accustomed to using the freelance bididng sites then he has been getting work for $4 per or even less.

vidatica · #3 (**permalink**) 02-04-2008

Thank you Tess. He got my information out of VA4U.com which is a VA listing and directory.

Tess · #4 (**permalink**) 02-04-2008

OK - I was just wondering if you'd gotten in touch with eachother on oDesk or similar. I think it's quite possibly a valid project - just be very clear about your rates

and good luck!

vidatica · #5 (**permalink**) 02-04-2008

Thank you Tess. I will keep you posted.

vidatica · #6 (**permalink**) 02-04-2008

On a VA with an average amount of experience on Internet Research, how long or how many hours would it take to do a research like this? Thank you in advance for your support.

Office Goddess · #7 (**permalink**) 02-04-2008

Hmmm... Sounds like he is expecting this "initial task set" information as part of the bid, in which case you are doing the work for free

Because of the nature of research, it is really hard to pin down what would be involved time wise due to the availability of resources, which is what I would express to the potential client. I would quote him an hourly rate and, as Tess expressed, send a sample of similar research you have done in the past. I would not research ANY part of the initial wine question as, again, you are giving this information, and your time, away for free.

vidatica · #8 (**permalink**) 02-04-2008

Thank you Lily. I will keep you posted.

vidatica · #9 (**permalink**) 02-04-2008

I was actually thinking that, other than the hourly rate for research, the job could get done in ten hours, since because of my son, I have plenty information on ADD/ADHD since he was diagnosed with it. The rest would take me the time to do the research and prepare a summary/report. What do you think? I was also thinking of giving him the option of receiving credit for future project in case the job gets done in less than 10 hours. I'm still trying to figure this one out but I'm not trating as a bid. I'm letting him know what I can offer and for how much and wait to see if he is interested or not.

virtual writing · #10 (**permalink**) 02-04-2008

Viviana - I can see why you think this is a little screwy. It looks legitimate enough, but there's not much respect for the "employee," as Tess notes. It'd treat this one lightly. Select from his list a few items (like 3-4) that you can do a great job on in two hours, and offer that for a flat rate. If he bites, do a super-excellent job for him and see what happens. He probably won't bite, though, so you probably should give him the courtesy of a reply and then move on.

It's ok if some employers want to work with low-wage overseas services. Others prefer to work with people closer to their own culture and time zone. There's room for all.

Good luck! I sympathize with suffering through the unknowns of virtual relationships!