How do you compete with THAT? - Virtual Assistant Forums

#1 (**permalink**) 07-09-2011

I just stumbled upon a website called ODesk. Apparently, people go on there and advertise that they are looking for virtual assistants (and other types of assistance) and service providers "bid" on the projects. I was flabbergasted to find that these "service providers" are bidding like a dollar or less PER HOUR. How the heck do you compete with that? That's ridiculous.

#2 (**permalink**) 07-09-2011

You can't compete with that, but I think the people who go there (or offshore to the third world countries) aren't the clients you want anyway. There are a couple of other sites like that and while I think there's nothing wrong with joining them and submitting bids - I think you'll be doing yourself a disservice if you try to match the low prices being offered.

I'd suggest finding other ways to get clients (networking etc) who are happy to pay a reasonable price for professional service - rather than getting a client who ends up arguing every dollar.

#3 (**permalink**) 07-09-2011

You don't compete on price, it's as simple as that.

You sell great service and the clients will come.

Put those sorts of bidding sites to the back of your mind - there are plenty of people out there prepared to pay a fair price providing they get great service.

#4 (**permalink**) 07-10-2011

I agree with Bridie... You don't compete on price. People pay for perceived value. Know your worth and the clients will respect that!

#5 (**permalink**) 07-10-2011

I stumbled upon a site similar to that where there was a bidding process going on and was also very surprised to see how low the offers were. It was as if they wanted a whole lot of something, for nothing! That's no way to run a business!

#6 (**permalink**) 07-10-2011

I agree with everyone on this. I would hate to think that after all my hard work my services would only be worth 5 dollars or so.
Wendy

#7 (**permalink**) 07-10-2011

The prices on those sites are ridiculous! I can't believe people will actually work for those crazy rates! We are worth more than that!

#8 (**permalink**) 07-11-2011

I don't compete with that. I'm signed up with Elance and Odesk but feel like I'm just throwing my time away when I try to get work on them. On the other hand, I know VA's who've had great luck with them. I think it just takes time and patience.

I wouldn't depend on finding work through sites like that. Or at least finding work where you're getting paid what you deserve.

#9 (**permalink**) 07-12-2011

It is really hard to compete with THAT. I am not an experienced user of sites such as Elance or Odesk, but a couple of weeks ago I went on Elance and really thumbed through a few listings. I, like many people, was really curious about it. And to be honest, I really wanted to "spread my wings" and find clients who were not locally based (which is kind of what I have been doing).

But the problem with these sites is that, as you said, they make it really hard to compete. Most of the "hiring" people do not want to pay descent rates. And way too many of the people looking to work are willing to accept, well, way too little by our standards.

I did win a bid for a project, which I am totally loving. I have built the nicest relationship with this person. She is so professional, on top of things, understanding, respectful, and I could go on about her. The problem is that the rate I accepted nowhere near compares to the work I am putting into it. And it is really my own fault. I was -- and am not -- experienced enough at this type of thing AT ALL!

So ... after all is said and done, if I ever go for another Elance type thing (not sure I will), I will be very realistic with MY OWN expectations and my own earnings.

Now, it has not been all that bad. I do have a great connection now with a wonderful, hard-working lady such as myself. But "no can do" as far as working for these types of project-based rates. Oh dear, I rambled!

#10 (**permalink**) 07-12-2011

I've recently received advice from an experienced VA. She's been in the field for over 15 years and said that if you use these sites to suggest to the "employer" a project rate instead of an hourly rate.

You can let them assume they're receiving a discount by doing this but really you're getting your regular rate....or what you feel your services are worth.

Just some food for thought...

#11 (**permalink**) 07-12-2011

Lisa,

As everyone on this thread has pretty much said, "You can't compete with that." I was shocked to look at an Odesk ad which asked for an "Expert" Virtual Assistant for fifty cents an hour. This is no way to treat another human being.

As for what LCaroline learned from another VA, many are putting together packages.

Your feelings are valid, valid, valid with regards to these rates.

#12 (**permalink**) 07-12-2011

Caroline, yes those rates are shocking. But many of these people who work for those rates are excellent, skilled, intelligent people. The problem with it is that they can make ends meet with 50-cents an hour, and sadly, we can't.

Which brings us back to then not even bothering with these sites. I'm not going to say that I'll never, ever look again. You never know what's out there or waiting around the corner. You've just got to know how look, where to look, and know who to look for.

#13 (**permalink**) 07-14-2011

ODesk is the exact reason that I decided to take the plunge and start my own business! A friend recommended oDesk, and he warned me that the pay is cheap. He said that there are many qualified workers overseas, who willingly work for that amount. I was shocked at one of the jobs that I read about that paid 50 cents/hour! My friend has had great luck with oDesk; but, his skill set is different from mine. I'm so glad that I decided to venture out and that I found these forums!!

#14 (**permalink**) 07-14-2011

Originally Posted by eXPERT Business Support

Caroline, yes those rates are shocking. But many of these people who work for those rates are excellent, skilled, intelligent people. The problem with it is that they can make ends meet with 50-cents an hour, and sadly, we can't.

Spot on....

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#15 (**permalink**) 07-14-2011

There is no way to compete with these folks and there is no way that I can take that low pay. I won't take a regular job for $12 to $15 an hour either. I am worth more than that and so are you!

I find that the best clients come through word of mouth and referrals. I would avoid those places...it's not worth your time.