I'm just starting out. Where can I find free contract and pricing forms....or just free Virtual Assistant forms that I would need for the biz.

Hi Lisa,
I'll quote from an existing thread (you'll find it here if you want to read the whole thing ) Someone else may have something to add to this too!

There's a pretty basic [contract] model you can follow that goes something like this:

1. heading/title
2. description/purpose/the service (basically the product/service description)
3. parties (supplier and client - including addresses)
4. date
5. territory/geographical coverage
6. definitions - essential glossary 'root' of frequently occurring items in the document
7. term - period of agreement
8. pricing (refer if appropriate to attached schedule)
9. pricing adjustment (for example annual increases linked to suitable index)
10. responsibilities of provider - include or append details of services and SLA's (service level agreements)
11. responsibilities of client
12. payment terms
13. confidentiality
14. dispute and arbitration process
15. termination and force majeure
16. renegotiation/renewal
17. prevailing laws
18. signatures and witnesses

Because the VA industry is still fairly new it is difficult to find free sample templates geared directly at our industry/practice many of us just cobble together our own using examples and resources from other freelance industries - with a little understanding about how contracts should be worded (from the legal standpoint) and what they should have in them (from the freelancing standpoint) you should be able to use these resources to create your own contract.

There's a great little step-by-step tutorial here on how to write a basic contract as a freelancer.

Here's another writeup on what should be in a basic freelance contract with a link to a sample the author (a web designer) uses. This article stipulates that a contract does *not* have to be super long and full of legalese in order to be binding and serve the purpose.

I prefer to use a letter of agreement rather than a long and drawn out contract. This has worked well for me and I tailor it to suit each circumstance. There's a great sample here that you can do the same with, just edit it to suit your particular needs. (you'll need to set up a free membership at the website this info is hosted at in order to download the sample letter..but it's well worth it. One thing to note, the letter is geared in language toward developers/designers but can be easily modified to suit a VA practice.

Here are two contracts geared toward freelance writing/editing, but again - easily ammended/edited to accomodate your own VA services/terms.
The long version. The short version.

__________________
"If you think it's expensive to hire a professional to do the job, wait until you hire an amateur."
-Red Adair

Also, I'm not sure what you mean by 'pricing forms'? Do you mean invoices?

Again, there isn't a 'standard' template for invoices that I'm aware of, I just use a txt doc and print to PDF when it's time to invoice my clients, though I know many other members use online or software services to invoice - hopefully you'll get a few more replies in this direction as my method, while it works great for me is definitely not a good way to go if you're looking for standardized forms to fill in each week.

__________________
"If you think it's expensive to hire a professional to do the job, wait until you hire an amateur."
-Red Adair

Lisa,

For my contract template, I cobbled together relevant parts of several sample contracts I found online at...oh geez...I think the site had a very obvious name like freelegalforms.com or something similar. You'll find that there are sections of the basic "contractor" form that don't apply to you (they are written for building contractors), so some editing will be necessary.

You are welcome to borrow from my contracts if you like. I have a samples posted on my Web site, linked from the Rates and Services page. I don't think I can post my Web address here, but you'll find me easily enough if you Google my company name.

That said, once you have a basic contract/letter of agreement/any legal form together, it is always advisable to run it by a lawyer with experience in contract law in your state, just to make sure.

On the invoicing question, many VAs simply set up a detailed internal spreadsheet to keep records, then do a selective merge to prepare invoices for clients. This gives you plenty of flexibility and options for customization. I started with that, but currently I'm using a great little open source (FREE!!!) program that works just great for a very small business: Volutive. It takes a little experimenting to "get" how it works, but once you get the feel for this set-up, it's very easy to use. Check it out here.

__________________
AnnaLisa Michalski, Admin Maven
www.adminmaven.com

AnnaLisa, you, and all members, are truly more than welcome to post links to whatever it is that you think might be helpful but...I think it's linked up in your signature anyway.

__________________
"If you think it's expensive to hire a professional to do the job, wait until you hire an amateur."
-Red Adair

thank you - just what I am looking for!

Hello - Under Tess' reply -- "great sample here", is what I used and modified. The client was impressed. Of course, this is my first client. We will see going forward.

Be Well,

__________________
Be Well,
Carla
www.bwellbusinessservices.com
virtually meeting your needs

wow! Amichalski!
Thanks for sample forms. I downloaded and will tweak with a pdf editing program.
By the way, nice site! I'm loving the "word wise"!

Thank you for the info and link to the tech site. I found some goodies on there.

So, I don't need to hire an attorney to approve my contracts??

I don't think you can ever take for granted that a form or contract authored by someone else is a sure-fire deal all the way, in terms of legalities. That's not to say that I don't feel the forms mentioned and submitted here aren't great specimens of legal jargon - but you should always use due dilligence with *any* legal entity and if you have any concern or doubt about how accurate or all-encompassing a piece of paper is it's best to have it checked out.

__________________
"If you think it's expensive to hire a professional to do the job, wait until you hire an amateur."
-Red Adair

I was going to ask this question! So many qustions as you start off. But such lovely members here.....

Great information. I found a couple of things I would like to add to my paperwork. Thank you.

Let me know when you find a good site for free contract and legal forms please.

Hi peacefuldove1,
I have a couple of contracts and agreements I am happy to share as they have been shared with me. PM me your email and I will forward them to you.