working both virtually and on-site? - Virtual Assistant Forums

#1 (**permalink**) 05-05-2011

Hello!

My current skillset includes such computer work as setting up a network, building / repairing PCs, on-site troubleshooting, etc. But...I want to enter the field of being a VA and get to where I can be working totally online and not onSITE. But...I have been asked by some businesses if I could come in and do these kinds of tasks in the past. So I'm wondering if I should continue to offer that when I get my VA LLC set up.

Will it cause me to need property insurance due to now having to handle equipment and not just all digital data? If so, can I just have them sign a waver for damages? I don't want to over-complicate my business plan...but since I have made money doing this in the past, I hate to just cut it off all at once.

Has anyone dealt with this kind of situation before? How did you handle it?

Thanks!!

#2 (**permalink**) 05-08-2011

lukeg,

I work completely off site so I cannot answer how to handle this situation. I will offer this: start with contacting your local government office to see what they require of your home based business. Since I do not have clients coming to my home I was not required to get any type of licensing.

As for insurance, I have E&O for my business. I also have an artist client that I fulfill orders for however the inventory is covered by her insurance against lost or damage and that does cover pieces in my office. My agent said I did not need to add additional waivers to my policy. I would check with your agent since your situation is different.

At the very least I would have a waiver though to cover yourself and your business. I would also check out those who are offering similar services and see what their terms are.

#3 (**permalink**) 05-26-2011

Lukeg, I may have the same dilemma since I want to do software training. I am sure there is a way to do it virtually, but I have not not determined what would be the best method to use.

#4 (**permalink**) 06-16-2011

I also want offer my services both remotely and on-site as it seems to me it makes good business sense, if some-one wants to employ me to work in their office for a couple of hours a week,obviously my fees will differ,as I would be unable to deal with any prospective clients if I am working from another office.

#5 (**permalink**) 06-16-2011

Alot of that depends on the state you live in. I also came from an IT background into VA work so its been hard. Everyone locally wants me to do computer work. I've just been having them meet me somewhere and I bring their stuff back to my place. As for server and other large work. I am just a contractor so I don't need insurance....in my state at least. If you need any guidance contact me. Sounds like were from the same background!

#6 (**permalink**) 06-20-2011

I am working on-site and virtually at the moment, partly because I see a need in my community for my skills and partly because I want to meet more people in my new community.

My insurance company (not the state) says I need professional liability insurance because my homeowner's will not cover me since I don't always work out of my home. Whatever your state requires you should check with an insurance professional and give some thought to your liability when entering another person's property. My agent gave the example of leaving a coffee pot on in someone else's office that causes a fire. Their fire insurance might not cover it because you are not their employee. It can be very complicated. Fire from wiring could be an issue, or lost data.

Good luck,
Leanne