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,

Check our Document Library - you'll find lots of free forms and sample contracts there.

There's also 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.

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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.

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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.

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AnnaLisa Michalski, Sunny Words Writing Services

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.

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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,

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??

Originally Posted by EditingEtc

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.

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Originally Posted by mis4ta

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.

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.

Sorry to say I have to post 25 more times to be able to PM. You can send them to my email address on the website. I really appreciate your willingness to share. Thank you.

http://confidantevirtualassista.home...com/index.html

AnnaLisa,

I took a look at your sample contracts. Is there a way to put them in a word doc?

I am finding all kinds of documents via a simple search engine keyword search. I highly suggest doing that!

Kristy
KG Business Solutions

GREAT INFO!!! Thanks a bunch!! (a newbie is smiling in WI)

Originally Posted by EditingEtc

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

You really should. Not to try to solicit or anything but I am a prepaidlegal associate and fully intend to take my $17.00 a month membership and work it for all my needs. I may have to finally get my small business membership in order to get what I need but I think it may end up costing me, if you ad the two together, half of what it would cost me to hire a lawyer. But for $17.00, a lawyer would give it a looksee.

OR, BETTER IDEA: Put the call out on this site for a VA with that background and swap services. Or at least give him or her some business.