Why Hiring VAs Directly Beats Going Through an Agency
Oct 09, 2024
As law firm owners look for cost-effective ways to manage tasks and streamline operations, hiring overseas virtual assistants (VAs) has become increasingly popular. However, there’s a critical choice to make: Should you hire a VA directly or go through an agency?
While agencies offer convenience, the disadvantages often outweigh the perks—especially when it comes to cost, loyalty, and flexibility. Let’s break down why hiring directly is the smarter, long-term solution for your firm.
1. The True Cost of Agencies: Hidden Fees You Can’t Ignore
Agencies may promise a simple, hands-off approach, but this convenience comes at a steep price. Here’s how agencies add to your overhead:
- High fees: Agencies typically take up to 50-60% of what you pay. So if you’re paying $15 an hour, your VA likely receives just a fraction of that. The agency pockets the rest.
- Buy-out costs: If you want to hire a VA directly after working with them through an agency, you’ll likely face hefty buy-out fees. This can make transitioning a VA to your team financially unfeasible.
- Long-term expenses: Over time, the ongoing markup from the agency significantly increases the total cost of your VA hire.
When you hire directly, every dollar you spend goes toward your VA’s actual work, not an agency’s profit margin. The savings can be substantial, especially for law firms looking to maintain lean operations.
2. VA Loyalty: Who Are They Really Working For?
One of the biggest drawbacks of hiring through an agency is the lack of direct loyalty between the VA and your firm. Because the agency manages their pay and employment, the VA’s primary allegiance is to the agency—not to your firm.
Here’s why this matters:
- Lower engagement: A VA working for an agency is often less motivated to go above and beyond for your firm. They see themselves as an agency contractor, not part of your long-term team.
- Potential turnover: If the agency decides to reassign the VA, you could lose a key team member unexpectedly, disrupting your operations.
When you hire directly, you build a stronger relationship with your VA. They’re part of your team, and their success is tied to the success of your law firm—not the agency.
3. Flexibility and Control: Why Direct Hiring Puts You in the Driver’s Seat
Agencies often impose restrictions on how you can work with your VA. From requiring full-time commitments to limiting your ability to adjust hours, these contracts can feel inflexible, especially for smaller firms or those with fluctuating needs.
By hiring directly, you gain:
- Control over hours: Whether you need full-time, part-time, or project-based support, you decide how much help you need.
- Freedom to scale: If your needs change, you can easily adjust your VA’s hours or responsibilities without being locked into a rigid contract.
- No long-term contracts: You aren’t bound by an agency’s timeline. You dictate the terms of the engagement, offering the flexibility to meet your firm’s needs as they evolve.
4. Why More Law Firms Are Moving Away From Agencies
Law firms are increasingly opting to hire VAs directly because it allows them to:
- Cut costs: Save money by paying your VA directly, without agency markups.
- Build better relationships: Create a dedicated, loyal team member who’s truly invested in your firm’s success.
- Gain flexibility: Work with a VA on your terms, without the limitations imposed by an agency.
How We Can Help You Hire Directly
At Skybreaker, we help law firms cut through the complications of agency hiring with our VA Finder service. We match you with vetted, skilled overseas VAs—minus the high fees and restrictive contracts of agencies.
Here’s what we offer:
- No middleman fees: You pay your VA directly, saving significant costs.
- Custom matching: We find a VA who fits your firm’s specific needs, whether part-time, full-time, or project-based.
- Long-term support: We provide ongoing guidance to help you manage your VA relationship for the long haul.
Conclusion: Ditch the Middleman, Hire Directly
When it comes to hiring overseas VAs, agencies might seem convenient, but the costs and limitations often outweigh the benefits. By hiring directly, you save money, build a stronger team, and gain more control over your firm’s operations.
