Looking for alternatives to finding a virtual assistant or team members with Upwork? We’ve compiled a list of top virtual assistant outsourcing firms that provide solid and reputable services as alternatives to Upwork.
Global Hola
Link: https://globalhola.com
Description: Global Hola is an innovative outsourcing company specializing in helping small to medium businesses outsource roles to support their internal staff. The company was founded by three global entrepreneurs who have helped hundreds of businesses to outsource and innovate their processes.
Pros
- Various Roles: We find virtual assistants and other outsourced professionals for a variety of roles including data scientists, data analytics, digital marketing professionals, customer service professionals, and much more.
- Flexible: Contracts don’t lock you into terms that are one-sided.
- Great at Finding Perfect Skill Matches: If your role is complex and needs multiple skillsets, Global Hola is the best at finding the perfect talent match for your needs.
- Open Pricing: Global Hola provides an outsourcing estimate calculator to help your business estimate its cost with the service.
Cons
New Company: The company was founded in 2023 and is classified as a start-up.
Detailed Skill Matches Take Time: If your outsourced role requires a lot of skills, finding the right talent will take 2 – 3 weeks.
Belay Solutions
Link: https://belaysolutions.com
Description: Belay hires virtual assistants specializing in bookkeeping, social media strategy, website design, and general virtual assistance.
Pros
- Reputable: Strives to find you the best VA nationwide
- Highly Rated: INC. 5000-listed eight years in a row
- Timezone: U.S.-based
- Creates Institutional Knowledge: Long-term relationship with the same person
Cons
Pricing Unknown: Belay doesn’t publish information on its pricing.
Too Big: For small businesses looking for specialized attention and are new to outsourcing, they might not be the best fit.
Prialto
Link: https://prialto.com
Description: Prialto covers many foundations of running a small business, offering sales, operations, and administrative services, making them ideal for solopreneurs.
Pros
- Provides various roles: sales, operations, and admin services
- Low Cost: No fee to train the virtual assistant on Software
- Skilled Virtual Assistants: Expertise in many of the most widely used software programs
Cons
Strict Contracts: Contracts have a fixed starting rate that cannot be changed.
Inflexible Dates: Virtual Assistants do not work on Federal holidays.
Limited to Virtual Assistants: Cannot find roles such as data scientists, IT professionals, and other skilled workers.
Fancy Hands
Link: https://fancyhands.com
Description: Fancy Hands provides businesses with the best in single tasks that last a maximum of 20 minutes. You can work with a different VA every time or choose a long-term relationship; both options give you administrative control, usage tracking, and pay-as-you-go pricing, which is why it’s our pick as the best for on-demand tasks.
Pros
- Easy Task Outsourcing: Allows you to outsource simple tasks that last 20 minutes or less.
- Flexible: You can use your credits and pay for more time easily.
Cons
Only Simple Tasks: Tasks can only be for 20 minutes duration.
No Institution Knowledge: It’s not guaranteed that you get the same virtual assistant again.
Magic
Link: https://getmagic.com
Description: Magic puts college-educated virtual assistants at your fingertips, with 24/7 availability and productivity and quality assurance software that prevents missed deadlines, making them a clear winner for rush projects.
Pros
- Easy Task Outsourcing: Allows you to outsource simple tasks that last 20 minutes or less.
- Flexible: You can use your credits and pay for more time easily.
Cons
Only Simple Tasks: Tasks can only be for 20 minutes duration.
No Institutional Knowledge: It’s not guaranteed that you get the same virtual assistant again.
Go Team
Link: https://go.team
Description: Go Team helps businesses build outsourcing teams based in the Philippines. They focus on making their virtual assistants and outsourced teams happy and a part of a team.
Pros
- Specialized in Filipino Outsourcing: Specialized in outsourcing in the Philippines.
- Trusted: They’re rated one of the top virtual assistant outsourcing companies.
Cons
Can’t Provide Specialized Help: Go Team is one of the Philippines’ largest outsourcing companies. As such, they might not have time for specialized support for small businesses that are new to outsourcing.
Unknown Pricing: They don’t provide specific information on pricing until you are deep in their sales pipeline.
TaskUs
Link: https://taskus.com
Description: TaskUs is a prominent outsourcing company specializing in a wide range of business process outsourcing (BPO) services, aimed at helping businesses streamline their operations and enhance customer support. Established in 2008, TaskUs has rapidly grown into a major player in the outsourcing industry, known for its emphasis on technology-driven solutions and exceptional customer service.
Pros
Diverse BPO Services: TaskUs offers a wide array of BPO services, including customer support, content moderation, data entry, virtual assistant services, and more, catering to various industries.
Global Presence: With a global presence in multiple countries, TaskUs provides around-the-clock support and access to diverse talent pools.
Technology Integration: The company places a strong emphasis on technology and automation to enhance efficiency and accuracy in their services, using advanced tools and AI to improve client outcomes.
Cons
- Lack of Specialization: As one of the Philippines’ largest outsourcing companies, TaskUs may not be well-suited for highly specialized support for small businesses that are new to outsourcing.
- Unknown Pricing: They don’t provide specific information on pricing until you are deep in their sales pipeline.
Why Not Upwork?
Link: https://upwork.com
Description: Upwork is an online platform that connects businesses and individuals with freelancers from around the world, including virtual assistants. It provides a convenient and efficient way to hire and work with remote professionals for various tasks and projects.
Pros
Diverse Talent Pool: Upwork boasts a vast pool of virtual assistants with different skill sets, expertise, and experience levels. You can find assistants specializing in administrative tasks, customer support, social media management, content writing, and more.
Efficient Hiring Process: Upwork simplifies the hiring process by allowing you to post job listings outlining your requirements and expectations. Interested virtual assistants can submit their proposals, showcasing their qualifications and rates. You can review their profiles, work history, and client feedback before making a hiring decision.
Flexibility and Scalability: Whether you need a virtual assistant for a one-time project or ongoing support, Upwork provides the flexibility to hire freelancers on an as-needed basis. You can also scale your team up or down based on your changing requirements without long-term commitments.
Cons
Screening is On You: It’s important to note that while Upwork provides a platform to connect with virtual assistants, the screening and selection process ultimately falls on you as the client. It’s crucial to carefully review candidates’ profiles, conduct interviews, and communicate expectations to ensure a successful working relationship.
Uncertain Quality: The quality of your virtual assistant will depend on other Upwork client reviews and your vetting of the virtual assistant candidate.