Hi Moms-I'm trying to find a full time job, but in the meantime, a few people I know have asked if I could work projects for them as a virtual assistant. My fear is not getting paid. I know if you have a website you can have a shopping cart and get paid that way. I also know you can get paid by check, but they can bounce. Does anyone know of a way to get paid by credit card without a website and without huge monthly fees? I don't want to build up a bunch of bills for something that may not materialize.
Thanks!
Paypal. although there is a fee, relatively small, like 3.5% of each payment or something along those lines.
We run our own business and we offer discounts if they pay in so many days.
I don't know the volume of $ you are talking about so that might make a difference.
I have a Specific bank account separate from the Operating Account where any ACH (wires) come in. Keep in mind, there are usually fees for incoming wires.
I have a couple of accounts who prefer to be paid via wire, a 3 day is only $3 at my bank. Technically, I could send a check and it be there in that time but this person likes a 3 day wire so I pay that way for his comfort level. I also have a couple of accounts who prefer to pay via ACH and that is ok too.... That is why I have the separate account.... there is no way they can enter the Operating account. Some of our transactions are in the higher thousands so it is imperative we are exact on all numbers, etc.
Just another though.. separate bank account for ACH.
Try www.paypal.com. I believe it is virtually free and very safe. I've used it in the past for both being paid and for buying things.
You are right, you need to find a way to be paid without the hassle.
Good luck!
PayPal!! The payee has a little taken out for the service, but it is great for both parties! The person paying has more confidence because purchases made through PayPal are guaranteed. The setup is easy.
Set up a new business email account (through yahoo, gmail, hotmail, or some other free service) and use that one as your PayPal account. People can pay you by using your email address. (They can "Send $50 to ____@____.com" and the payment will get to you.)
You could use PayPal to have the funds transferred to you that way, just like is done with Ebay.
Get a pay pal account!
Get a Pay Pal account. They can pay directly to that and you can then transfer the money to your regular bank account or pay bills directly from Pay Pal. It is secure and recognized world wide.
My Sister works from home and has her clients pay her that way.
Also, make sure you have a contract with them - signed and dated, that outlines your responsibilities and their responsibilities. Included in the contract would be the fee scale, duration of the contract, and method and timing of payment. That way if they don't pay you, you can take them to court for breach of contract.
I do some consulting work locally so I just get a check handed to me, but find the contract really keeps things ordered. If you need a sample let me know, I can send the one I use. Or you can search on-line for some that may be industry specific for you to use.
Good luck with your endeavors!!!
Structured contract + bank checks. I know everyone is on the paypal bandwagon, but- you can also make it safer for you and your clients by creating a structured contract: 30% up front, 30% at 80% completion, and the remaining balance at 100% completion, with all payments made by bank check.
paypal i do it for my babysitting when cash is low
