1. What is an oSource Virtual Employee?
An oSource Virtual Employee is your secret weapon in your effort to cut payroll costs, improve efficiency and achieve company goals. Your Virtual Employee is a person who works from another location, often another country, via the telephone or internet, to complete assignments and tasks directed solely by you.

2. How is an oSource Virtual Employee different from an employee I hire myself?
Your oSource Virtual Employee will cost you up to 1/3 less than a traditional employee. You save even more because you do not pay health care, insurance or other benefits for your Virtual Employee. You save space because Virtual Employees work remotely, not at your site.

3. What can an oSource Virtual Employee do?
Staff provided by oSource can perform all the basic office duties you would expect. We also offer individual who excel at IT and administrative functions. Talk to us about how we can help fill your specific employee needs.

4. Can I request an employee with a specific skill set?
Absolutely! You can choose to hire employees for data entry, accounting, IT work or administrative assistants, to name a few. Those with highly specialized skills may come at a higher cost.

5. Can I hire more than one Virtual Employee?
We can supply as many Virtual Employees as you need. Our resource pool is vast and their skills diverse.

6. Can I hire Virtual Employees to work in different capacities?
If you need Virtual Employees to perform different duties, you can hire as many as you need to fill your openings. There is no restriction on the types or numbers of Virtual Employees you can hire.

7. Will he same Virtual Employee being working for me every day?
When you hire a Virtual Employee for your business, that same employee will work for only for you, every day until the job is completed.

8. Is my Virtual Employee legally my employee?
No, your Virtual Employee is legally an employee of oSource. You do not have to pay taxes, handle HR matters or any of the other logistics involved with actual employees.

9. Do I get to set the work schedule?
One of the advantages of using Virtual Employees is that you can set the schedule according to your needs. Many employers arrange the work schedule so that Virtual Employees are working, somewhere in the world, at any given hour of the day. This allows businesses to operate 24 hours a day without cumbersome overtime costs or shift premiums.

10. Am I able to change Virtual Employees if I am dissatisfied?
At oSource, our goal is your complete satisfaction. If you are unhappy with the performance of any Virtual Employee you have accepted, you are welcome to request a change and one will be provided.

11. What makes oSource the right choice my Virtual Employee needs?
We strive to provide the most skilled, efficient and dependable workers around the globe at competitive prices. Our goal is to create sustainable long-term relationships between clients and staff. To that end, we consistently monitor performance and seek ways in which to improve our service.

12. Who is responsible for the quality of work provided by my Virtual Employee?
You are in complete control of your Virtual Employee. You provide all work instructions, guidance and necessary training for specialized tasks. You are expected to communicate to the employee what is expected, what the minimum acceptable requirements are and what standards must be met. In this way, oSource has no control over the quality of work you receive. However, if you are dissatisfied, another Virtual Employee can be provided.

13. Will I have to provide computers or other equipment for my Virtual Employee?
No, all virtual employees have access to the necessary equipment to do the job you are contracting them for.

14. Where do Virtual Employees work from?
Mainly from the offices of our partners, some from our own offices and others work from home, in the country of their origin with the vast majority residing in major cities.

15. What if my business uses Apple Mac computers and requires my Virtual Employee to do so also?
All Virtual Employees have their own equipment. The need for Apple Mac computers or other special equipment should be mentioned in your initial request so that we may screen employees properly. The need for special equipment may greatly reduce the number of acceptable applicants.

16. Can I only outsource non-core functions?
This has customarily been the case but not any longer. The benefits of the web make it possible to outsource almost any function imaginable and at considerable savings.

17. What are some of the most common functions that are outsourced?
While nearly every business function can be outsourced, the mostly commonly chosen include: Data Entry Data Capture/Scanning Data Processing and Database Management Data Conversion Forms and Claims Processing Order Processing Indexing and Archiving Web site design, development and normal creation Software Programming, Development and Technology tools creation Call Center Activities Web Research and Data Mining Conducting market surveys or any other surveys Engineering and Design Transcription (medical, legal and others) Medical Billing and Coding HR Services Internet Marketing, Search Engine Ranking and optimization Training Bookkeeping and Finance Any function which you are comfortable managing from a geographically different location can be outsourced.

18. What factors should be considered when weighing offshore outsourcing options?
There are a number of key aspects involved in the decision-making process when selecting offshore employees. These include the level of expertise available in a given offshore market, the minimum and maximum wage differential in various markets, the resources and support available, and any significant benefits or limitations to a particular geographic location.

19. What are the risks associated with outsourcing?
While we at oSource try to minimize risks for both clients and employees, there can still be some gray areas. Cultural and language differences, time zones differences, political factors and confidentiality issues can all be risky. Discuss any concerns with us before you proceed.

20. How can I avoid communication problems?
Both sides need to work diligently to avoid communication issues. Clear, concise instructions from the employer and regular communication from the employee with progress updates are essential for insuring that the job is proceeding appropriately. Management on both sides should be involved and should be kept aware of progress and problems alike. oSource strives to make sure any issues brought to their attentions are swiftly and fairly resolved.

21. What types of things are covered in an outsourcing contract?
When you consider the factors to be covered by your outsourcing contract, these factors should be included: All agreement terms Warranties and disclaimers Control factors and performance measures Compensation and incentives, penalties and rewards Emergency and crisis measures

22. What are the average costs to outsource?
This question has as many answers as there are reasons to outsource. The cost will vary from job to job depending on the number of Virtual Employees needed, the skill level required by each employee, what access to specific technology is necessary and a dozen other conditions. oSource will be happy to work with you to determine your needs and the appropriate cost to get the job done right.

23. Is there a minimum job or number of hours that must be contracted for?
No, oSource is here to help with any job, no matter how large or small.

24. How long will it take to get my project started?
Depending on the complexity, the number of employees and any special requirements, your project can begin the same week, maybe even the same day. Unusual projects may take a little longer.

25. Can I do a trial run?
We are willing to work with you. If you would like to try us out with a small version of your project or by using one Virtual Employee to see how things work, we can arrange that. Later, when you are satisfied, we can expand into more comprehensive support for your business.

26. Can I see portfolios and samples from my Virtual Employee?
Yes, these can be made available to you.

27. Will all the terms be covered in writing?
Yes, the contract will encompass the full scope of the work to be done, including length of time, payment issues, how changes are to be handled and a variety of other pertinent components.

28. Do you provide references?
You can view our testimonials page to see what some of our previous and current customers have to say about our services.

29. Are there any "hidden" costs?
We make every effort to ensure that our contract with you is comprehensive. It should cover the full scope of work you want done, the terms for paying for that work and some contingencies. However, there are times when something comes up or changes, that could not be foreseen. These situations could incur additional costs.

30. When is the best time to use outsourcing?
Anytime. Don't wait until you have an urgent need. Check out what we can do. Talk to us about your future business growth plans. Let us help you achieve those plans by tailoring a Virtual Employee plan that will facilitate your goals.