Virtual data assistant /
data entry contractor

Refer below for info on being a virtual data assistant or you may wish to jump straight to these sections:

Date entry outsourcing companies
Starting your own virtual data assistant home business

A virtual data entry assistant is a virtual assistant that specialises in the niche area of database maintenance and data entry. So you are a data entry contractor that works from home. Below I have a list of companies that outsource data entry work, so be sure to check that list out.

This job be anything from straight data entry, inputting into a database such as Microsoft Access, ACT, Excel even, or many other or less commonly used databases right through to managing the database and manipulating it as needed, data cleansing, direct mail and other forms of data manipulation/work.

Straight data entry is not as easy as it sounds. Such a virtual assistant should be fast, accurate and happy working with databases.

There could be many variations to this role, such as finding the information first and then entering it into a database.

And obviously if you wish to specialise as a virtual data assistant you should be very familiar with database set up and manipulation of data, importing data into other applications, email, etc.

Charging for virtual data assistant work

You have to agree with your client first in either writing or verbally (depending on how you prefer to do business) on how you will charge your client before you take on the job. Sometimes clients want estimates, but estimates are hard to figure out.

What I have done in the past with basic database work (as this is not my area) is to do one hour's worth of work for the client and show him what I achieved in that hour. In my case the client was happy with what I had produced and I went ahead with the rest of the job.

You may be required to enter plain data into an existing database and the client may wish you to charge per data entry point, which if it's not much input it could work out more favourable than charging by the hour.

OR

You may charge your usual hourly rate for all database/data entry work.

You may also need to research information first and then enter it into a database, so again it's probably best to charge your usual real time hourly rate for this work.

Data entry outsourcing companies

Axion Data Services outsources all forms of data services and data entry work to independent contractors. The link takes you to their minimum requirements page. If you meet the criteria then you can consider registering with them.

Continental Promotion Group in Tempe Arizona uses the services of independent contractors for data entry work. You must attend their premises for training first and pick up and drop offs are at their offices as well, so only good for VAs situated in or around the area.

Dion Data Services also outsources data entry work to independent contractors.

Key for Cash enables you to earn money from home doing data entry. (More info to follow here, ie: do they use contractors or US based people only, etc)

Palm Coast Data uses the services of independent contractors working out of their home office to input customer information, like names and addresses, or revise information already in their database, such as a customer's change of address. Only Palm Coast residents west of the toll bridge are considered for these off-site positions.

Starting your data entry home business

I found a great website with lots of tips and FAQs about starting a data entry home business. There is even a free 5 day email course for you.

You can also purchase a manual, Data Entry Home Business: The Manual Revised Edition 2007
A one-of-a-kind, nothing else like it, step-by-step guide to starting your own data entry home business by Michelle Johanson

Cost: U$49 Click Here!

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