There are many benefits of starting an online virtual assistant business. It is faster to start and is very affordable. There is a low or very low overhead cost involved when you already have the equipment (computer, software, internet) to start working. You just need the required skills to get started, you do not need a degree, certificate or work license. You can decide what service you will provide and to what industry. You can also set your own schedule to work.

While there are many perks to virtual assistant business there are also drawbacks like you need to have a network of people ready to hire you, you need to stay cost effective for customers that mean low prices and you also need to stay updated with latest technology and service trends in the industry. Other than that, receiving payment from customers placed in other parts of the world is difficult as these customers prefer to pay through the channel they like. Many times, the payment channel is not accessible in the home country of the virtual assistant, e.g. a big portion of these customers will pay through PayPal but PayPal is not available in most African and Asian countries. Here it comes down to the virtual assistant to convince them to pay through other channels. It helps if you know what channels are available to receive payments other than Paypal. Here are a few well-known channels:

1. Payoneer

Payoneer is a financial services company that provides online money transfer and digital payment services. If Paypal is not available in your country then Payoneer will be. You can make an account on this service very easily; they require your national id card and bank account details. The new account is normally approved in 3 working days. You can make an account on this service with zero deposit and start receiving funds immediately. It is a digital account in which you can receive and send money with few clicks. Moving money between borders is very easy and has a low cost.

2. Currency or money exchanger

Currency or money exchangers are the next best channel for sending and receiving payments globally. In fact “currency exchange near me” is the most searched keyword on the google search engine. There is no need to open an account with them to send or receive money and they have a small fee for their service on top of the currency conversion if any. Money exchangers have evolved a great deal, no more you have to visit them, you can request your money to be delivered to your home. You can also send money using their websites from home, just pay using a credit card and give the receivers details.

3. Skrill

Skrill is an e-commerce business. It helps you get money and transfer funds through the use of the internet and it focuses on providing this service at the lowest possible cost. Making an account on this service is easy as well. It acts as a digital wallet that holds your money for a small annual fee. You can send money to anyone having a Skrill account and can withdraw money to your personal local bank account. However, there may be money load and withdraw limit depending on your country. Skrill charges a small fee on withdrawal and also have a minimum withdrawal limit.