A few lessons I learned using VAs:
- Timezone is important. For customer service, it's best to have someone in a similar timezone. If you're in the US, anyone in North or South America would be fine.
- Take into consideration cultural differences. Training will be important. Clear guidelines on what needs to be done and how will really help.
- Make sure you start with some small tasks that can be done without giving access to everything. Test them out so you can see if you can work with them. If they have every skill listed on their profile and only charge $5/h, it's probably too good to be true.
- You can find ones that work with other clients and can charge you only while they are actively working on your tasks.
- If you want someone based in the US and with experience working with cleaning companies, you can go with a company like TaskAwayVA. I use them. Let me know if you'd like an introduction.