One of the issues surrounding outsourcing to the Philippines is providing equipment for your virtual assistant. As you interview candidates, some of them might say they don’t have a computer or internet connection. That raises the question, should you shoulder the cost?

We get this question a lot at Onlinejobs.ph and I think it’s about time for us to make our opinion known about this issue.

I know this request seems “odd”. After all, if you were outsourcing the same task in your country, the expectation is that the contract workers are fully equipped. They have the up-to-date hardware and special software required to render their services.

Jasmine, a long-term full-time social media marketer with Onlinejobs.ph, puts it this way:

“At the earliest stages of the relationship, I don’t think an employer is obligated to provide for a laptop. Your virtual Filipino workers should at least have their own computer or internet connection. This is because in a sense they are solopreneurs. A laptop and a stable internet connection is part of their business investment”.

“But if there’s a situation that you need something done that would require your VA to purchase software or more equipment, then the employer should provide for it or reimburse the VA for that expense”.

“No Equipment” as a Red Flag

If the applicants you are interviewing tell you they don’t have a laptop or computer, you should treat that as a red flag. It could be a scam. After they receive their laptop they could disappear.

Or, they’re still thinking like employees. But if they are putting themselves on the market for contract assignments, then a prerequisite is that they invest for the tools they need to do for the job.

Now that online work is fairly common, this shouldn’t be much of an issue anymore. Most Filipinos workers who want to work from home are resourceful enough to work for local businesses first in order to afford a computer before setting themselves up as contract workers.

Some would make arrangements to work in internet cafes while saving for a computer. Some borrow a laptop from friends or family. This is a lot better than workers who ask for a new computer outright because it shows initiative and principle. They looked for solutions to their problem and they’re willing to pay their own way. It’s not ideal. Working in an internet café or with borrowed equipment is a security risk. In this case, if the VA proves himself, I would give bonuses to that worker to help him earn that computer money.

Another consideration why you shouldn’t buy a computer for your VA early in your working relationship is the possibility that things may not pan out. Let’s say you got your VA a laptop as soon as you hired her. Then a few weeks down the line, for whatever reason, the relationship just isn’t working. Maybe you have different expectations or both of you just don’t communicate well together.

Yet, you have paid for their laptop. It is not likely you will ever be compensated for that or have the equipment returned to you. Shipping costs between the Philippines and the U.S. are high. For example, shipping two laptops costs about $300.00.

Once Relationships Develop

As you and your Filipino assistants establish your work relationship, you all find that it is a good match. Quality work is getting done. Trust has been building on both sides.

But then, you realize your VA might get more work done if they have better equipment. Laptops are expensive in the Philippines. Most Filipinos would rather have their laptop repaired over and over again than buy a new one because they’re too expensive. But there’s only so much a laptop technician can do. They can fix laptops, but they can’t make it run faster or have more memory unless they buy new parts.

At that point, you should consider purchasing equipment for your Filipino VA as an investment. Because better tools will make them work faster, work better, and do more.

Insider Perspective on Equipment Purchases

To address this development in your work relationship we ask “insider” Joven to share his perspective. Born and educated in the Philippines, Joven joined Onlinejobs.ph several years ago. He does a variety of tasks, mostly using his laptop in his home office.

Here are Joven’s recommendations:

“If the virtual employees already have established trust with the small business which contracts with them, then the employer can now buy them computers and other necessary items that can make them more productive in their tasks”.

“If those employees are very good at their work, then the employer can invest even more to make those employees more productive. For example, those employees might be top-notch designers. But they need better editing equipment than they have. Certainly, that could be a sound investment. Another solid investment could be a headset for those doing call-center tasks. That has a direct productivity and quality outcome for the employer”.

The Logistics of Purchasing and Shipping

Once you decide to buy a computer for your VA, you need to consider the logistics.

To purchase a new, mid-tier laptop in the Philippines could cost $900. The significant mark-up of the price is due to shipping cost to the Philippines. Looking at the price alone, buying new may not look like a good option. But trust me, it might be your only option.

Buying a new or 2nd hand computer here and having it shipped to the Philippines seems like an option. But shipping a computer to the Philippines is really expensive. Shipping cost alone might end up costing more than the laptop itself. And our workers at Onlinejobs.ph were unanimous in their recommendation against using the Philippine post office. There’s a big possibility the equipment could be damaged, or worse, stolen. Even if the package does arrive, the receiver would be taxed or asked for bribes. If you really want to send a computer, they recommend using FedEx, UPS, or DHL instead.

You could ask your VA to look for used computers. But the 2nd hand market for computers and laptops in the Philippines isn’t as good as those here in the US. And the problem with 2nd stuff is you can’t get any warranties for them when they break down.

The best option is to shop around online. Use sites that have shops or distributors in the Philippines. That gives you complete control on what’s purchased, you’re reassured that they will receive the laptop AND they can get warranty. You can use the popular e-commerce stores like Lazada and Shopee.ph, or other deal Philippine computer store websites like PCExpress or Octagon.

You can also order directly from brands like Apple, Asus, Acer, etc through their Philippine pages. Just make sure they offer door-to-door delivery service to save on international shipping costs.

The Loyalty Payoff

If you look at it as an investment, it’s not much. But the payoff in terms of employee loyalty would be exponential. Filipino workers are grateful to employers who provide the upgrades necessary to do their jobs. Also, they view this investment as a vote of confidence in their expertise.

In return you’ll get a productive and motivated employee who will bring your enterprise to the next level.

What if you don’t need to buy your VA a computer? There are other ways to motivate your VA to be more productive. And if you are considering getting a laptop for your virtual assistant, check out our latest buying guide.

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About John Jonas

John Jonas is a long-time outsourcing expert and the creator of OnlineJobs.ph.

Since 2005, John has taught hundreds of thousands of entrepreneurs how to profitably delegate to VAs in the Philippines (and get their lives back in the process).

With help from his own VAs based in the Philippines, John has created an outsourcing empire that allows him to work 17 hours/week and to spend most of his time with his wife and 5 kids.

Find John at JohnJonas.com and Facebook.

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