Hiya Ric!

In answer to your question, what is standard practice for all Virtual Assistant's is quoting clients beforehand which ensures they are clear on the cost and timeframe before proceeding with any job. As you stated, communication is vital and it is up to the VA to make sure they also have a clear understanding of what the client requires and expects from the get go. If the job was a big one, or ongoing (ie a Retainer's Plan), then I would offer to do a few pages as an example and base my quotation on that making sure the client understands it is an approximate.

Initially there has to be a certain level of trust which is also the case when you ask any other contractor to do work for you ie a mechanic, plumber, architect etc I temped in Sydney for 5 years and often recall having to sit there "looking busy", and then there were times I would be run off my feet and be paid the same hourly rate! Also, a contract would be in place, and hopefully in time a relationship would develop built on trust and mutual respect.

Virtual Assistants are business owners already experienced in their field, and a high quality of work is imperative in order for us to earn a living. The term VA has been around since the mid-90's so it isn't new, although people are still learning about it.

Ultimately, it's all about constant communication and in this day and age with phones, emails, instant messaging, Skype, sms's there is no reason why a client and a VA can not work together effectively!

Here's a few links that may be of interest:

- NBC report from the Today Show  
- A series of client case studies conducted by A Clayton's Secretary from an informative blog about the industry   and
- More client information  

Have a great day!

Alex