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eCommerce virtual assistant

Definition

What is an eCommerce virtual assistant?

Running an eCommerce business can be super hectic – small to medium-sized eCommerce business owners need to find the most important tasks, so they can delegate the repetitive tasks to their eCommerce virtual assistant.

An eCommerce virtual assistant helps the eCommerce business owner manage their online store/s. They update and add new products, update prices, manage queries, and more. The list can be endless.

Tasks delegated to an eCommerce virtual assistant

eCommerce virtual assistants are responsible for the above mentioned tasks, but as we noted, the list can be endless. Here are the other roles delegated to an eCommerce virtual assistant:

  • Product research
  • Handling order processing
  • Managing inventory
  • Providing customer service
  • Product listing and optimization

Outsourcing FAQ

What skills do eCommerce virtual assistants need?

eCommerce virtual assistance is not for everyone, and aspiring VAs need to have certain skills and qualifications to excel in the field. Experience in handling eCommerce businesses as well as having order processing and sales experiences top the list of qualifications.

Online businesses never sleep and are never stagnant, so a VA has to be a fast learner, flexible, resourceful, and productive. An eCommerce virtual assistant also needs to have word processing and computer skills, self-motivation, discipline, and customer service expertise.

How many hours does a virtual assistant work?

An online virtual assistant can work on the agreed upon work hours. For part-time workers, 20 hours per week is a good minimum. This is enough time for starting VAs to get familiarized with their tasks and get them done. The tasks of a virtual assistant should not be rushed.

If you’re handling a team of VAs, let them share ideas and strategies through effective online collaboration tools that are perfect for remote work. 

How do I start working as a virtual assistant?

When you feel like you have the right skills and qualifications for the job, you may start working as a virtual assistant. There are different types of virtual assistants, like eCommerce VA, marketing VA, legal VA, and more. The first step is to find your niche, so you can market yourself better for potential clients.

Aspiring VAs can create accounts on Upwork or Freelancer to find jobs, but some small to medium-sized companies prefer hiring through business process outsourcing companies to ensure workforce quality and stability. If a company is hiring more than one VA, it would be more practical to seek the help of an outsourcing company.

Do virtual assistants work from home?

Virtual assistants are “virtual” because they don’t work physically in an office. The jobs assigned to them can be done remotely, anywhere they want. They take care of their own internet connection, equipment, and other things needed for their work. 

While most virtual assistants have established their own home offices to have a conducive working environment, some choose the life of a digital nomad. Clients usually do not care wherever you choose to work, as long as the tasks are done efficiently and on time.

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About OA

Outsource Accelerator is the trusted source of independent information, advisory and expert implementation of Business Process Outsourcing (BPO)

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Outsource Accelerator offers the world’s leading aggregator marketplace for outsourcing. It specifically provides the conduit between Philippines outsourcing suppliers and the businesses – clients – across the globe.

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About Derek Gallimore

Derek Gallimore has been in business for 20 years, outsourcing for over eight years, and has been living in Manila (the heart of global outsourcing) since 2014. Derek is the founder and CEO of Outsource Accelerator, and is regarded as a leading expert on all things outsourcing.

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