Notes About Business

With so many umbrella companies to choose from, deciding on one can be intimidating for a freelance contractor. There are specific things you should know about the company before making a decision. Carefully examine their fee structure so there are no surprises. Find out exactly what services they provide, if they have Internet access for ease of use, and ask around to learn about their reputation. Knowing just a few details can save you money over the long term.

When looking at a company’s fee structure, watch out for hidden start-up fees and exit fees. You may want to choose a company with set fees rather than fees based on your income, especially if it fluctuates or you make more money. Income based fees will increase with your income and can take a hefty percentage of your earnings. Most companies will charge weekly, semi-monthly, or monthly, and you will have to determine which works best for you.

Ask friends for recommendations of good companies and learn about the reputation of potential firms. If your acquaintances have only good things to say about a company, chances are it’s a good choice if they provide all the services you’re looking for. If you need to, ask the firm for references, see how many current customers they have, and how long they’ve been in business. Obvious stability is better than flashy and new.

When asking friends for recommendations, ask specifically about customer service; does the company have a website to upload or enter timesheets and expenses? Ask friends and the potential company about their response time to questions and problems. If you have a schedule to keep, you don’t need to be waiting around to hear back from the firm. It’s also a good idea to find a company that offers to refund your money if you are not happy with their services.

Depending on your particular circumstances, how a company pays could play a major role in choosing an umbrella company. Ask if they pay using FPS, C.H.A.P.S., or Bacs. If they use Bacs, you will have to wait days to be paid, but if they use FPS or C.H.A.P.S., you will receive payments in just one day as they use a same-day bank transfer, while Bacs is not an instant transfer of funds.

Finally, find out if the umbrella company is a member of a professional organization, like SPA, AEMC, or Professional Passport. This usually assures that they are compliant. While most firms provide insurance, like public liability, professional indemnity, and employer’s liability, it’s best to make sure before you sign on. When you find a company that meets all this criteria and can serve your needs, you should be in good hands.

Next : Umbrella Company