It really depends on what type of services you’re planning to provide and my answer below is fairly generic.
As a VA who provides general secretarial and administrative support, the initial costs were:
- a reliable computer – most people already own this but didn’t when I started in 19
94
- a reliable printer – ditto above
- somewhere to sit that is ergonomic to protect your back and neck from aches
- suitable software for the services you provide. Microsoft Office is still the standard. But there may be other software you need
- a good bookkeeping program. I use QuickBooks online but many are using Xero these days.
- you will need back up storage. You can get Dropbox for free for up to 2GB but there are other services around too. I believe you get 15GB with Google Drive
- a domain name for your business (around $35.00AUD for 2 years for an Australian domain and around $12USD for other domains per annum)
- possibly a registered business name.
- a website but you can start with a freebie at WordPress.com and then go from there (highly recommend WordPress as you can upgrade to a self hosted site and export what you’ve created without having to start the process all over again)
- Social Media is a must these days too.
So going with the above – much of this is your own time in setting up and organising things with minimal cost. If you already have a computer and printer, then the software would just be a monthly or outright cost and the domain an annual or bi-annual cost, depending on if it’s a .com or .com.au.
AU: +61 437 889 400
Or search our site for a VA