Using An Umbrella Company : The Basics Explained
For a freelance contractor, choosing an umbrella company can be daunting, especially with so many to choose from. It is important to know what fees they charge upfront, specific services they provide, if they offer Internet access, and what kind of reputation they have. The time you spend researching the company you choose can end up saving you a lot of money in the end.
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.
Do some investigating and make sure the company you are looking at has a good reputation. Word of mouth is a powerful tool, so ask around for recommendations. Ask the company for references from existing clients that you might know. Find out how long they have been in business and how many clients they have. This can be a good indicator of stability.
One thing that most freelances look for in a company is customer service and ease of use. Find out if you can submit timesheets online, as well as claimed expenses. Look for “money back” guarantees so that you have an out if you are not satisfied. Also, find out what their response time is to questions. You don’t want to be held up waiting to hear back from a company for days; you are looking for continuity and don’t need any unnecessary delays.
Before you pick a company, find out how they pay. If they pay using C.H.A.P.S or FPS, you will get paid the same day. If they use Bacs, you may have to wait several days before you get paid. The promptness of payment can be a big issue when choosing the right umbrella company.
As a standard, most umbrella companies provide insurance for their contractors; public liability, employer’s liability, and professional indemnity, but always ask to be sure. Also, a good sign of compliance is the umbrella company’s membership in a professional body like AEMC, Professional Passport, or SPA. If a company can meet all these standards and your individual needs, they should be a safe bet.
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