What You Need To Know About Choosing An Umbrella Company
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.
Reputable companies will generally offer a clear fee arrangement, and weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly billing. It may be advisable to choose a company that charges a set fee rather than one that is income based, especially if your income varies quite a bit or if you are a high earner. This could eat up a sizable chunk of your income. Also, make sure there are no fees to sign up or fees to leave the company.
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.
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.
Make sure to ask if the company pays via BACS, FPS, or C.H.A.P.S. If they pay using Bacs, it could take several days to a week to get paid. C.H.A.P.S is a same day bank transfer-clearing house, and FPS is a transfer that takes just a few hours to complete. How they pay can be a big determining factor when choosing an umbrella company.
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.
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