Very shady business practices
I have had a virtual assistant for years, and when my previous VA decided to retire I engaged the services of VirtualAssistant.com.au.
Shortly after being assigned my VA, I stopped hearing from her and was unable to rely on their services.
I had to manage all the things I needed help with aside from one or two meetings they scheduled. Eventually was told they were out of action because of a family issue—ok, sure, that happens and I encouraged them to take the time they need.
In the meantime, I had to continue managing everything I need help with and repair some relationships due to things I thought the VA had actioned not having actually been done.
A few weeks later I was emailed and acknowledged that they had let me down, but still dealing with family issues. Again, this is perfectly fine. I’m reasonable, I understand.
However, after I completed all of the tasks myself, had to apologise to clients for letting them down, and just not hearing back from the VA I asked for a refund.
I got a pretty unacceptable message that it is 'unfortunate', that they don't offer refunds, and that I only had 30 mins left. So, I prepaid 10 hours to manage my own work and diary and apologise to clients.
Unacceptable and shady business practices. Avoid, avoid, avoid.