Planning On Using An Umbrella Company?

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 potential companies read the fine print and be on the lookout for hidden entry and exit charges. If your income is unpredictable, it might be best to go with a company that offers a set fee rather than one that bases its fees on your earnings, especially if you make a good sum of money. You should be able to choose between weekly, semi-monthly, or monthly billing.

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 of the most important issues for a freelancer is good customer service. Find out how easy it is to submit timesheets and expenses. Do they have a website for submissions? Ask about response time. You have a schedule to keep and don’t want to be held up, waiting to hear back from your umbrella company. Look for a company that offers a “money back guarantee” if you are not satisfied with their performance.

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.

Last, but certainly not least, make sure the company is a member of a professional body like Professional Passport, SPA, or AEMC so you know they are compliant. Most umbrella companies provide professional indemnity, employer’s liability, and public liability insurance as a part of their service, but ask to be sure. If they can service your needs and provide these assurances, they should be a good match for your business.

Learn More : Umbrella Company