Offload vs hiring a virtual assistant: when does each make sense?
A virtual assistant (VA) is a person you hire, train, and manage. Offload is a marketplace — no hire, no training, no management. Most teams use both.
We try to keep these tables accurate and up to date — but pricing and features change. Always double‑check on the competitor's site before deciding.
Feature
Offload
Hiring a VA
Setup time
0 — post a task in 90 seconds
Weeks (recruit, interview, onboard, train)
Cost
Pay per task only
$800–$2,500/mo retainer
Best for
Variable, specialized, or overflow work
Predictable, recurring, relationship‑driven work
Management
None — Doer claims and ships
You manage the VA's calendar and workload
Coverage
Always on, multiple Doers available
Single person, vacation = no coverage
Confidentiality
Per‑task NDA, delegated access only
Single trusted hire
Our take
Hire a VA when you have steady, daily admin work and want one trusted person. Use Offload for the long tail — the one‑off lead list, the messy spreadsheet, the deck due tomorrow — instead of training your VA on yet another tool.
FAQ
Can I use Offload alongside my VA?+
Yes — most users do. The VA handles relationship‑driven recurring work; Offload absorbs the spiky one‑offs.
Pay per task. Pay only on approval.
No subscription, no retainer. Post your first task and see the difference.