Find Your Fit: Ad Hoc or Full-Time Admin Assistant

You finally landed a big project, the kind you have been working toward for months. Excitement kicks in as you start outlining deliverables, scheduling meetings, and considering what this opportunity could mean for your business. However, as the workload piles up, the excitement quickly fades, and reality sets in. There is a lot to accomplish, and not enough hours in the day to do it alone. Hiring a full-time employee feels like a major commitment, both financially and operationally. At the same time, trying to manage everything yourself is not realistic. Critical tasks could fall behind, and client expectations are too important to risk.

You are caught in the middle, needing help but unsure what kind of help is the right fit for your situation. This is when many business owners ask:

Should I hire a Full-Time Virtual Assistant, or purchase hours and get support only when I need it?

Before answering that, let us take a closer look at a few common challenges that often lead to this decision, and how choosing the right Virtual Assistant setup can help your business move forward efficiently.

What is a Full-Time VA?

A Full-Time VA is a dedicated resource working closely with you, usually 30 to 40 hours per week. They become familiar with your business, your clients, and your systems, supporting you on a daily basis.

Advantages of a Full-Time VA:

• Consistent, daily support for ongoing tasks
• Builds deep familiarity with your brand and processes
• Easier delegation of larger, more complex responsibilities
• Available when unexpected needs arise

What is a Buy-Hours VA?

A Buy-Hours VA lets you purchase a set number of hours upfront — no long-term contracts, no pressure. You assign tasks when you need help and use the hours at your own pace.

• Website updates and basic website development
• PowerPoint presentations, pitch decks, and client proposals
• Lead generation, prospect research, and list building
• CRM setup, organization, and data management
• Social media content scheduling and basic engagement support
• Email marketing setup, template design, and list segmentation
• Administrative tasks, calendar management, and inbox organization
• Data entry, report preparation, and metrics tracking
• Graphic design for marketing materials, flyers, and simple brand assets
• E-commerce product listings, inventory updates, and order tracking

Advantages of a Buy-Hours VA:

• Perfect for project-based or one-time tasks

If you have a specific project — like building a website, designing a presentation, or organizing your CRM — a Buy-Hours VA allows you to get the support you need without the commitment of ongoing employment. You only use hours when there is real work to be done.

• Ideal when you only need limited hours per week

Not every business needs full-time or even part-time support. If your workload varies or if you just need help for a few hours each week, a Buy-Hours VA provides a flexible solution. You avoid paying for idle time and can assign tasks based on what the business demands.

• Budget control — pay only for the work you need

One of the biggest advantages is financial predictability. You purchase a set number of hours that fit your budget and goals. No surprise invoices, no paying salaries during slow periods, and no overhead costs. You have complete control over how and when the hours are used.

• Flexibility to scale up or down depending on your schedule

Some weeks you might need more support, and others you might need less. A Buy-Hours VA lets you adjust without renegotiating contracts or worrying about minimum commitments. It is supported on your terms and designed to match the rhythm of your business.

Why Ready Set Offers Both Options

At Ready Set Group LLC, we know every business has different needs at different stages. Some clients need daily, ongoing support. Others need quick help during busy seasons or for special projects.

That’s why we offer both Full-Time and Buy-Hours VA services — giving you the flexibility to choose what fits your business today without locking you into a model that might not fit tomorrow.

Ready to find the VA setup that matches your needs? Explore your options with Ready Set Group today.