Compare ✦ Honest
How we
stack up
A dedicated, managed team member isn't right for every job. Here's the honest comparison against the alternatives — so you choose what fits.
Looking for VA work? Apply at staffingsolutions.ph
$14/hrFrom, + GST
$0Placement fee
14 daysTo start
No lock-inCancel anytime
Comparisons
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Compare
hiring locally
A dedicated SSIO team member versus a local employee — the honest comparison on cost, speed and overhead.
Explore →Compare
freelancer marketplaces
Dedicated, managed team members versus gig-marketplace freelancers — reliability, vetting and no churn.
Explore →Compare
traditional BPO
A dedicated team member you direct versus a shared seat in a big BPO — control, flexibility and no lock-in.
Explore →Guide
Outsourcing to the Philippines
Why Australian and US businesses outsource to the Philippines — and how to do it right with a managed partner.
Explore →Guide
Virtual assistant cost guide (2026)
What virtual assistants cost in Australia and the US in 2026 — hourly rates, models and where a dedicated managed VA fits.
Explore →Questions
Frequently asked
When is a local hire better?
When the role genuinely needs a physical presence or in-person client contact. For back-office, support and digital work, offshore usually wins on cost and speed.
Is offshore reliable for ongoing work?
Yes — a dedicated, managed team member with continuity cover is built for ongoing work, unlike gig freelancers.
How much can I save?
Typically up to 70% versus a local hire. Run the calculator →
Is there a minimum term?
Three months, then month to month. It's the same runway you'd give a new local hire to learn your systems, your clients and your standards — and the team members who get a fair run are the ones who stay for years. There are no exit penalties at any point, and if the issue is the person rather than the role, the first-week refund and free replacement cover that separately.
How do you handle confidentiality?
The same way you'd treat any remote team member. Every placement signs an NDA and a confidentiality clause before day one, and they work inside your systems — your email, your CRM, your file storage — so you control what they can see and can revoke access instantly. No client data is stored on our side.