MyOutDesk has built a reputation as one of the most affordable virtual assistant companies, primarily by sourcing talent from the Philippines. But "affordable" is relative. While their headline price of $1,988/month sounds attractive compared to US-based VA services, it's important to understand what you're actually getting and whether there are hidden costs lurking beneath the surface.
Many companies compare MyOutDesk to other Philippines-based providers and assume all offshore VAs are interchangeable. That's a mistake. Pricing, quality, vetting standards, and support vary significantly across providers. In this guide, we'll break down MyOutDesk's real costs, what they charge, what's included, and how they compare to other offshore alternatives.
If you're exploring MyOutDesk specifically because of price, you should also know that South offers competitive rates with better timezone coverage, different vetted talent pool, and a more transparent pricing model. Let's dive in.
By the end of this article, you'll know exactly what MyOutDesk costs, what you'd pay in a real scenario, and how to evaluate whether their pricing is right for your business.
MyOutDesk Pricing Overview
MyOutDesk's pricing is straightforward: they charge a flat monthly rate for a full-time dedicated virtual assistant.
Full-Time Virtual Assistant (Standard Rate)
The standard price for a full-time MyOutDesk VA is $1,988/month (40 hours/week). This is month-to-month pricing with no long-term contract required.
6-Month Commitment Discount
If you commit to hiring for 6 months, MyOutDesk reduces the rate to $1,848/month. That's a savings of $140/month or $840 over the 6-month period.
12-Month Commitment Discount
For a full-year commitment, MyOutDesk charges $1,788/month. This saves you $200/month or $2,400 annually compared to month-to-month pricing.
Part-Time or Custom Hours
MyOutDesk's model is built around full-time dedicated staff. Part-time arrangements are possible but aren't officially advertised—you'd need to contact their sales team for custom pricing.
Hidden Costs to Watch Out For
While MyOutDesk advertises a flat rate, there are several additional factors that will affect your true total cost of ownership.
No Flexibility Within the Monthly Fee
MyOutDesk charges a flat fee regardless of whether your VA works 40 hours or 30 hours that month. There's no prorating, no hourly adjustments. You pay the same amount whether you use full capacity or not.
Timezone and Communication Overhead
MyOutDesk VAs are based in the Philippines (8-12 hours ahead of US timezones). You'll experience communication delays, and you may need to batch your instructions and feedback rather than real-time collaboration. This hidden productivity cost isn't captured in their monthly fee.
Onboarding and Training Time
The first month with any new VA involves significant training investment on your part. You'll spend 10-15 hours documenting processes, preferences, and workflows. MyOutDesk doesn't formally include onboarding support, so this burden falls entirely on you.
Quality Variability
MyOutDesk doesn't explicitly guarantee the quality or experience level of your assigned VA. You may get a junior assistant on your first match. If the fit isn't right, you may need to pay for a replacement during another transition period.
No Replacement Guarantee Period
Unlike some premium US-based services, MyOutDesk doesn't offer a money-back trial period. You're committing to at least 30 days of payment even if the initial match isn't right.
Difficult Termination Process
While month-to-month terms sound flexible, some customers report friction when trying to terminate. You may need to provide formal notice or face penalties depending on your agreement terms.
Limited Specialization Premium
If you need a VA with specific expertise (bookkeeping, digital marketing, technical skills), MyOutDesk may not have them readily available at the standard rate, requiring a longer matching period or premium pricing.
What You'd Really Pay by Hiring on MyOutDesk
Let's build a realistic scenario: a bootstrapped SaaS startup needs a full-time VA to handle customer support emails, scheduling, data entry, and basic content management.
Month-to-Month Rate: $1,988/month
Annual Cost (no commitment): $23,856
Onboarding Investment (10 hours at average $50/hr): $500
First Month Productivity Loss: ~$800-1,200 (learning curve)
Timezone Coordination Overhead: ~5 hours/month managing async communication = $250/month or $3,000/year
True Annual Cost (Year 1): Approximately $28,000-29,000
Compare this to a 12-month commitment with South: a similar Latin American professional costs $2,400-2,800/month with better timezone overlap (only 2-4 hours difference), built-in onboarding support, and vetting that emphasizes communication skills. Year 1 true cost with South: approximately $30,000-34,000, but with better quality and less overhead.
The pricing advantage MyOutDesk appears to have ($1,988/mo) narrows significantly once you account for timezone coordination, onboarding, and quality variability.
Advantages of Hiring on MyOutDesk
Genuinely Low Price Point
At $1,988/month for a full-time VA, MyOutDesk is one of the most affordable dedicated assistant services available. If your primary concern is cost, few competitors can match this price.
Commitment Discounts Available
Unlike some offshore providers, MyOutDesk rewards longer-term commitments with 6% and 10% discounts for 6- and 12-month agreements respectively.
Dedicated Full-Time Employee
You get a single dedicated VA, not shared time. This person works for you and only you—improving continuity and familiarity with your business.
Month-to-Month Flexibility (Technically)
No long-term contract is required, so you're not locked in. In theory, you can scale up or down as needed.
Established Track Record
MyOutDesk has been operating for years and has successfully placed thousands of VAs. They have operational maturity and established processes.
Focus on Selection
MyOutDesk interviews and vets candidates before matching them to clients, reducing the likelihood of hiring someone completely unqualified.
Disadvantages of Hiring on MyOutDesk
Significant Timezone Mismatch
The Philippines is 8-12 hours ahead of US time zones. This means limited real-time collaboration, delayed responses, and the need to batch work daily. For businesses needing synchronous support, this is a major drawback.
Language and Communication Challenges
While MyOutDesk assistants speak English, language barriers and accents can create miscommunication. Writing clear instructions takes more time and effort than with native speakers.
Quality and Experience Variability
MyOutDesk doesn't guarantee the experience level or specialization of your VA. You might get a junior-level assistant when you need mid-level expertise. Replacement processes can be slow.
Limited Specialization
If you need expertise in bookkeeping, software development, graphic design, or other specialized fields, MyOutDesk's generalist VA pool may not have the exact fit. You'd pay more or wait longer for matching.
No Formal Onboarding Support
Unlike premium services, MyOutDesk doesn't include structured onboarding. You're responsible for documenting processes, creating style guides, and teaching your new VA everything about your business.
Hidden Overtime or Additional Costs
Some customers report pressure to use additional services or pay extra for weekend/urgent work, even though their contract specifies 40 hours/week.
Support Responsiveness
Customer support can be slow due to the same timezone issues. If something goes wrong on a Friday, you may not get help until Monday or Tuesday.
Risk of High Turnover
At low price points, Philippines-based VAs may see MyOutDesk as a stepping stone rather than long-term employment. You might experience frequent turnover and need to retrain regularly.
What You'd Really Pay by Hiring on MyOutDesk
Let's revisit the true cost scenario with MyOutDesk specifically:
Your company is a 10-person e-commerce brand needing a VA for customer service, order processing, and basic bookkeeping.
Monthly Fee: $1,988 (month-to-month)
Setup and Onboarding (20 hours): $1,000
First Month Productivity Loss: ~$1,500
Timezone Coordination Cost (5 hrs/month): $250/month x 12 = $3,000/year
Year 1 True Cost: Approximately $28,500
Year 2 Onwards (if no turnover): $23,856 + $3,000 (ongoing timezone overhead) = $26,856/year
Now compare South's pricing: $2,500-2,800/month for a Latin American professional with 2-4 hour timezone overlap (significantly less coordination overhead), included onboarding, and vetting emphasizing communication and stability. Year 1 cost with South: ~$32,000-34,000, but years 2+ run $30,000-33,600 with better continuity and less overhead.
Advantages of Hiring on MyOutDesk
Unbeatable Price for Full-Time Support
At $1,988/month standard (or $1,788 with annual commitment), MyOutDesk is one of the cheapest full-time VA options available anywhere.
Dedicated Resource
You get a dedicated VA who works for you exclusively—not shared time or task-based service. This ensures continuity and VA commitment to your business.
Simple, Predictable Pricing
The monthly fee is all-inclusive. No per-hour rates, no surprise charges. You know exactly what you're paying each month.
Commitment Discounts for Long-Term Relationships
6- and 12-month discounts encourage longer relationships and reward loyal customers with better rates.
No Hiring Process Burden
MyOutDesk handles all recruiting, vetting, and interviews. You don't manage job postings, phone screens, or reference checks.
Established Operations
MyOutDesk is an established company with years of track record, solid processes, and thousands of successful placements.
Disadvantages of Hiring on MyOutDesk
Severe Timezone Complications
The Philippines is 8-12 hours ahead of US timezones. If you need real-time collaboration, brainstorming sessions, or quick turnarounds, this creates significant friction and hidden productivity costs.
Communication Overhead and Barriers
Even fluent English speakers have accents and different communication styles. You'll spend time clarifying instructions and handling miscommunications that wouldn't occur with local talent.
Quality Inconsistency
MyOutDesk doesn't guarantee experience level, technical skills, or education. Your first match might be junior-level even if you need intermediate expertise.
Weak Specialization Capabilities
If you need a VA with domain expertise (SaaS, e-commerce, marketing, bookkeeping), MyOutDesk's generalist pool may not have the right fit. Specialized needs require premium pricing or longer searches.
DIY Onboarding
There's no formal onboarding program. You handle all process documentation, training, and system setup—a significant time investment in month one.
Replacement Friction and Delays
If the initial match isn't right, getting a replacement can take weeks due to matching and notice periods. You're paying full price while waiting for an improvement.
Limited Support and Responsiveness
Customer support is also offshore, meaning slow response times to your issues. A Friday problem may not be addressed until Tuesday.
Potential for Hidden Costs
Some customers report additional charges for urgent work, special projects, or work outside the standard 40-hour week, despite the "all-inclusive" positioning.
Transparent Pricing: South vs. MyOutDesk
Here's the core comparison:
MyOutDesk Model:
- Flat $1,988/month ($1,788 with 12-month commitment)
- Philippines-based (8-12 hour timezone gap)
- Limited communication and coordination overhead not priced in
- DIY onboarding and training
- Inconsistent quality/experience level
South's Model:
- Flat $2,400-2,800/month (all-inclusive, no markups)
- Latin America-based (2-4 hour timezone overlap)
- Built-in onboarding and management support
- Vetted for communication skills and cultural fit
- Transparent pricing with one consolidated invoice
The apparent $800/month price difference narrows significantly when you account for timezone coordination, communication overhead, and onboarding burden. More importantly, South's model is built on transparent pricing and predictable costs.
Learn more about South's pricing structure and how Latin American talent can give you better timezone coverage at a fairer price point.
The Takeaway
MyOutDesk offers the lowest headline price for full-time virtual assistants, which appeals to cost-conscious businesses. However, the Philippines timezone, communication overhead, and onboarding burden means your true cost is higher than the $1,988/month suggests.
If you want transparent pricing, better timezone alignment, built-in onboarding support, and consistently high-quality talent, schedule a free call with South today. We specialize in connecting US companies with pre-vetted Latin American professionals at fair, flat-rate pricing—no hidden costs, no surprises.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What's the minimum commitment required with MyOutDesk?
MyOutDesk operates on a month-to-month basis with no long-term contract required. However, discounts are available for 6-month and 12-month commitments, which incentivizes longer relationships.
Does MyOutDesk offer part-time options?
MyOutDesk is primarily built for full-time dedicated assistants. Part-time arrangements may be possible but aren't officially advertised. You'd need to contact their sales team for custom pricing on reduced hours.
What happens if you're not satisfied with your MyOutDesk VA?
MyOutDesk will work to find a replacement, but there's no formal money-back guarantee period. The transition between VAs means you're paying full price while waiting for a new match to onboard.
How much does onboarding typically cost?
MyOutDesk doesn't provide formal onboarding support. You handle the training and process documentation yourself. Budget 15-20 hours of your time to get a new VA fully ramped.
Are there timezone issues with MyOutDesk?
Yes, significantly. The Philippines is 8-12 hours ahead of US timezones, meaning limited real-time collaboration and delayed responses. You'll need to batch daily instructions and expect next-day turnarounds on urgent requests.
What if you need specialized skills like bookkeeping or marketing?
MyOutDesk's pool is primarily general-purpose VAs. Specialized needs may require longer matching times or premium rates beyond the standard $1,988/month fee.
How does pricing compare if you commit to a year-long relationship?
With a 12-month commitment, MyOutDesk reduces the rate from $1,988 to $1,788/month—a savings of $2,400 over the year. This is their most affordable pricing tier.
