FrequentlyAsked Questions
Everything you need to know about hiring eCommerce virtual assistants from Ecom Hands.
Getting Started
What is Ecom Hands?
Ecom Hands is a virtual assistant staffing platform that places pre-vetted, platform-trained eCommerce VAs with Amazon, Walmart, and Shopify sellers across the United States. With over 500 VAs placed and a 98% client retention rate, Ecom Hands accepts only 3% of applicants through a rigorous multi-stage screening process.
What is an eCommerce virtual assistant?
An eCommerce virtual assistant is a remote worker trained to handle day-to-day operations for online sellers — including listing optimization, inventory management, customer service, PPC advertising, and order processing on platforms like Amazon, Walmart, and Shopify. Unlike general VAs, eCommerce VAs have platform-specific training.
How does the hiring process work?
You start with a free 15-30 minute discovery call where we learn about your business and VA needs. Within 48 hours, we shortlist 2-3 pre-vetted candidates from our talent pool. You review profiles, conduct optional interviews, and choose your VA. We handle onboarding with a dedicated account manager.
How quickly can I get matched with a VA?
Most clients are matched within 48 hours of their discovery call. Our pre-vetted talent pool of 500+ VAs allows for fast placement without sacrificing quality.
Do I need to provide training?
VAs arrive pre-trained on their assigned platform — Amazon Seller Central, Walmart Seller Center, or Shopify Admin. You only need to share your specific SOPs, brand guidelines, and preferences. This saves 40-80 hours of onboarding compared to hiring on your own.
Can I interview the VA before hiring?
Yes. After we shortlist 2-3 candidates based on your requirements, you can review their profiles and conduct optional video interviews before making your decision.
Pricing & Plans
How much does an eCommerce virtual assistant cost?
Ecom Hands VAs cost $4-$10/hour depending on the role and specialization. This covers all services including Amazon operations, Walmart operations, Shopify management, PPC advertising, creative design, and customer service. No hidden fees and no long-term contracts.
How much does a full-time VA cost per month?
A full-time VA (160 hours/month) through Ecom Hands costs $640-$1,600/month depending on the role. This is a fraction of a US-based hire at $3,200-$6,400/month, with no overhead costs for benefits, equipment, or office space.
Are there any hidden fees?
No. The hourly rate you see is the rate you pay. There are no setup fees, platform fees, management fees, or long-term contract penalties.
What is the minimum commitment?
There are no long-term contracts. You can start with a trial period and scale up or down based on your needs. Most clients start with part-time (20 hours/week) and scale to full-time.
Do you offer part-time and full-time options?
Yes. We offer part-time (10-20 hours/week) and full-time (40 hours/week) options. Full-time VAs get the best hourly rates. You can start part-time and scale up as your business grows.
Is hiring an eCommerce VA worth the investment?
Most sellers doing $500K+ in annual revenue save 20-25 hours per week by delegating operational tasks. At $4-$10/hour, a full-time VA costs $640-$1,600/month while freeing you to focus on growth, sourcing, and strategy — activities with a much higher return per hour.
Platforms & Skills
What platforms do your VAs support?
Our VAs specialize in Amazon Seller Central, Walmart Seller Center, and Shopify Admin. We also have VAs experienced in eBay, Etsy, and multi-channel tools like ChannelAdvisor and Sellbrite.
What tasks can an eCommerce VA handle?
eCommerce VAs handle listing optimization, inventory management, order processing, customer service, PPC campaign management, review monitoring, competitor research, A+ Content creation, reimbursement claims, data entry, email management, reporting, and more. Specialized VAs also handle product launches and brand registry tasks.
Can one VA handle multiple platforms?
Many of our VAs have experience across Amazon, Walmart, and Shopify. During your discovery call, we assess your needs and match you with a VA whose skill set covers your specific platforms. For sellers on 3+ platforms, we may recommend dedicated VAs per platform.
What tools and software do your VAs use?
Our VAs are proficient in Helium 10, Jungle Scout, Keepa, InventoryLab, Sellerboard, Klaviyo, Gorgias, ShipStation, Google Workspace, and project management tools like Asana, Monday, and Trello. We match VAs to your specific tool stack.
Do you offer PPC management VAs?
Yes. Our PPC VAs have a minimum of 2 years managing Amazon Sponsored Products, Sponsored Brands, and Sponsored Display campaigns. They are proficient in Helium 10 Adtomic, Pacvue, and the native Amazon console. Most clients see meaningful ACOS improvements within 4-6 weeks.
Do you offer creative and design VAs?
Yes. Our Creative Pod provides A+ Content design, Amazon Brand Storefronts, product image editing, infographic creation, and short-form video production. Available as project-based or monthly retainer.
Quality & Guarantees
How do you vet your virtual assistants?
We use a multi-stage screening process that accepts only 3% of applicants. It includes English proficiency testing, platform-specific skills assessment, work history verification, reference checks, and background checks. VAs then complete our proprietary eCommerce training program before being matched.
What if my VA is not a good fit?
We offer a 14-day replacement guarantee. If your VA is not meeting expectations for any reason, we source and place a replacement at no additional cost. Our 98% client retention rate shows most placements succeed the first time.
What is your client retention rate?
98% of clients continue working with their Ecom Hands VA beyond the initial placement. This is a result of our rigorous vetting process, platform-specific training, and ongoing support from dedicated account managers.
Do your VAs sign NDAs?
Yes. All Ecom Hands VAs sign non-disclosure agreements and pass background checks before being matched with clients. We take data security and confidentiality seriously.
How do you protect my store and account access?
We recommend creating limited-permission staff accounts for your VA on each platform. During onboarding, your account manager helps set up secure access protocols. All VAs are background-checked and trained on security best practices.
Do you provide ongoing support after placement?
Yes. Every client gets a dedicated account manager who handles onboarding, conducts regular performance check-ins, and provides ongoing support. If any issues arise, your account manager coordinates the resolution.
Working With Your VA
Where are your virtual assistants located?
Our VAs are based in the Philippines and other countries with strong English proficiency. They work during hours that overlap with US business hours (ET, CT, MT, PT) for real-time communication.
How do I communicate with my VA?
You choose your preferred tools — Slack, email, video calls, or project management platforms like Asana or Monday. We set everything up during onboarding so communication is seamless from day one.
How do you handle time zones?
Our VAs work during hours that overlap with US business hours. We match VAs based on your timezone preferences so you get real-time communication during your workday.
Do I manage the VA directly?
Yes, your VA works directly with you as part of your team. Your dedicated account manager provides onboarding support and ongoing performance check-ins, but day-to-day management is between you and your VA.
Can I scale from one VA to a team?
Absolutely. Many clients start with one VA and scale to 2-5+ VAs as their business grows. We can build you a dedicated team with specialists for different functions — operations, PPC, creative, and customer service.
What happens if my VA is sick or on vacation?
We plan for coverage in advance. For full-time clients, we can provide backup VA coverage so your operations are not disrupted. Your account manager coordinates any temporary coverage needs.
Comparisons
What is the difference between Ecom Hands and hiring on Upwork?
Upwork is an open marketplace where you handle screening, training, and replacement yourself. Ecom Hands pre-vets and platform-trains every VA before matching, includes a 14-day replacement guarantee, and provides a dedicated account manager. This eliminates the hidden costs of bad hires and reduces onboarding from weeks to days.
What is the difference between Ecom Hands and Fiverr?
Fiverr is a gig-based marketplace best for one-off tasks. Ecom Hands provides dedicated, full-time or part-time VAs for ongoing eCommerce operations. Our VAs are pre-trained on your specific platform and come with a replacement guarantee — something Fiverr does not offer.
How is Ecom Hands different from other VA agencies?
Ecom Hands specializes exclusively in eCommerce. Every VA is platform-trained before placement, not after. We accept only 3% of applicants, match in 48 hours (not weeks), and include a dedicated account manager and 14-day replacement guarantee. Most general VA agencies lack eCommerce-specific training.
Is it better to hire a VA or a full-service Amazon agency?
A dedicated VA from Ecom Hands at $4-$10/hour gives you hands-on, focused attention on your account. Full-service agencies charge $2,000-$10,000/month and typically split attention across many clients. For sellers who want control over strategy but need execution help, a VA is more cost-effective.
What is the difference between a general VA and an eCommerce VA?
A general VA handles administrative tasks like email and scheduling. An eCommerce VA from Ecom Hands is trained on specific marketplace platforms — Amazon Seller Central, Walmart Seller Center, Shopify Admin — and understands eCommerce operations like listing optimization, inventory management, PPC, and compliance.
Still Have Questions?
Book a free 15-minute discovery call. We'll answer your questions and help you find the right VA for your business.
Schedule a Free CallLast updated: March 2026