For a freelance contractor, choosing an umbrella company can be daunting, especially with so many to choose from. It is important to know what fees they charge upfront, specific services they provide, if they offer Internet access, and what kind of reputation they have. The time you spend researching the company you choose can end up saving you a lot of money in the end.

When looking at potential companies read the fine print and be on the lookout for hidden entry and exit charges. If your income is unpredictable, it might be best to go with a company that offers a set fee rather than one that bases its fees on your earnings, especially if you make a good sum of money. You should be able to choose between weekly, semi-monthly, or monthly billing.

Spend some time looking into companies. There is a good chance that you know people who can recommend one company over another; learn from their experiences. It won’t be difficult to find out which firms to watch out for. You can also ask the company about their current clients and ask for testimonials. A good sign of stability is length of time in business and good references.

One thing that most freelances look for in a company is customer service and ease of use. Find out if you can submit timesheets online, as well as claimed expenses. Look for “money back” guarantees so that you have an out if you are not satisfied. Also, find out what their response time is to questions. You don’t want to be held up waiting to hear back from a company for days; you are looking for continuity and don’t need any unnecessary delays.

Depending on your particular circumstances, how a company pays could play a major role in choosing an umbrella company. Ask if they pay using FPS, C.H.A.P.S., or Bacs. If they use Bacs, you will have to wait days to be paid, but if they use FPS or C.H.A.P.S., you will receive payments in just one day as they use a same-day bank transfer, while Bacs is not an instant transfer of funds.

As a standard, most umbrella companies provide insurance for their contractors; public liability, employer’s liability, and professional indemnity, but always ask to be sure. Also, a good sign of compliance is the umbrella company’s membership in a professional body like AEMC, Professional Passport, or SPA. If a company can meet all these standards and your individual needs, they should be a safe bet.

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