Be Careful, Is It Really Employment?
I came across an opportunity to work at home. It was featured in an newspaper article that talked about it as “employment.” Eager to look at it and tell the readers of this blog about this “new opportunity” for employment, I went to the website to check it out — and realized a good lesson that is very important to the telecommuting job hunter.
The difference between employment and self-employment or more specifically, the difference between a job and a business.
Understanding the difference between being an employee and an independent contractor can save you a lot of money as well as keep you on the right track in finding telecommuting work.
For example, the article I read was about someone that utilized a website,
http://www.willowcsn.com, to begin working as a home-based customer service agent.
From what I can see, nothing is wrong with this company. It seems that utilizing this company’s training and strategies can allow you to work from home.
My problem is in the wording that they use: “employee“. When in fact, you are never an employee with this company. This company puts one who wishes to become a CyberAgent CSRs(tm) into business.
The steps that they outline, ultimately trains, sets-up and incorporates the individual to become an “independent contractor.” To do all this, you must INVEST up to $600. Once you have gone through the 8 week process and invested $600, you are then given contracts where you can make up to $14 an hour. (Understand, this is NOT a scam. They are totally above-board with the time and money you must invest to be able to take on these opportunities.)
There is nothing wrong with the scenerio above. It is not a scam. But it is considered a business. Basically, they are helping you set up a “home business.” Yet they still use the term “employee” on their website (which is very mis-leading).
An employee can not (by IRS standards) be an independent contractor. An employee does not need incorporation. An employee does not need to pay for anything to begin working (not equipment, not incorporation, not training). All these things are provided by an employer at no cost to an employee (usually).
Now, if you want to begin a home business, great. Look up willowscn.com, it looks like a reputable company. And I must say, that having your own business entity set-up does open you to contract positions that you can do from home that those looking for “employment” positions may have to pass up. (If you are interested in information on setting up a home business, let me know. I have alot of knowledge on doing that as well).
But, if you want to seek employment (where you submit a resume and time and effort alone), then move on. These types of opportunities are not for you!
News Flash!: I found a service that will employ you for customer service needs without the above investment.
Check out: Alpine Access at:
http://www.alpineaccess.com/external/agentFAQ.html
Happy Hunting.
April 8th, 2006 at 10:22 am
Your readers may also like to check out www.liveops.com and www.workathomeagent.com Both of them you are an independent contractor but no large fees like Willow.
April 12th, 2006 at 10:19 pm
LiveOps has a great FAQ page about becoming an agent in case anyone is interested. It looks like the only cost is a non-refundable $30 background check fee (and the monthly expense of having a dedicated phone line, an internet connection, a computer and other normal home office equipment). They require their agents to pass certification, they provide teleservices, mainly in the direct response marketing industry (infomercials) and agents are required to sign an independent contractors agreement where you agree to keep your relationship with LiveOps confidential - although it is non-exclusive, meaning you could provide similar services to other companies as well.
West Telemarketing (WorkAtHomeAgent.com) is along the same lines where you register, pass certification and then begin taking calls as an independent agent. I didn’t see anything about application fees or equipment fees but they do run a background check as well.
August 22nd, 2006 at 1:20 pm
I WOULD LIKE MORE INFO ON THIS JOB 404 xxx xxxx DONALD
Editor’s Note: I deleted Donald’s phone number for obvious reasons.
August 23rd, 2006 at 11:50 pm
Donald- To find out more about the opportunites listed here, please visit their respective sites. Alpine Access at: http://www.alpineaccess.com/external/agentFAQ.html as well as the WAH Journal comment suggestions (www.liveops.com and www.workathomeagent.com).
If anyone has any more information about Alpine, LiveOps or WorkAtHomeAgent, feel free to send in information and I’ll be happy to post it. You can email me, editor-at-telecommutingJournal.com, with the name of the site in the subject line or simply post a comment here about your own personal experiences!
December 19th, 2006 at 6:06 pm
Just was terminated from Alpine Access after 21 months under a pretext of attendance issues which were posted incorrectly by their payroll/ scheduling/ adherence department. Our turn over rate the last 6 months has been approx 35% total, and about 60% of each new training class. I now have stress induced diabetes and a hugely noticable amount of grey hair. I wouldnt recommend my worst enemy to apply at Alpine Access, they have no business ethics, and use sloppy payroll / hours accounting practices to their financial benefit, at the expense of the employee. There are many others who have developed the same opinion as mine.
December 21st, 2006 at 3:07 pm
Thank you for the comment, Carrie. Gathering individual and specific opinions based on actual experiences is what gives us all the power to make informed decisions!
October 10th, 2007 at 5:45 pm
Glad to see someone is staying on top of things.
January 16th, 2008 at 9:08 pm
Alpine Access has a lot of problems. The management expects perfection from it’s employees in contrast to the many errors management makes but never admits. A very frustrating situation for agents.
January 16th, 2008 at 10:48 pm
Thanks for the comment, Mike. Sorry you suffered the frustration but glad you made the effort to let others know!
March 22nd, 2008 at 5:27 pm
I would avoid Alpine Access. Many of their positions pay $2-$4 per hour less than similar jobs at a call center such as credit card processing. Also every paycheck seems to be short compared to hours worked. If you use direct deposit you will never receive a paper stub showing the amounts with held or taxes paid. This company exploits it’s employees.
April 12th, 2008 at 5:24 pm
I wanted to apply for alpine, never would I imagne this company had so many problems. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences & sorry for time loss….
April 18th, 2008 at 10:17 pm
I got an email today from Alpine and I am glad I saw this site and the comments made before I wasted my time.
Thanks.