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.
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{ 20 comments… read them below or add one }
I am also looking for an online job. I have the equipment and technical, customer service, sales, etc. experience. I found Arise and carefully read everything. Then I took their tests, and went through the whole process. UP TO THE FINAL POINT.
I was ready to do the background check and that’s when I saw the incorporation fees, etc. I decided that I wanted to talk to them before taking the next step. I called and waited long distance going through all the channels, etc. After about 10 minutes, or more, the message changed that I could leave a message. It was during regular working hours and I could not get a human.
My decision is this: I met their supposed requirements. Now they want money for training, etc. AND I CAN’T TALK TO ANYONE? Sorry, the service I would provide their customer base would be stellar! And, as a professional I expect to be treated as a resource that has value. They are not providing that and I smell a rat! I’m not proceeding with Arise.
Please! There has to be decent legitimate companies out there. I am ready to give my best, but not to be taken advantage of.
Nancy - Good for you! I can’t speak first-hand for working with Arise, or for working in customer service and sales, but I totally understand the fear of not getting a human on the other end of the line.
I’ve actually got a rough draft of an article about just that. I’ll see if I can get it completed in the next day or so. Meanwhile, if anyone has any first-hand knowledge as a Customer Service Rep who telecommutes, please feel free to speak up.
I happened to stumble across this page and noticed the responses about Arise (formally WillowCSN).
I have worked as an Independent Contractor for Arise for 5 years. Just as many of you, I had my reservations at first due to the set up fees for training, background checks, etc.
I enjoy working as a contractor for Arise. I create my own hours and if I don’t like the contract I am working with I am not bound to them beyond my contract (generally 90 days). The Companies who use Arise are reputable companies, including a well known roadside assistance company. Your earning potential is unlimited and most companies offer a minimum rate of $9-$10 an hour. On average I make about $21 an hour, working approximately 45 hours a week.
To compare to Alpine Access, West (Workathomeagent), and LiveOps by far Arise exceeds them all. I have tried each one of them, and Arise was the only one that paid fairly, and the systems were user friendly.
Granted working from home is not for everyone, but it has its benefits. Being a mother of two and a full-time student working on my master’s degree, Arise worked for me.
I would recommend them to anyone who is looking for a legitimate work at home company as an independant contractor.
There is another company out there that actually employs you to work from home. If you want an alternative to Arise due to the set up cost and fees, try Hirepoint. If anything were to ever happen to Arise, they would be my next choice. Their primary calls are for a company called B*ST B*Y.
Good luck
Thank you for the first-hand input, Lady G!
I have found myself in need of employment, I would like to work from home since I have a child that I home school. I have read through the comments, and find this interesting. I at this point do not have much money to invest. Have you heard of any companies that do Data Processing? Thank you for your patience, this is my first time to inquire about working from home. Susan
Susan - Keep your money and keep looking. Data entry jobs are often scams and you’ll need to determine your skills and look for something that you can do (not buy into a program that promises you simply data entry for thousands a week).
Many (but perhaps not all) data entry jobs tend to have hidden meanings, so be sure to take a peek at Dissecting Data Entry Jobs to see learn more about that.
I recently applied for a position with LiveOps. I was declined due to credit issues. I do admit my credit stinks due to divorce and trying to support 4 children who have a deadbeat father. I am a very dedicated hard working person and feel that basing employment on past credit is strange. People who apply for these jobs typically have marginal credit. I was wondering if anyone had info on how to work with LiveOps to overcome this credit issue. Thanks
Sorry — I would also like to know if anyone can recommend a company that offers not only call center service but Instant Messenger as well. I am partial to typing.
Lisa - I can totally relate to being partial to typing! That’s a great question, I’ll see what I can find and post any info I run across.
Wow, I had no idea they did credit reports for the LiveOps jobs (I’ve never applied). It is a classic catch 22 alright. Hopefully someone may have some advice about working with LiveOps to get around the credit issue. It looks like VIPDesk also has the same requirement “must pass a credit check”… Any thoughts anyone?! Anyone ever successfully got past the credit issue for call center work?
I was looking into applying for a Work at Home job also and I noticed that many of you who are working from home mention going to school, have children at home and home school, etc. How are you able to do that at the same time? I envisioned myself having to just sit at the computer all day long waiting for the calls to come in. How are you able to do other things like personal work from your computer or household things at the same time? How often do the calls come in? I am brand new at this idea and really want to know how you’re able to incorporate your personal work with your At Home professional work and do they frown on that? Thank you
Lydia - It depends on the age of your children and what it is you do. You’d be amazed how you learn to multi-task and accommodate everything you need to get accomplished. I do spend a lot of time on my computer of course, but over the years my schedule and my ability to do things has changed. You definitely have to adapt to what’s going on around you and have the discipline to fit your work into your day.
I’m not a call center agent, so can’t speak directly to working that into the mix. It would definitley be difficult if your children weren’t yet in school (or were schooled at home). But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Perhaps your better half works a first-shift job and can help take care of the kids while you work a four-hour late shift. Or maybe you hire someone to come by during the day to help you watch a younger child or children. Or you trade play-dates with another mother who’s working at home on alternate days.
As the children get older, working at home tends to get easier. They quickly learn to appreciate what it means to have a mom who works at home and what it affords the family in terms of additional time and revenue.
I too am trying to find out if there are any companies that do not require credit checks. I was also wondering if anyone knows of specific companies that offer jobs doing credit card processing or insurance claims/underwriting? I am curious what people have to say about VIPDesk as well.
Does your relationship with your work change after it is published and if so, how? ,
I’m in the final stage of getting hired on with Alpine Access. I just looked at my credit report, and I do have more than 4 negative items on there, but it did not hinder me from getting approved for a home or credit cards. I’m not interested in paying $45 for a background and credit check when I have never had to pay before. I don’t understand how my credit will affect the job either. I’m unsure on what I am going to do at this point. I am glad I found this website, I am supposed to reply to them the time I would be available for an appointment. A lot to think about tonight..
I’m in the process of applying w/ Alpine Access. I am pleased that so far there is no mention of any fees or investment (the type that are typical with most online scams!), other than the fee for a background check, which I expect and understand. Is Alpine one of the companies that everyone here is talking about that surprises you with extra “fees” and charges for equipment and training after they offer you a position? I’d appreciate any info anyone has that could save me a little time and/or stress!
Thanks!
I have worked for Alpine Access since Feb 2009. I have read some of the comments and I agree and disagree with what they said. Yes, Alpine Acess is an above board company. I always get paid ontime and they DO supply you with a paystub (it is virtual and you can print it). There have been problems with my hours before, but as long as you keep up with your schedule and report and problems before payroll, they DO get fixed (at least all of mine have). I do agree that oay seems low compared to a brick and mortar call center, but I suppose they rationalize that by taking in account you do not have to buy clothes, commute, pack lunch, etc. They do expect a great deal from the employees and sometimes it seems like you cannot keep up with standards, but I guess that’s what sets this company apart from other call center I have to deal with on my contract.
Overall, if you are looking for a legit work at home company, I would suggest Apline Access.
I agree with Ricki. They pay crap and expect perfection, while not delivering it themselves.
i am a student who is getting a certificate in microsoft office apllications. i would like to be able to work from home for a company that has benifits without it being a scam! will someone please tell me where i can you my experiance to work online from home?
Abby B is a shill from Alpine. I can tell she is an ad from Alpines marketing. PLease remove her post. Its upsetting to see loser businesses that take advantage of people go out and plant shill comments like this ficticicous Dear Abby.