The reason for this is that it's so easy to set a scam up and have people fall for it. Websites cost very little and a scam can be set up in just a few hours, waiting for the unwary.
If you want to work at home in customer service there are a few things you need to look out for in order to avoid the scams. There are real jobs out there if you can only find them.
No matter the work at home job you want, be careful about paying when you apply. There are a few legitimate companies that do charge for a background check, a practice I personally disapprove of, but it's something you can also see in outside the home jobs.
Keep in mind whether you're applying for a job or starting a home business. You can expect to pay to get started in a home business, but not a job. If you don't understand which a given opportunity is, take the time to find out. You need to know what you're getting into.
A real customer service work at home job will have some expectations about your working conditions. If you're going to be working on the telephone, most likely zero background noise will be tolerated. Get a noise cancelling headset, but also have a quiet room in which to work. If you can only work at night when the kids are asleep, so be it.
The challenge most people find with these jobs is that you get paid by talk time, not by the hour, even when you're expected to remain available for your entire schedule. At times this isn't a problem but other times it can be a really big deal. Be prepared to deal with these problems.
Very, very few work at home jobs offer benefits. If health coverage is a big deal for you there will be even fewer companies that will interest you. You will often be considered an independent contractor rather than an employee. This has an impact on how you do your taxes and you may have to file quarterly, depending on how the company handles it.
Most companies do let you choose your schedule, but will expect you to stick with your schedule. This is great in that you have the advantages of working at home and being there for your kids, but just as with other jobs you will have to call in if there's a problem keeping you from working your usual schedule.
Customer service is a great work at home job for many people. That means it can be very competitive and a little hard to get into. But not impossible. Be persistent, be professional, be prepared to work hard.
Summary: In an online environment it is not possible to have customers bring items to your store. You cannot deal with customer service issues face to face so dealing with the issues in a positive manner for consumers can go along way in supporting the notion that online purchases can be a positive option in managing your purchases from the convenience of your computer.
?Welcome to *Tina's Twisted Tins, how can we help you.?
?Yes, I ordered??
?If you'd like to speak to our sales department press one. If you'd like to talk to our technical department press two. If you'd like to talk to a customer service representative press three. If you'd like to talk to Tina, I don't really have to tell you, that's not happening.?
Button three is pushed.
?If you would like to speak with someone in Spanish press one. If you'd like to speak to someone in Pig Latin press two. If you'd like to speak to someone in English press three.?
Button three is pushed once more.
?Thank you for your call, all available operators are busy right now. Estimated wait time is (pause) 42 minutes. This time frame is subject to change and will not likely be in your favor. We appreciate your call to Tina's Twisted Tins. We hope you enjoy the polka music of Albert Florin while you wait.?
We've all been that person waiting on the phone hoping for a real person to start speaking. Sometimes we aren't certain when a real person is actually talking to us and when it's simply another recording.
More consumers are gravitating toward email for lodging customer service issues. They get tired of phone tag and an endless list of phone prompts. They want answers, but they have little patience waiting for that ?next representative? to hop on the line.
With an auto-responder related to customer service issues you can alert the customer that the concern is being evaluated and a response will be returned within a reasonable amount of time (generally less than 24 hours although in some cases it could be longer). This route may actually take more time for response, but it does allow the consumer to go about their day-to-day activities without hanging on the phone.
It is interesting that more people than ever are taking their phones with them and using devices that allow them to download email and web content while they are on the go. This is another compelling reason to make email customer service a positive way for busy people to receive an answer. The results can be positive and results in less frustration for the consumer.
In an online environment it is not possible to have customers bring items to your store. You cannot deal with customer service issues face to face so dealing with the issues in a positive manner for consumers can go a long way in supporting the notion that online purchases can be a positive option in managing your purchases from the convenience of your computer.
Quality customer service is giving them a reason to help you succeed.
* As of this writing there was no business online by the name of Tina's Twisted Tins. It is a fictitious name used simply as a point of reference.
Both Stephanie Foster & Scott Lindsay are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Stephanie Foster has sinced written about articles on various topics from Credit Cards, Shopping and Pets. Stephanie Foster runs and has been a work at home mom for about 5 years. Stephanie Foster's top article generates over 823000 views. to your Favourites.