Last Updated on March 25, 2023 by
It can be very discouraging to try to find one of those work from home companies in the consumer service field jobs. You are aware that you must be wary of offers that appear to be too good to be true. Do you really know what you’re looking for as you start researching each job offer, or are you just hoping for the best? It doesn’t always have to be that way. With a little knowledge and common sense, you can avoid all of the scams and finally find that legitimate work from home job you’ve been looking for.
I chose two work from home customer service jobs to investigate for legitimacy and possibly find one that is a good fit for you. One of your first thoughts should be to try taking enough surveys to compensate for your lost income. Taking surveys is simple, but taking enough surveys to qualify as a home business is difficult. So, in order to avoid the numerous survey scams, I’ve listed some of the things to look out for.
To begin, avoid survey sites that provide testimonials and guarantees. The testimonials were most likely written by someone who was paid to do so, rather than by the satisfied customer. If a survey site offers any guarantee other than a money-back guarantee, it is most likely a scam, and good luck getting your money back. Also, make sure to read the fine print on all of these work from home customer service jobs. If something is unclear or you don’t understand, it’s a good idea to ask questions.
Check with the Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been lodged against a dubious survey site or its owners. You should also look for any consumer complaints on some of the survey scam websites. Be aware that some of the posts may have been written by scam survey sites in order to mislead consumers into believing that their site has rescued users who have been duped by other sites. These are just a few of the tricks that shady businesses can use to gain your trust and thus your money.
A data entry project is another option to consider while looking for work from home customer service jobs. Data entry, as defined, is the act of transcribing one form of data into another. Typically, the information is entered into a computer or database. The goal is to process and analyse the data in order to reach a conclusion. Transcribing simple data such as names and addresses, handwritten documents, or information from spreadsheets are examples of data entry. Some of the skills required include word processing at 30-50 words per minute, reading off longhand or typewritten documents, and, most importantly, accuracy. Other requirements include knowledge of Microsoft Office, Windows, and the Internet. The use of the Internet is required because work files must be downloaded.
Setting up a data entry business from home is similar to any other basic office setup. Your workspace should be in its own room, with a locked door.
Other requirements would be:
A desktop computer running Windows XP or Windows 7 would be required.
- A minimum of 1GB of RAM
- A sound card equipped with speakers
- 17-inch monitor
- Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat Reader, and WinZip are required software programmers.
- Windows Firewall or virus protection with a Firewall and spyware removal software
- Internet access—DSL or cable
- Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher, or Firefox
- Phone service with a landline
- Email address
- Fax capability on a printer
- Shredder for Paper
- File cabinet with a lock
- Battery backup power supply
After you’ve set up your office, it’s time to figure out how much you’ll charge for your freelance services. One thing to consider is that if you are just starting out and are not as skilled as more experienced data entry specialists, I would charge less, and as you gain experience, your fees can rise. When deciding on a fee, make sure to include all costs for software and tools of your trade.
Both fields of work from home customer service companies require research to weed out the scams and find the safe and honest online business opportunities. Be cautious and try to avoid being taken advantage of by unscrupulous people.
