Are home-based businesses really profitable?

We've been running our own business here at home since about mid-April of this year, and things are going pretty well so far. We actually took over a business that I used to work for, and have been running it out of the house instead of having a separate office. One thing to keep in mind is that for any new business, it takes a couple of years to really get things going...

4 minutes ago
This growing trend throughout the country is focused on agents handling incoming customer service inquiries from their homes while connected to a network via computer and landline (no cell or cordless) phone (which you must provide).

There are two distinct business models in this industry: independent contractor or employee. Prior sales or customer service experience is a plus, but not a requirement. Bilingual skills are also an asset.

Two companies, Alpine Access (www.alpineaccess.com) and Working Solutions(www.workingsolutions.com) hires virtual (online) agents as employees.

Other companies, including Willow CSN (www.willowcsn.com), LiveOps (www.liveops.com), VIPdesk (www.vipdesk.com),and the West Company (www.workathomeagents.com) among others, require agents to incorporate, and they're hired as independent contractors.

Hourly wages range from $8 an hour to $15 an hour, which is determined based on experience, skill level, and the specific needs of the client you're serving. Ask in advance how the company pays its agents. Some pay hourly from when you clock in until you clock out. For others, the meter runs only while you're on an actual call; you're not paid for downtime between calls.

Good luck - I work for Alpine Access.