OK, I know a little about this. Several years ago, when I was between jobs, I looked into remote telemarketing. I did a lot of research, but before I took the plunge, I found something in my field. However, a friend of mine was interested, and I pointed her in that direction and helped her get started.
A few things to consider before working at a telemarketing job:
*There is "outbound" and "inbound". IMO, You definitely want inbound. That is where the customers call you. Your (potential) employer has a variety of client companies. One day you could be taking calls for warranty issues (you will just be filling out a trouble ticket and forwarding it along to the proper dept./person). Another day you could be taking calls for a sweepstakes entry. Yet another day, you could be taking hotel/car/air reservations. Or fulfilling meeting/conference invitations. And so on...
*The hours are somewhat flexible, the way I remember it was there was an "opportunity board", where it listed the time slot (2-4 hour blocks, usually), and the types of calls you would be getting. It also listed if there was any training required (usually no more than an hour, and all done online). You simply click on the "opportunity", take the training (if req), and log on to your account at the promised time and run your "shift". After awhile, you'll be able to tell which "opportunities" are easy or lucrative. Sometimes, you may be assigned to one particular client company (like Home Depot or Best Buy, etc), but if I remember, you still have the opportunity to pick and choose...especially after you establish yourself with your employer.
*Most of these companies/employers have pretty structured rules, that is simply to maintain some sort of standardization with a diverse workforce.
*
This is from a few years ago, things may have changed*
1. In most cases, you can use your home PC IF it has the technical specs, CPU/memory/OS/anti-virus, etc.
2. Cable internet or DSL is required (obviously)
3. They ALL required a separate landline without call-waiting/call forwarding, etc. (no cell, no VOIP)
4. A corded phone is/was required. A headset is almost a must.
5. A dedicated home office is best, but not required. As long as you have a quiet space, you'll be OK. Your calls will be monitored on occaision, and if the manager or customer hears a TV or dog barking in the backgound, you could lose your job.
Do not signup with any companies that ask for money upfront for any reason. They should provide all software, and all training should be able to be completed online/phone. It should go without saying, that if corporate office training is required, they should pay 100%. One possible exception: the required training for the "opportunity board" sometimes is unpaid. You have to balance whether if it's worth it. Maybe working 30 minutes for free to get 20 hours work is worth it, maybe not. The more experience you get, the less "training" you will need
The way I see it, if your PC is up to their specs, your start up costs should only be for the phone (dedicated landline, corded phone, headset).
When my friend started, she got paid by the "completed call". The more completed calls you made, you would get bonuses. Later on, her employer switched to a "W-2" per hour basis. When she worked on commision, she told me she averaged between $8-$10 per hour, depending on the types of calls and the traffic. When the emplorer converted, she was paid $10.50 to start, but she had been there for almost 2 years. She only worked part-time, because that's all she needed (husband was retired). She did eventually quit, not because she didn't like it, but she decided she wanted to get out of the house (husband was retired, lol). She ended up with a part time job at the local library. She liked the inbound work because she liked to talk to different people (she does like to talk, lol), and she does have a patient voice
I certainly don't know everything about this, but let me know if you have any questions.
