Is Outsourcing To Offshore Really Changing?

I bring this up because as an incorrigible net surfer I have noticed what seem to be some trends toward jobs returning back to Americans who can do it better.

Many American jobs have consistently been sent away from our country so that corporations could utilize cheap labor and reap much larger profits. It left many here on our own soil unemployed and scrambling to find totally different jobs, often necessitating expensive re-education and the need to move to obtain employment. It has led to a lot of changes for many.

However, it has not been a comfortable ride for those of us who call for product assistance and find it a very frustrating experience to deal with a call center where their personnel cannot speak clearly enough or actually understand our language and needs.

It is very worrisome to know that unknown companies thousands of miles away could have access to personal information such as account numbers or social security numbers, personal tax information and so on. I am very displeased with this system. I have often wondered if this has any connection with the current problems of identity theft and other problems here.

It cannot be said that it is totally wrong to outsource some things (and exactly what they are will certainly be much clearer in the future as we all learn from this). Many nations are poor and in great need of work to lift themselves out of grinding poverty and human misery. It just needs to be done the right way on all sides so that it actually benefits everyone it impacts in a positive manner.

It seems that some shakeout has begun. I am noticing that the net has a great many companies that contract with American workers to work at home as call center operators. However, many have onerous requirements, such as you must incorporate yourself as a business and you are an independent contractor. (Remember, independent contractors can be personally sued, have to pay all the social security and taxes on their earnings and provide and maintain all their own equipment as well.)

Not all companies are alike in what they require and offer in return. While all companies attempt to pick the best and most educated, some even charge you for training. It is not unusual to start below the bottom rung of the ladder regarding pay (one website stated you would be guaranteed only a paid minimum of 4 calls per work hour contracted at a minimum of $1.40 per call – that is mighty slim pickins.) However, various companies often have programs you can follow for bonus pay and ways to increase calls assigned to you that will enhance your earnings per hour and they might not be the wrong choice.

There were no teleservices-type companies found on the net (and there is certainly more than the ones of which I have surfed their websites) that pay for your computer, virus/firewall software or telephone equipment. This is expected of independent contractors.

I did find two companies that note they hire employees to work at home to do call center work. Neither of them provides the equipment necessary. That is your obligation (as well as a totally quiet place to work).

Alpine Access defines a typical rate as about $9.00 per hour and offers voluntary benefits leveraging the buying power of a large number of employees, and a matching 401K plan for “qualified employees”, but does not define what that means. The FAQs section is not comprehensive, but can give you some general information and training is paid. Alpine seems to be expanding its business into more states, so that might mean you could find employment with this company. Click on their Careers link at the top of the website.

InfoCision was another interesting teleservices site that not only hires employees to be work at home communicators, they offer actual and attractive benefits. Once you get to their website, click on the Careers link and read their information. You have to provide your own equipment, do not need prior experience and note that they provide extensive on-site training and coaching via the internet.

If you have an interest, take time to familiarize yourself with these companies by reading the links on their websites. InfoCision also notes it does religious fundraising work as well as it has other inbound and/or outbound call divisions.

The companies noted above certainly seem to be taking steps in the right direction. Not everyone is able to be an independent contractor or work without needing benefits. Research the companies with other sources before you apply so you can proceed with more information.