Virtual Customer Service

A growing work-from-home opportunity is to answer the inbound customer calls for companies like J Crew, 1-800 Flowers, Virgin Atlanta, or Walgreens. These major players and many others like them outsource their customer-service calls to companies that hire U.S.-based virtual agents. Set your own hours and pick an account that's ideally suited to your knowledge and interests.

In addition to having a pleasant voice and strong customer-service skills, you must have high-speed Internet access, a computer, a landline, and a quiet place to work—all of which you pay for on your own.

Expect to make an average of $8 and $15 an hour depending on your experience, call volume and accounts. Be prepared to work a minimum of 15 to 20 hours per week, although some agents work 40 hours to 60 hours when their schedule permits.

Among the companies to explore:
www.alpineaccess.com
www.liveops.com
www.workingsol.com
www.arise.com
www.customloyal.com
www.acddirect.com
www.westathome.com
www.convergysworkathome.com
www.hirepoint.com
www.telereach.com
www.intrep.com
www.vipdesk.com

and others hire year-round, and during the holidays they're all eager for great talent as they prepare for a very busy holiday season. Each company has different needs, hours, clients, payment schedules, etc., so be sure to check with a few of them to determine the best match for you.