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jajmj
Member
Joined: 23 Feb 2008
Posts: 16
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# Posted: 23 Feb 2008 13:48
if you read your information correctly you would see that you are to have a dedicated phone line with no call features. this means that it's a phone line JUST for this work and NO call waiting, caller id, etc. This is mandatory!!
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StormyDawn
Member
Joined: 17 Feb 2008
Posts: 35
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# Posted: 23 Feb 2008 16:16
Worked shift and did not get one call the entire time. Not sure why it said I had connection and was waiting on call. Guess maybe Saturdays are slow days?
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WorkingAtHomeTX
Member
Joined: 16 Jan 2008
Posts: 11
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# Posted: 24 Feb 2008 01:51 · Edited by: WorkingAtHomeTX
Quoting: jajmj ...you are to have a dedicated phone line with no call features. this means that it's a phone line JUST for this work and NO call waiting, caller id, etc. This is mandatory!!
Just to clarify the facts here, only the "no extra phone services" is mandatory! It is only "suggested" that a second, business only phone line be utilized. This is stated several places, including in the last bullet of the Effective Home Office section of the FAQ, as shown below.
Remember that phones must be feature free (i.e. no caller ID, voicemail, answering machine, call waiting, etc.). You must handle one caller at a time. We strongly encourage all employees to use a second phone number for your work line, so personal calls do not interfere with your customer calls!
Although some have reported having good success using their cell phone for personal calls, and leaving the regular phone line just for business, at least at the start. I think the second, dedicated line is the professional way to run a home-based business, ideally. 
WorkingAtHomeTX
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mishmoshman
Member
Joined: 24 Feb 2008
Posts: 4
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# Posted: 24 Feb 2008 12:20
I need advise, I started with West this past week doing DR and I hate it!! I have been in sales a long time, but never have I felt so slimy. I had a real old lady call in last night for a County Gospel DVD, and by the time I was done shoving upsells down her throat I banged her credit card for almost $600!!
Today I kept dealing with products that had pages upon pages of upsells, I have a real problem with someone calling in for 1 item and then pitching 15 additional items..this is NOT sales! Since when do company EXPECT you to push so many products, but not have real incentives to the rep? I have a friend that works for West doing HSN, and he loves it, I thought this would be a great way for me to make a few extra bucks, but working DR sucks, and isn't worth the pennies (minimum wage) that you will make. If a company wants me to work for minimum wage, then I feel I should be no more than a order taker, or simple C/S agent.
Should I feel this way, or no? I have worked on the phones for many years, but the amount of mandatory scripting and the amount of upsells and APOs are absolutely ridiculous!! You only accomplish 1 of 2 things doing DR, you either piss people off, or take advantage of people who are confused and just agree because its easier for them to get through the call.
DR=Poppycock!!
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tweb
Member
Joined: 17 Jan 2008
Posts: 26
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# Posted: 24 Feb 2008 18:59
StormyDawn, I think that it is just a slow time of year. Anyways that's what I keep hearing. I've worked DR for a full two weeks and it seems that it is slower than when I started two weeks ago. I called a PAL and he said that it is slow and that's why the rate dropped also.
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drea
Member
Joined: 24 Feb 2008
Posts: 1
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# Posted: 24 Feb 2008 20:06
Hello everyone! I've been working for West off and on for around 5 years now. I started at their Brick and Morter location in Huntsville while in college. Now that I'm a SAHM I work for west at home. Nice to know I have someone to talk to about WEST!!
-Andre'a
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ataylor
Member
Joined: 22 Feb 2008
Posts: 7
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# Posted: 25 Feb 2008 09:02
drea, curious, what's a SAHM?
anne
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Pugmom58
Member
Joined: 31 Jan 2008
Posts: 13
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# Posted: 25 Feb 2008 11:30
Is there anyone out there whos status has changed to hired lately?
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StormyDawn
Member
Joined: 17 Feb 2008
Posts: 35
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# Posted: 25 Feb 2008 12:30
I worked again today and got one call. I made the sell, first one. I see what everyone means by all the upsells now though. And at the top it gives you the nice warning about being sure to read word for word. I experienced feeling a bit bad after the call though. It sounded like an elderly person and they agreed to everything I was saying. Makes me worry that they didn't entirely understand it all. How do we deal with that?
Next is a question .... they tell you you need to go over the PKB and be familiar with all of them. For DR there are so many and you are only allowed to check these out while you are scheduled for work. Any suggestions because I would easily use up a full 30 minute shift reviewing these.
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lacy_amy
Member
Joined: 25 Feb 2008
Posts: 27
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# Posted: 25 Feb 2008 13:11
I see lots of posts for West....What is it exactly?
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mishmoshman
Member
Joined: 24 Feb 2008
Posts: 4
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# Posted: 25 Feb 2008 13:29
Stormy, I have come to the conclusion that nobody (PALS) really listens to your calls. I have worked a full week now, and I now automatically opt everyone out for upsells and APOs, and nobody has said a word about it. If someone does monitor calls, it must be after the fact and not live. I don't even care any more, I WILL NOT take advantage of old people and rip them off just so I can make minimum wage...I have ethics!!
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rosielopey
Member
Joined: 28 Jan 2008
Posts: 51
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# Posted: 25 Feb 2008 15:49
I agree with you but they do monitor. I have had two coaching forms this month because of the additional offerings. I had a customer state yesterday that she did not want to hear anything else went into the bypass and still got in trouble for it. As far as my performance reviews those are above the 90% mark. I have been hanging in there just hoping they would offer another skill, at the same time applying for other positions. I did apply with live ops but they do the same thing so that is no option. I have been in sales all of my life but these gift card programs and magazine programs have a bad reputation. I did apply with acd direct will have my first training class this evening, and also a formal group meeting tommorow morning with teletech. I noticed during the week on west that you don't get many of the infomercials other than the insurance, heaters medical. So I only do west during the week and early morning to mid afternoon. I will no longer do weekends yesterday was the last. I took severel calls added alot of upsells, but they decide to monitor the one call with the apo's and shot me down on that one. I have kept my stats way above what they require. I guess you just ignore the customers feelings and requests and continue to read the apos VERBATIM and hope for the best.
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Rosie Lopez
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rsoler
Member
Joined: 7 Jan 2008
Posts: 305
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# Posted: 25 Feb 2008 17:41
Hi rosielopey,
it's good to here that I'm not the only one seeking other opportunities...I too apply for acd direct and although it is seasonal I hear a lot of good things about it. I got hired and will start my training with acd direct on Wendsday. I will work bilingual and will get paid more min rate that's what I was told. I have been with West 1yr now and have been introduce to other skills but I only have sears now and recently accepted DHL I HEAR dhl is pretty cool and will be quite busy. I like to keep west and eventually tackle both West/acd and still am seeking other opportunity because I ENJOY to have more than one job to fall on in case...you know others go wrong. anyway I did resigned from Direct response skill because too many agencys affiliate with DR and that is the reason why west employees are now getting low min rates. for instance i was offer a job with convergys but when they told me i WOULD be handling clls fo dr skill I quickly declined it. DR is pretty slick to hire too many agencys so they can lower the rates on customer service. well they are not that slick for me because I CAUGHT UP to there way of doing things before I EVEN gave them a try and I DON'T REGRET IT one bit. however, if this is the only skill you have from west I SUGGEST you keep it hang in there and when you are introduce to another skill drop it like a bad habit lol.
RO
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RO
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rsoler
Member
Joined: 7 Jan 2008
Posts: 305
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# Posted: 25 Feb 2008 17:46
BY THE WAY DR IS SLOW BECAUSE THEY HAVE NOW TOO MANY EMPLOYEES HANDLING THE CLLS WHICH IS WHY CLLS COME IN SLOW FOR EVERONE. For those who only have that skill please try to seek other opportunities otherwise, if is your only source of income I truly am feeling for you. good luck!
RO
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RO
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StormyDawn
Member
Joined: 17 Feb 2008
Posts: 35
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# Posted: 25 Feb 2008 19:08
Thank you for all the info. Luckily hubby works so this isn't only income in home. Just extra income. And besides a few months taking money transfer calls for western union, and being mom this is the only job I have had in my 32 years. So I will stick it out. I watch my two year old grandson 80% of the time while the kids are in school and working too so having the flexible hours is a big plus even if they hard to find.
How far ahead do they usually post the hours and is there a better time than others to check for them?
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StormyDawn
Member
Joined: 17 Feb 2008
Posts: 35
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# Posted: 25 Feb 2008 19:11
Oh, and how long do you have to be at one skill before you can try another?
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cristyb
Member
Joined: 25 Feb 2008
Posts: 11
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# Posted: 25 Feb 2008 19:51
I did the first step on line. How and where do I check to see if I was hired?
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1WorkAtHomeGuru
Member
Joined: 25 Feb 2008
Posts: 3
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# Posted: 25 Feb 2008 19:58
I was recently hired with west and have a strictly customer service job, I have had no bad experiences with West so far, besides the absurdly long hiring process. I also work for ACD Direct and they are very employee friendly. ACD training classes end this Thursday I think so if you are interested or applying make sure to sign up asap for training or you may find yourself out of luck. Just a heads up! Good luck to everyone out there!
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rosielopey
Member
Joined: 28 Jan 2008
Posts: 51
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# Posted: 25 Feb 2008 21:29
I was hired by acd direct but at the last minute I opted out of it, I can't explain it but I studied for two days purchased the mic 5 minutes before training class I did not go. The feeling I got that it was not for me. I have an interview with tele tech tomorrow. I just want to work for companies that have continuous work. I have been researching arise and I believe that is the route that I will go. Of course there is some expense but it should pay for itself. I am going to stay with West, although I do not care for the DR skill, but I believe they are a good company. As far as the apo's I will just read them. Even reading the apo verbatim does not guarantee the customer will purchase. I have only been with West since January 1, and keep hoping hoping that another skill will be offered.
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Rosie Lopez
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mishmoshman
Member
Joined: 24 Feb 2008
Posts: 4
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# Posted: 25 Feb 2008 22:43
I don't mind 1 upsell, or an APO, but my god, this weekend there were items that I was literally reading 10 pages of upsells/APOs. If a person wants to convince people to sign up for worthless offers, get a 100% commission job, at least when you get a sucker on the phone, you can make some real money. My problem is that you have to make these companies rich for pennies! Even though I have ethics, I too can turn the other cheek if the reward is worth the effort...but minimum wage is not worth me losing sleep over!
What is ACD all about? Is it more Customer Service orientated? Is there hours available? Working at home is somewhat new for me and I like the set up that West has to offer, anyone have any similar companies more customer service orientated that you can reccomend?
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1WorkAtHomeGuru
Member
Joined: 25 Feb 2008
Posts: 3
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# Posted: 26 Feb 2008 00:28
ACD takes pledge calls, people call in wanting to donate money, you don't try to get them to donate more, they tell you the amount etc. no upsells or anything. You would be an independent contractor for them though and it pays by the minute. It is true that they have heavier months in which more calls are coming in because that is when there are more pledge drives, but they do have agents that continually work through out the months. To stay active you only have to do 500 minutes per quarter which is every 3 months. Every quarter they have a heavy pledge month. It is an option for people who are looking to pick up more time and supplement their West hours when there aren't very many to sign up for.
Alpine Access is another good company, but they are only available in certain areas, unfortunately not mine. They pay by the hour and you can see what projects they are looking to hire for and sign up/ apply for one you are interested in instead of them placing you.
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ataylor
Member
Joined: 22 Feb 2008
Posts: 7
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# Posted: 26 Feb 2008 17:49
Mishmoshman West has other divisions that do not require upsell, however it is a bit slow at the moment, hiring process does take some time and patience, but I am not sorry that I stuck it out, although at the moment a little sad that the over time and pay per minute has dropped off, West still does pay at least minimum wage if per minute rate is less, although I find I average a little better than minimum, sure did like the Holiday high volume, higher per minute wage. There are also numerous other companies that do hire from home workers, careful though anyone requesting cash up front immediately sends warning bells/sirens/alarms to my brain as in you shouldn't have to pay to work.
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ataylor
Member
Joined: 22 Feb 2008
Posts: 7
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# Posted: 26 Feb 2008 18:04
Mishmoshman, P.S. Not sure I can mention a site that I found very useful several months ago: Virtual Vocations, lots of good solid free info, minimal monthly subscription for other perks, but mostly was impressed with good solid free info and format. Best of luck to you in your work from home search, there is a lot of good stuff but alas also a lot more scams and while initially I was very leery of West have found them to honor what they promise and pay days are regular.
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cristyb
Member
Joined: 25 Feb 2008
Posts: 11
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# Posted: 26 Feb 2008 21:48
what is ACD contact info?
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1WorkAtHomeGuru
Member
Joined: 25 Feb 2008
Posts: 3
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# Posted: 27 Feb 2008 00:09
acddirect.com/jobs there is a little video presentation then it takes you to the application
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mishmoshman
Member
Joined: 24 Feb 2008
Posts: 4
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# Posted: 27 Feb 2008 07:50
I am very thankful for finding this forum, you are all great people! I agree there are WAY too many scams out there, and I love the way West is set up and their format. Like I said in a previous post, my friend works for West doing HSN, and he loves it. He was the reason I found West and applied. BUT I got stuck doing DR, and it was much different than I bargained for. I think I will stick it out and hope another skill opens up. It seems that while you will make a little more money on the weekends, there are not nearly as many upsells and APOs during the week, so I will just try to schedule myself as much during the week as possible.
Thanks again for all the help, you guys are awesome!!!
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travisepsmith
Member
Joined: 27 Feb 2008
Posts: 1
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# Posted: 27 Feb 2008 16:12
Looking for CONVERGYS pros & cons. I am interviewing on tomorrow, interested in the IC not W2.
Thanks
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Travise P Smith
Camryn & Colby Smith
Witnessing for Christ is a full time job!
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rsoler
Member
Joined: 7 Jan 2008
Posts: 305
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# Posted: 27 Feb 2008 17:31
Hi I workathomeguru,
I am currently on the 2 day training with acd got to tell you a bit rushing crash course but it looks relatively, user freindly (software etc..) however, they telling me I will be ready to take calls by this weekend! gosh way fast for me. I'm gonna dive into it though cause the only way to learn this business is really just to try it and go for the experience knowing I WILL learn while doing it. anyway, I'VE got some ?'s for you how long have you worked for ACD? AND how good do they pay? I WAS hired as bilingual was told I will get pay more min per rate etc... but tell me is it really possible to make good money during the drive period? if so, how long does the drive last? I will appreciate all the info you can give me. I am currently also working for west and juggling sears skill and training with DHL AS WELL. so, all of this training has my head spinning this week. LOL... ANYONE WHO HAS ?'S ON WEST FEEL FREE TO ASK. I have been with West since May, 07
RO
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RO
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rosielopey
Member
Joined: 28 Jan 2008
Posts: 51
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# Posted: 27 Feb 2008 19:33
Hi Rsoler:
I do have a question about West. I have only been with them since January this year. How long does it take for them to offer another skill. I am in DR which is okay, but to keep from burning out I would like the opportunity to do something else. I also had applied for ACD 5 minutes before training I decided that it was not for me, because I am looking for something more continuous not just seasonal. I did apply with Verafast and they contacted me so it is just a matter of waiting. I read the posts on this company and of course there are always positive and negative comments. I look more for the positive. The callers can't be anymore irritated as the callers that call for the products for DR. Verafast pays every week and if I can at least make a 100.00 a week then that helps me out alot working them just part=time. Their hours are in the evenings so that works out great. I wish you luck on your adventure with ACD I heard alot of nice things about them but as I said I need more continuos work.
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Rosie Lopez
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jajmj
Member
Joined: 23 Feb 2008
Posts: 16
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# Posted: 27 Feb 2008 20:03
hey there! can you give me a link or something for verafast and tell me a little about that - - much appreciated!!
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