Telephone Survey Work with Optimum Contact

SimIsOnTheUp

Hi Paul,

I'm starting my first surveys with OC over the weekend.

Yet to sort out my phone package though!

I was going to use Skype , but I don't think it's worth it, due to the 50 call limit / lack of free recording software.

So, I was going to go with Plusnet for their phone package.

At the moment, I have BT Basic Line Rental (£4.50 per Month) and I have Plusnet Value Broadband (£11.99 per Month).

Am considering going for the Plusnet Talk Anytime package, BUT I'm worried about one of their clauses...

http://www.plus.net/residential/bundles.shtml

It states -

2 - "Anytime or Evening & Weekend" applies to numbers beginning with 01, 02, 03, 0845 and 0870. Hang up and re-dial before 60 minutes and you won't be charged for these included calls (for international numbers re-dial before 30 minutes). Calls to indirect access numbers and dial up internet access are excluded.

Does this count Plusnet out for my Optimum Contact work then?!

Any advice would be most appreciated, as I really want to get cracking with this, seeing as I passed the assessment 3 weeks back!

Plusnet's phone service seemed ideal at first, but when they say 'calls to indirect access numbers', would this include Optimum Contact's 0845 number? (I'm worried it will, so I don't want to sign up to something which won't pay).

Thanks,

Sim.

SimIsOnTheUp

PS - Do you get enough regular work from OC each week, to warrant me changing my phone provider?

Thanks,

Sim.

SimIsOnTheUp

Just worked it out on the Plusnet site -

Instead of just paying BT £4.50 for BT Basic Line Rental as I am now, along with Plusnet £11.99 for their Value Broadband..

If I upgrade my phone to Plusnet's Talk Anytime package, so I can go for this Optimum Contact work (getting the inclusive 0845 numbers I hope!).. then that'll cost me an extra £16.25 per month :-/

Not even sure if this is worth it, as Plusnet say they "don't include indirect access numbers"!

Any confirmation from someone who is with Plusnet for their calls, and is doing the OC surveys (and not getting charged for the 0845 numbers) would be most appreciated.

Thanks,

Sim.

Paul_Varjak

SimIsOnTheUp...

A lot depends on how strict PlusNet would be on enforcing the no indirect clause in the contract. TalkTalk appear not to (at least on OC's 0845 number). My only experience with free calls to 0845 numbers is with TalkTalk.

The other alternative is to find a call recorder that can digitally record calls to 01/02 numbers which can then be uploaded to your PC and then e-mailed to OC. The one I use (https://www.truecall.co.uk) is quite expensive but you may find something cheaper on other websites.

If you do use a digital recorder attached to your phone line you should then be aware that there will be a cost associated with any mobile numbers you have to call.

There is another alternative - to use one of the alternatives to skype (from Betamax)...

http://progx.ch/home-voip-prixbetamax-3-1-1.html

You will have to find software to record calls though - I have seen several promoted for the BETAMAX services but have no experience of them.


There is no guarantee that there will be work every month with OC. Contracts can come and go, but I have been working full time with OC for a number of months now.

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SimIsOnTheUp

Hi Paul,

Thanks for the info.

But, I'm confused!

When making calls for the surveys, do we have a choice with OC between -

1 / Phoning the customer's numbers (the 01 / 02 landline numbers or their mobile numbers) directly, and recording the calls ourselves (via Truecall or similar).

OR -

2 / Phoning the 0845 OC numbers first, and then the 01 / 02 / mobile number, and using OC's own recording facility via the 0845 number.

Is it a choice between one or the other?

Thanks,

Sim.

Paul_Varjak

SimIsOnTheUp...

Yes, what you say is correct.

Before Free 0845 calls were available I used to dial the client numbers directly and record them using my TrueCall unit. If I had to call a mobile number I just had to accept the expense of the call. You could make use of the free minutes on a mobile phone (using recording software on the phone).

But using free 0845 calls make the task a whole lot simpler. The calls are autmatically recorded and sent to OC and you are not charged whatsover if you have fully inclusive 0845 calls. This has been working with TalkTalk for about 18 months now.

SimIsOnTheUp

Thanks Paul.

I'm going to have to change from BT then, to a fully inclusive 0845 call package. Really didn't want to change my BT line set up, but I want and need a job!

Was going to go with Plusnet (as I already have my Broadband with them, and they have a very good reputation), however I'm just worried that they won't accept my 0845 calls as part of their package!

So, I might have to go with TalkTalk, if you say you've had no problems calling the 0845 numbers.

How much is TalkTalk's Unlimited Call package?

This also then gets rid of the recording issue :-)

I have an interview for the TeleTech job next Tuesday, and am worried that if I change my BT line rental to TalkTalk / Plusnet, then I won't be able to work for them!

Will post on the TeleTech thread.

About to check out TalkTalk's site.

Many Thanks,

Sim.

SimIsOnTheUp

PS -

Just thought.

I'm betting you have to have your Broadband from TalkTalk, if you want their phone package? :-/

I am still considering Skype, but the 50 calls per day limit is a no go, and the recording Skype is too much of a faff!

Paul_Varjak

SimIsOnTheUp...

Yes, I get my phone and broadband from TalkTalk. TalkTalk prices have just risen and you will need the following...

Line Rental: £12.04/month (same as BT)
Broadband: £6.99/month
Unlimited calls: £4/month

TOTAL: £23.03/month

The above assumes you are in a Local Loop Unbundled area (LLU). You can check this on the TalkTalk website...

http://broadband.talktalk.co.uk/products/broadband/switching-provider

Be aware though, that by doing this check for broadband availability, you are agreeing to be contacted by TalkTalk sales staff!

SimIsOnTheUp

Thanks Paul.

TalkTalk's site is telling me I can get 'Essentials' at £6.99 or 'Plus' at £14.99??