Telephone Survey Work with Optimum Contact

Paul_Varjak

SimIsOnTheUp...

I would not worry too much. The best thing is to sort out your phone package first. But always bear in mind there is never any guarantee of future work, so think about that before opting for a new phone package which may have lengthy tie-ins.

SimIsOnTheUp

Thanks Paul.

I was going to start on the calls on my BT Basic line, while waiting for the TalkTalk free calls package (15 - 20 days away).

This would be cazy.

As you say Paul, the costs of the calls could even outweigh the earnings.

I have now emailed OC to let them know of the situation.

Thanks for the heads up regarding there being no guarantee of any future work.

TalkTalk's deal is for 18 months!

I am just going to go for it though.

Nothing ventured.. and all that

I realise that you can't 'guarantee' anything, but didn't you say you had been getting the equivalent of full time work by way of surveys from OC?

PS - Could you please recommend any other firms which offer similar work?

Thanks,

Sim.

System

SimIsOnTheUp wrote: »

Thanks Rachelja,

I don't have kids, but I'm assuming I'd still be eligible for WTC going self - employed?

I hope so anyway!

Am double checking everything as we speak.

Getting a bit stressed though, as I've committed to starting the surveys with Optimum Contact before I'm ready really - ie - today. (free phone calls only just applied for!)

Which other companies are worth going for, on a self - employed basis? (if you don't mind me asking).

Thanks,

Sim.

Hi Sim,

I have delayed my start date with OC twice, they have been lovely. I couldn't help it, kids were sick etc. I have only got as far as my trial call but that was approved. :jI would be happy to pass on details of other SE work, it is all just ad hoc though which is why this appealed. It is hard to find work around the kids. PM me your rough location and I will try and find some links. If you want to find out more about tax and NI the first post or two on the mystery shopping thread is incredibly useful.

SimIsOnTheUp

rachelja wrote: »

Hi Sim,

I have delayed my start date with OC twice, they have been lovely. I couldn't help it, kids were sick etc. I have only got as far as my trial call but that was approved. :jI would be happy to pass on details of other SE work, it is all just ad hoc though which is why this appealed. It is hard to find work around the kids. PM me your rough location and I will try and find some links. If you want to find out more about tax and NI the first post or two on the mystery shopping thread is incredibly useful.

Hiya Rachel,

Great to hear OC have been good with you!

I've been getting quite stressed today, worrying that OC will not keep me on, as I'd promised to start last Friday, and then today, but again have had to postpone due to health reasons and due to having to wait until TalkTalk sort my phone package out.

I'm battling against depression and anxiety, so I'd rather recover first, and then commit to something I can keep to.

I would really appreciate the Self Employed work details. :T

Will PM you my details now.

Thank You,

Sim.

PS - Will have a look at the Mystery Shopping thread, thanks.

SimIsOnTheUp

Rachelja

PM sent.

Thanks.

jcu

Excuse me if this has already been said, I did read the first 5 pages but have not read 6 or 7!

So it would be entirely possible to use a landline or skype and use 'free' calls to 01, 02 etc instead of the (potentially limited) 0845 calls, as long as you can record calls. Makes skype a more attractive option to me, and a landline still possible if your carrier doesnt allow 0845 calls free.

Paul_Varjak

jcu wrote: »

So it would be entirely possible to use a landline or skype and use 'free' calls to 01, 02 etc instead of the (potentially limited) 0845 calls, as long as you can record calls. Makes skype a more attractive option to me, and a landline still possible if your carrier doesnt allow 0845 calls free.

Yes you can use Skype or your landline to call 01/02 calls. If your calls to 01/02 are very cheap or free is even better!

Paul_Varjak

SimIsOnTheUp...

You may well be able to earn a limited amount each week, whilst still on Incapacity Benefit. The limit used to be £20/week. I did that for a few months as a mystery shopper. Optimum Contact is, historically, a mystery shopping company but as soon as I found out about the phone surveys I made a claim for WTC and registered as self-employed. I now pay £2.40p/week in NI contributions. That ensures I can get Incapacity Benefit if I am ill. In fact, last year I was in hospital and could not work for 11 weeks. I found out that I could claim WTC and IB at the same time!

Of course, with WTC and earned income you may well have to pay some Council Tax. If you are on WTC you will still get free prescriptions, free dental care and free eye care. And, if you still get some Council Tax benefit, you will still qualify for free care for any pet with the PDSA!

SimIsOnTheUp

Paul_Varjak wrote: »

SimIsOnTheUp...

You may well be able to earn a limited amount each week, whilst still on Incapacity Benefit. The limit used to be £20/week. I did that for a few months as a mystery shopper. Optimum Contact is, historically, a mystery shopping company but as soon as I found out about the phone surveys I made a claim for WTC and registered as self-employed. I now pay £2.40p/week in NI contributions. That ensures I can get Incapacity Benefit if I am ill. In fact, last year I was in hospital and could not work for 11 weeks. I found out that I could claim WTC and IB at the same time!

Of course, with WTC and earned income you may well have to pay some Council Tax. If you are on WTC you will still get free prescriptions, free dental care and free eye care. And, if you still get some Council Tax benefit, you will still qualify for free care for any pet with the PDSA!

Hi Paul,

Thanks for the info.

However, I'm on Employment and Support Allowance due to health issues, and not Incapacity Benefit.

Having only just been successful at the Tribunal, I'm now on the 'Work Related Activity Group' ESA.

Am just determined to get working and earning, but I do want to be sure before I take the plunge!

Cheers,

Sim.

tillymama_2

I've just been accepted by Optimum :j

Am in the midst of going through the phone options, and sorting out a headset for the laptop as it's not got a mic.

It does sound like something that would work around being a SAHM to my 15 month old...but I just wanted to check how many hours people actually spend doing this, and for what return?

I'll realistically only be able to do perhaps 1-2hrs each evening, and then maybe 5-6hrs over the weekend. How much do you think I could expect to bring in for 10hrs per week?

Money is tight, and I don't want to end up spending money on this if it's not going to be worth it longer term. I also need to make sure that the financial gains make it worth me missing time with my little girl at the weekend.

Hope someone can advise x