Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the first step in acquiring an agent?
The first step of getting started is to select an agent who is qualified and experienced in handling your required tasks competently. To select an agent, visit the New Agents Page and read through the basic information posted for each available agent listed. More detailed portfolios containing each agent’s skills, educational and personal backgrounds, and work samples are available.
After selecting your preferred agent, go to the Contact Us page and fill in the form’s required fields, and then click Send. Or you can directly chat with our Online Assistant and have your preferred agent Reserved until you have completed the process. Be as descriptive with your requirements and expectations as possible for us to effectively match agent skills to client needs.
When your preferred agent’s availability is confirmed and all other requirements have been settled, a formal contract will be sent to you for signing.
Lastly, use the Google Checkout buttons provided to pay the one-time only setup cost. When payment has been confirmed, it means you are ready to begin a mutually beneficial and hopefully long-term work relationship with your agent.
2. How long does it take before the agent starts working for me?
On average it won’t last more than 2 weeks before you and your agent can start working together. The waiting time will depend on the types and number of tasks you require, the software that you might need, and other possible arrangements you want done.
3. Does my agent speak and write in English?
Yes, English is one of the primary languages of business in the Philippines. Aside from that, nearly 30% of the Philippine population speaks and writes in English at work and in schools. The level of skill may not be at par with native English users, but as compared with other workers in Asian countries, Filipinos have shown high adaptability skills in language and culture. They can easily assimilate nuances of language and foreign culture. You will find it easy to communicate and get along with Filipino agents. However, always keep in mind to use plain speech and avoid using idiomatic expressions and local slang since they are non-native English speakers and are using English as a second language only.
4. How long will the contract be in effect?
There’s no defined length of time that the contract will be in effect. If you find the service isn’t useful for you, there’s no obligation from you to continue it. Otherwise, you can pay for the services of one agent for a lifetime, if possible.
5. How do I send payment?
Send payment either through the Agents of Value Payments Page or Paypal. We also have a US bank account which you can send payments to. If you prefer to transfer funds electronically, mail a check or use a billing service.
6. What is the 13th month pay and how is it computed?
If the agent is employed by the Client for longer than 3 months, the Client agrees to pay the required 13th month pay. This is equal to one half of the monthly fee, pro-rated for the number of months in the calendar year in which the Client has hired the worker.
The 13th month pay is a once-a-year pay usually collected near the end of the year or when the contract ends. The computation is as follows:
$675 (monthly fee) / 2 = $337.5
$337.5 / 12 (Months in a year) = $28.12
$28.12 x 4 (Months worked => 3 Months) = $112.50
7. When I leased an agent, does that mean I have that agent dedicated only to me?
Yes. The agent you lease, like all other regular employees, will work full-time (8 hours a day, 5 days a week) for you.
8. Can I lease an agent for project-based work?
Unfortunately, project-based tasks are not really our preference. We are a staff leasing company, and our services work best for clients who want to partner up with agents in a long-term work relationship.
9.What is the set-up cost and when is it due?
The set-up cost is a one-time payment which we require a client to pay before starting any work with an agent. It is for the agent’s basic job needs which include work station, Internet connection, personal computer, software, and operation system.
10. How do I deliver instructions effectively to my agent?
Provide brief instructions to your agents by using Instant Messaging clients such as Yahoo! Messenger, AIM, MSN Messenger and other OpenSource chat clients. Send a more detailed set of instructions through Email using Yahoo, Gmail, Hotmail, or your official business email. For a more one-on-one delivery, you can choose to communicate with your agent via a Voice Chat through Skype or any other VoIP software, or you can send a video of you giving directions and providing a demo of the task to be done.
11. Am I allowed to have direct contact with my Agent?
Yes, you can directly contact your agent within working hours as listed on this site, and by any means you are comfortable with. However, delivering instructions and asking your agent to work for you beyond working hours will require you to provide overtime pay to your agent.
12. Are my business secrets and information safe with you guys?
Yes. Whatever data were mined and any vital information shared with or produced for a client shall remain the property of the client. Neither the company nor the agent is authorized to sell, transfer or use the work produced to any third-party entity. The agents themselves were also signed into a Proprietary Agreement with the company.
13. Would you replace my agent when I am not satisfied with the output?
Yes. We will replace your agent if there is proof of any short-coming on the agent’s part. However, disputes and complaints will still go through a process. We can not end contracts based only on unfounded personal judgments.
14. How will I know when my agent is working on the tasks I give?
Agents are required to submit a daily report. All tasks done for the day and updates are included in the report. Also we have a management staff here who monitors the agents’ production quota and progress. Questions regarding your agent’s work output and performance should be directed to the staff.
