In today’s economy, there are many work-from-home positions. It is easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer number of possibilities. However, we are here to help you find the perfect work-from-home job. Today we’ll be looking at the position “remote appointment setter” in depth.
What is a remote appointment setter
A remote appointment setter sets appointments. This person works in the sales department of a company; however, they are not a sales person. If you choose to work as a remote appointment setter, you will either cold call a potential client or follow up on an existing lead. After the appointment setter makes the call they create an appointment for the client to meet with a sales representative.
You do not have to sell these potential clients anything. Essentially, the appointment setter is there to help increase the number of possible sales for a company, which sets this position apart from other telephone sales jobs like telemarketing.
Some appointment setters work in an office environment, but most now work from their home. This is an easy telecommuting position to get a position in, since all you need is a phone, Internet connection, and a quiet location (or a noise-cancelling headset). You will not be required to purchase any fancy or high-tech equipment before beginning work.
Qualifications
Remote appointment setting is an entry level position, which means all you will need to apply is a high school diploma. You do not have to have a long work history or lots of experience—although these things would be helpful.
To do remote appointment setting well you will need skills in customer service. You will also need to be outgoing and professional to succeed. Finally, you will need great work-from-home skills and self-direction in order to complete your tasks from a remote and not in-office setting.
Average Pay
When considering beginning a new career path, most people’s first question has to do with money.
In this position, you can expect to make between $23,000-$35,000 per year. The average remote appointment setter salary, at least according to a March 2018 report by ZipRecruiter, is $29,000. Some remote appointment setters also receive a commission.
Although remote appointment setters make a lower salary, keep in mind that this is an entry level position. You could potentially move up into a sales or other higher-level job once you have enough experience.
Top Companies
The demand for remote appointment setters has risen exponentially since 2006. As with all remote careers, there are companies out there that want to scam you. However, there are also a number of legitimate companies that specifically hire remote appointment setters. Here are just a few of the top employers for this position. You can apply to these positions directly on each company’s website.
Paragon Planners
Probably the most popular company that employs appointment setters, Paragon Planners currently operates in AZ, CA, CO, FL, ID, IL, KS, MI, MO, MT, NC, NE, OH, OR, PA, SC, TX, WA, and WI. Paragon Planners has been in business since 2002 and works primarily in the financial industry.
Appointment Setters employed by Paragon Planners work up to thirty-five hours a week, and make around the average salary for this position plus commission. Go here to learn more about working at Paragon Planners and apply for a job.
ACD Direct
ACD Direct is a remote call-center, but they also provide appointment setting in addition to customer service positions. The company works with non-profits to increase their membership and help make fundraising efforts successful.
ACD Direct allows you to work flexible hours and pick up additional shifts when you have the time. They pay on average $.23 per minute per call. Go here to learn more about ACD Direct’s open positions and hiring process.
Blue Zebra
Blue Zebra is another company in the appointment setting business. This company works with a wide variety of clients, so it does not concentrate in a single industry.
Unique among the companies we’ve listed, Blue Zebra provides different career paths for their appointment setters based on performance. Their Management Track consists of four levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Following this path will allow you to advance your career quickly. Go here to apply to a position at Blue Zebra.
Sykes Home
Another call center, Sykes Home works with customer service representatives and appointment setters from all over the world. This company is the oldest on the list and celebrated their forty-year anniversary in 2017.
Sykes has a longer application process than some of the companies, as you must apply, complete certain assessments, interview, and then pass a background check. Once hired, your will make around $9 per hour. Go here to learn more about Sykes’ application process.
Conclusion
Are you a friendly, outgoing, customer-oriented person? Then working as a remote appointment setter may be for you. The opportunities for growth with these positions make them highly appealing to the entry-level job seeker. If you are someone without much work experience, are looking to change careers, or are just returning to work after some time away, then we recommend that you consider becoming a remote appointment setter.
About the Author
Jennifer Psujek received her PhD in Musicology in 2016. She currently works as an adjunct professor, freelance writer and editor, and scholar. She has worked in the telecommuting industry for the past two years. This experience, in addition to her many years as a graduate student, have made her committed to sharing with others the advantages and disadvantages of working from home.
