text chat operator....any thoughts? - Virtual Assistant Forums

bfergi · #1 (**permalink**) 08-23-2008

So I tried searching for text chat operator jobs, and all that really came up were "adult" chat jobs.

. OK, that wasn't what I was thinking when I was on some website and the operator jumped on and asked if I need help.

I have found a solution to the "search" for the jobs problem. I just asked a couple of those operators if there was a link to employment opportunities with that company. Because these jobs are (to my understanding) contract only, which is right up my VA alley!

So...Got a couple leads, sending my resume and all that good stuff. But was wondering...should I just offer this as a service on my VA website? I think it would be fun, I love to chat, can type fast and have a fairly good grasp of the English language. Maybe I have found my VA niche? Does anyone else offer this service?

Would love to know what you think. I am trying to contemplate how to make this service available to smaller companies (such as work from home moms, business owners) who might find this useful...

Am I crazy? What are your thoughts?

Am I crazy or what?

Desert DiVA · #2 (**permalink**) 09-24-2008

That's a great idea! I don't think you are crazy at all...that is the latest and great in website technology, seems everyone has it.
You would likely have to add some programming for the chat, I couldn't tell you how to do that...perhaps IM or Yahoo would have some answers.
The big question is how would you charge for it? Possibly a flat fee would be most appropriate?
Very creative...I like that.

bfergi · #3 (**permalink**) 09-24-2008

Thanks,

That makes me feel a little better, I was thinking of a flat monthly fee also. Stating that I would cover a certain number of hours per week/month (scheduled) and answer all emails in 24 hrs. Or something like that. I am ok at typing speed (I know there are plenty who are faster), I like chatting, and I can follow multiple conversations at a time....

Thanks, I think I will kick this one off as I work on my "local" project...

Brandy

Desert DiVA · #4 (**permalink**) 09-24-2008

I do sort of an "answering service" for one of my clients that has an extreme hatred of VM and doesn't want his clients to have to deal with it either...I charge $150/month and only have to answer his phones when he forwards them...it seems cheap, but it is not a lot of time over all and he is on retainer with me for other stuff anyway. He always provides a schedule of meetings and gives me plenty of notice...
I think for the chat option, you could charge more...depending on the website traffic.

bfergi · #5 (**permalink**) 09-25-2008

OK, I am working on ratios as far as what to charge. Based on the # of conversations I can handle at one time (which could be from different websites, as long as fact sheets are provided). I also am working on using statistical data for peak hours of internet use and website visitors estimations to determine how much a single chat session would cost me. SO....

I am using statistics and estimating that only 5% of visitors will use live chat. That is until I find a source that shows me actual figures. Other live chat websites are really closed mouth about that kind of data. ANyways, I am using the data to determine the size of the websites I can comfortably provide services for and based on that figure, I have (so far) determined that it would cost me $0.28/ea chat.

I don't think this is a really bad thing. But I would only offer small websites (visitor size) the option to pay by chat. I am working on a price sheet for websites based on size. Once I have that done, then I need to create an answer sheet to ask new clients questions so that the live chat will be a useful tool to their website and the operator will be able to help the visitors. I don't want to base my pay off of commissions and I will be very strict in this aspect. I can just see that as a problem for some who might see it as an advantage to pay less for the service.

OK...so how long can I stay on this subject! I think I have found a niche I like! Talking!

There will also be an annual "administration fee" to process client information into the system and update fact sheet data for the operators. I am trying to look at the big and small picture here as to what the next step will be should this go BOOM! I think I am getting there pretty efficiently...

ANd...my research last night found some opensource live chat operator software...gonna needs some guinea pigs now! I am fairly adept at being able to load php/mysql stuff for now and can handle getting it up. Then I will just have to figure out the quirks before I "sell" the service.

virtual writing · #6 (**permalink**) 09-25-2008

It will be very interesting to see how this goes. Keep us updated, ok?!