Making Money Online: Data Entry
Many companies now outsource data entry jobs to online contractors, making this an ideal work-at-home opportunity. With a data entry job, you can be your own boss, setting your own hours. The company you sign up with provides all the necessary training and materials to get the job done.
The amount of money you earn depends entirely on your effort, ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars per month, if you work hard.
How It WorksData entry is typically divided into four categories: traditional clerical and office assistant type of work; company research, involving surveys and focus groups; outsourcing, which involves helping others with the promotion and support for their business; and online marketing, which involves promoting an online business. The data entry area in which you will excel depends on your available time, plus your experience, personal interests and objectives.
Finding Legitimate JobsA quick online search will turn up literally hundreds of websites that promise data entry jobs that will earn you multiple times what you are currently making at your present job. Be aware that many of these schemes are scams. Unsuspecting people have been conned out of their money on fees for jobs that never paid off. According to a survey done by Consumer-Rated.com, 75% of the business they reviewed did not live up to the promises they made. Caveat emptor - Buyer beware!
Having said that, there are legitimate jobs to be had. After all, in a computerized world, someone's got to do this work. Before you sign up, do some research. Here are four things to consider:
1.Consult the Better Business Bureau (BBB)
Check the BBB website before applying for any online data entry job. The website lists many of the scam sites reported by victims. Contact the BBB if the company that interests you is not listed, but you have doubts.
2.See what others are saying
Do an online search to find reviews and read comments people have made about specific data entry companies. Savvy scam victims post comments to alert the public that these websites are indeed scams. Start with Google. Enter the name of the company (use quotations marks like this: "AcmeData") to locate user feedback directly related to that business.
3.Make sure there's a money back guarantee
Most data entry websites require a one time sign up fee ranging from $40 to $100 USD. This fee pays for the use of their software, as well as any training materials that you receive. Only sign up with companies that offer a money back guarantee or offer a free trial period. Read the terms and conditions carefully so you understand how to get a refund if you are not satisfied.
4.Try freelance websites
There are various websites for freelancers, like oDesk and Elance, which you can join without paying a fee. You can then bid for online data entry jobs. It may take a while before you are considered for the job; however, you have no out-of-pocket costs, so there is little risk.
Sites to ConsiderThese site have been reviewed and rated by Consumer-Rated.com
This company has been around for over seven years. You will pay a sign up fee of $49.95 to register. You do not need any prior experience in data entry and you are provided with a 60-day money back guarantee should you be dissatisfied with the program.
With this program you can earn a few hundred dollars or more per day, depending on your effort. This program offers a 30-day money back guarantee for the one time training fee of $99 USD.
This site requires a one time membership fee of $49.95 USD and provides a 30-day money back guarantee as well.
As with all work-from-home jobs, it requires the right temperament. Watch the above video for some tips on what it takes and making it work for you.
Last update: Oct 26, 2010
