The internet has become integral to many peoples' lives in recent years, and is now relied-upon for a wide range of day-to-day activities, including shopping, banking, and much more.
But one thing that may sometimes seem difficult to accomplish online is to earn a steady income from home.
A quick search will turn up plenty of ventures and websites which claim to make this possible, but one proven way in which you can earn money by working from home is to work in the area of data entry.
What is data entry? Simply put, it is the management of the constant flow of information and data which many businesses- particularly those with online dealings- come into contact with on a daily basis. The data itself can consist of virtually anything- contact details, bank details, product information, client accounts and so forth.
The important thing is that all this data is controlled and stored in an efficient and appropriate manner, so that a business can access this crucial information whenever it needs to. With this in mind, in order to succeed at data entry, you will need to have strong clerical, typing and reading skills. So what are the best data entry jobs from home? Below can be found details on some of the leading online employers in this area of business.
1. Axion Data Services.
This company outsources its assignments to independent contractors, who work on a case-by-case basis. The work that it assigns originate from client companies who require data entry services. Contractors work off-site, usually doing 20 to 25 hour weeks in their own time, meaning that you can work entirely from home, whenever best suits you. Typical tasks that Axion Data services assigns to its contractors include the likes of competition entries, customer loyalty reward scheme applications and product records. In terms of qualifications, all that is required are basic computer and typing skills. Additionally, contractors will need a computer with a high speed internet connection, as well as an answering machine or voicemail service. Payment varies depending on the type of forms you are processing, and can average from $5 to $18 per hour.
2. Clickworker.
This company uses a crowd-sourcing business model that takes large projects for major clients such as Honda, PayPal and Nestle, then divides these projects into smaller 'microtasks', to be distributed amongst the company's contractors, known as clickworkers.
Once you sign on for Clickworker, you can choose from a pool of available microtasks to complete, which will later be compiled and reorganized into the original project. The tasks can be completed anywhere, allowing you to accept data entry jobs from home or wherever is convenient.
Clickworker microtasks cover a number of areas, including search engine optimization and content writing as well as data entry and research. There is also the option to do translation work, if you so wish.
In order to join Clickworker, you must be of legal age and be allowed to work in the jurisdiction where you reside. Additionally, you must have a means to receive payment, such as a PayPal account. Level of payment can vary, and is entirely dependent on the number of tasks which you complete. Some tasks can be completed in less than a minute but only pay a few cents, while other tasks can be worth double digit figures. Lower payment rates are generally seen as a trade-off for the convenience of being able to complete data entry jobs from home.
3. DionData Solutions.
This data management company is based in Missouri, and like others, it uses offsite independent contractors to fulfill the data entry needs of its clients. Contractors will need to input data taken from image scans, often comprising of handwritten documents such as application forms. In terms of requirements and qualifications, DionData asks that all applicants have at minimum basic computer skills and the ability to type at a 60 word per minute rate. In addition, US citizenship and residence is required, as is a desktop computer and a high speed internet connection. Beyond that, independent contractors are free to accept tasks whenever convenient and to complete data entry jobs from home. Payments to independent contractors from DionData are on a per-piece basis.
4. Virtual Bee.
Formerly known as Key For Cash, Virtual Bee also uses home-based independent contractors to complete data entry tasks. Workers can log onto Virtual Bee's online system and select from the available tasks. The original data is then presented to them in the form of an image, which they then must accurately and promptly transcribe and enter into the company's system. With Virtual Bee, independent contractors working on a full time basis can expect to earn somewhere in the region of $5 to $6 per hour on average. There is no guarantee of this however, and contractors must have completed at least $30 worth of tasks in order to withdraw a payment. Applicants to Virtual Bee must be at least 18 years of age and must achieve a score of at least 97 out of 100 on the company's proficiency test. Applicants worldwide are welcome, and once again a computer with a high speed internet connection is essential.
5. Birch Creek Communications (formerly Clark Fork Communications).
This Montana-based data entry and transcription company provides a wider range of services than some of the other companies listed here, including company and market research. Clark Fork has a number of work at home opportunities for both transcriptionists and data entry clerks, however there is no guarantee of the level of work that will be available. Clark Fork hires US citizens in residence. Other requirements include access to a computer with internet connection and software such as Word. An instant messenger account and a headset is also required. Naturally, basic computer skills are a must. Payment varies depending on a number of factors including the client, the level of work and the required turnaround time. Overall, payment can range from $0.40 to $1.75 per page of data or transcription.
Above can be found several of the most reputable companies for pursuing the best data entry jobs from home. However, be sure to exercise caution when considering other data entry jobs from home, as there are a number of fraudulent entities currently online which are not what they claim to be. However, if properly researched, data entry jobs from home can be a convenient and effective way with which to increase your revenue stream.