To get started as an at-home customer service agent, you will need a fast computer with high-speed internet access. It is also important to have a landline phone with a good headset. Depending upon the company you work for, you will need to install their software and instant messaging programs. From there, you must complete a training course with the company. The training course can last anywhere from a couple days to a couple weeks. Most customer service companies will not pay you for the training, only for the amount of calls you take. The initial investment on your part is pretty expensive, normally about $1,200 or more depending upon the type of phone you purchase and the computer you purchase. If you already have your own equipment, it must meet the company's standards or they will not hire you.

Some companies are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week while others are only open for 8-12 hours a day. If you work for a 24/7 company, find out when the highest call volume times are and make sure you sign up for those shifts. It is also important to find out if the company pays more money for certain shifts like holidays, weekends, and graveyards. With most customer service companies, you will sign up for your own shifts, but you must meet a certain time limit each month or each quarter. If you go 1 week or longer without signing up for at least one shift, you could lose your job. This is why it is important to find out the company rules before you are hired to work for them.

You will need to have your own home-office to work from. This office must be completely quiet and free from distractions. Since you are working for a company, they don't want to have their clients hear a doorbell, screaming child, or dog barking in the background. If you have a problem arise, like a babysitter that is ill, you will need to speak with your supervisor so you can arrange for a different shift.

Most customer service agents make about $20,000 or more a year. It all depends on what company you work for. The companies that pay-per-call can have an influx of customers and people can make a lot of money in one day, and then the next day you may only get one call per hour. When this happens, you will lose your higher average from the day before and it will be harder to earn a good living. A good customer service company will pay you for the amount of hours you work, not the number of calls you take.

Sign-up to work for at least 2 different at-home customer service companies. This will increase your earning potential and you can earn back your investment money easier since you will be having 2 incomes. Once you master this, you will be able to branch out your customer service options and start offering your customer service skills to other companies that may need some help with their customer service. Create a web site that discusses your skills and pricing structure so other companies will be able to find you online and possibly hire you to work for them.