Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions. Answered.

 

 

Admissions FAQ


What is the minimum age to become an Arise Certified Professional?
Can an Arise Certified Professional provide service on a part-time basis and service more than one client application?
How long will it take before my Virtual Services Corporation can begin earning money with Arise?
Who can I contact if I am having technical difficulties during the admissions process?
Is there an initial face-to-face meeting in your office?
When do I sign the Master Services Agreement? Do I sign it online or do I have to fax it?

Admissions - US

Can an Arise Certified Professional who moves to a different state still service client applications?
Can I do business with Arise if I live in Canada?
Do I have to be a legal resident of the United States?
Why is a National Background Check required and what are the deciding factors in passing?
How much will my Virtual Services Corporation earn from entering into a business relationship with Arise?
How do I contact the Arise Admissions Department?

Admissions - UK

When and how do I get results during and after completing the admissions process?
How do I contact the Arise Admissions Department?
Why is a Background Check required and what are the deciding factors in passing?

General FAQ


What is an Arise Certified Professional?
What are the characteristics of the most successful Arise Certified Professionals?
How many hours can I work?
When can my company begin earning income with Arise?
What is the process to become an Arise Certified Porfessional and entering into a business relationship with Arise?
What criteria must be satisfied to establish a Virtual Services Corporation?
Explain what you mean by flexible scheduling. Do I choose the client I would like to service, or does Arise choose for me?
Are there minimum hours required?
Why would I choose to establish a Virtual Services Corporation and enter into a business relationship with Arise rather than just become an employee of another work-at-home company?
Do I need to form a new incorporated entity if I already have a pre-existing corporation?
Can I service Arise clients as an employee of a Virtual Services Corporation that I do not own?
Is it possible to switch clients, if for whatever reason, it is not a good match?
This opportunity will be replacing my full-time job. Are the Service Fees competitive to a full-time job?
Who do you give your dedicated phone number used to service Arise clients to? Arise or the client?
Can we use our corporation for unrelated businesses?
Does Arise pay for client classes?
Why do I have to pay for certification?
If a client certification costs more, will the amount of the service fees paid to a VSC going to be higher?
Is an Arise Certified Professional an actual employee of your company or are they independent contractors?
Are there required meetings at the corporate facility (or anywhere)?
Do any clients require services in other languages?
Is there any guarantee I will be selected for a client opportunity?
Can you choose customer service or sales opportunities?
Can I have employees under my corporation? If yes, how many?
Does Arise have a contractor relations department to address business-related issues?
What determines if I can take Customer Service, Technical Support, or Sales calls (or a combination of any/all)?

General - US

Does Arise certify agents in every state?
Are there any limitations on the type of incorporated entity I can use, or on the state of its formation?
What is the approximate total investment (cost) to establish a Virtual Services Corporation?
How does Arise pay a Virtual Services Corporation for the services that it renders to an Arise Client? How often?
Why does Arise charge Virtual Services Corporations a semi-monthly service fee?
Will Arise send me a W-9 form for my incorporation?
Do I need to have liability insurance for my business?
Are we responsible for our own taxes, or is this handled automatically?
Is Arise a member of the BBB?
I only have a rural P.O. Box (no delivery at home). What are my options?

General - UK

Are there any limitations on the type of incorporated entity I can use?
Are we responsible for our own taxes, or is this handled automatically?
How does Arise pay a Virtual Services Corporation for the services that it renders to an Arise Client? How often?

Technical FAQ


What are the minimum computer requirements?
What are the Internet connectivity requirements?
What are the specific requirements on the dedicated landline telephone?
Can I use my existing home telephone to receive calls?
Will I need to call long distance?
Do I need any headsets?
Can my cell phone be used for incoming calls?
Can I use my laptop to serve Arise clients?

Technical - US

What operating systems do Arise and its clients currently support in the US?

Technical - UK

What operating systems do Arise and its clients currently support in the UK?

Admissions

Q. What is the minimum age to become an Arise Certified Professional?

To be an Arise Certified Professional, you must be 18 years old or older.



Q. Can an Arise Certified Professional provide service on a part-time basis and service more than one client application?

To maintain proficiency, Arise Certified Professionals service each of their clients for no fewer than 15 hours each week, as specified in the SOW. However, each client’s minimum weekly hour requirement varies. Many Arise Certified Professionals work at least 25 hours a week to have the opportunity to service two clients.



Q. How long will it take before my Virtual Services Corporation can begin earning money with Arise?

The Admissions process can be completed in as little as seven days! Certification courses required to service a particular client can take between two days and several weeks to complete. Once you have obtained the certifications and established a Virtual Services Corporation, the Virtual Services Corporation is then eligible to begin earning income by servicing that client.



Q. Who can I contact if I am having technical difficulties during the admissions process?

The Arise Support Desk provides live support, 24 hours, 7 days a week, 365 days a year for Arise related system issues. You may also reach support at http://support.arise.com. The Support Desk will answer most of your Arise and client related technical issues. Occasionally Support Desk technicians will need to further troubleshoot and research the answer. They will respond as quickly as possible, generally within a few hours.



Q. Is there an initial face-to-face meeting in your office?

No. There will be no initial meeting in our office. The entire admissions process is completed virtually.



Q. When do I sign the Master Services Agreement? Do I sign it online or do I have to fax it?

You electronically sign the Master Services Agreement online after you have completed forming your incorporated entity. You will not need to fax the Master Services Agreement.



Admissions - US

Q. Can an Arise Certified Professional who moves to a different state still service client applications?

You may continue to provide service as long as you are located within the United States (except for Hawaii) and have access to broadband internet connectivity.



Q. Can I do business with Arise if I live in Canada?

No. Arise requires that all contracted Virtual Services Corporations reside in the United States.



Q. Do I have to be a legal resident of the United States?

Yes. Arise requires that all individuals seeking to become Arise Certified Professionals legally reside in the United States, if they are servicing customers based in the United States. However, we also have opportunities for individuals in the United Kingdom and Ireland for customers of clients in those regions.



Q. Why is a National Background Check required and what are the deciding factors in passing?

Arise and its clients have high integrity standards and, thus, no one can become an Arise Certified Professional if they are convicted, pled guilty or pled no contest to a felony or certain misdemeanor charges (such as fraud). Some clients have more stringent standards with respect to being eligible to service their particular account.

Most traffic violations do not constitute a disqualifying event. The request is submitted to the search partner via the Web. It takes approximately two-business days to receive the results.

Six states require additional background information checks. The six are California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Nevada, South Dakota and Vermont. The cost for these checks is $23.95 instead of the typical $10.95.



Q. How much will my Virtual Services Corporation earn from entering into a business relationship with Arise?

Virtual Services Corporations are paid service fees twice monthly by Arise for the services rendered by its Arise Certified Professionals. The service fee is usually comprised of a fixed rate ― by call rate — and a variable rate — by minute rate or any combination thereof. Some third shift applications offer a by hour rate. These service fee structures vary by client for either calls answered, transactions processed or minutes serviced each hour. Whether the service fee is paid on a per-call, per-minute or per-hour basis, it generally adds up to between $10 and $14 per hour, with some sales and service applications providing performance incentives and bonuses.



Q. How do I contact the Arise Admissions Department?

You may contact Admissions by sending an e-mail to Admissions@Arise.com.

Or you may call 866-771-0041, Option 1, 10AM to 5PM, Eastern Time.



Admissions - UK

Q. When and how do I get results during and after completing the admissions process?

At the end of each section, you will receive an e-mail message informing you of your results. Please be sure to check your SPAM mail or JUNK mail folders because in many cases your ISP may mistakenly mark them as spam.



Q. How do I contact the Arise Admissions Department?

You may contact Admissions by sending an e-mail to AriseUKAdmissions@arise.com.

Or you may call 01312002100, 9AM to 9PM GMT

 



Q. Why is a Background Check required and what are the deciding factors in passing?

Arise and its clients have high integrity standards and, thus, no one can become an Arise Certified Professional if they are convicted, pled guilty or pled no contest to a felony or certain misdemeanor charges (such as fraud). Some clients have more stringent standards with respect to being eligible to service their particular account. Most traffic violations do not constitute a disqualifying event. The request is submitted to the search partner via the Web. It takes approximately two-business days to receive the results.



General

Q. What is an Arise Certified Professional?

An Arise Certified Professional (ACP) is an independent business owner who develops and manages his or her own business. An Arise Certified professional (ACP) is required to establish a Virtual Services Corporation in order to contract with Arise under a Master Services Agreement to receive calls from people requesting products or services from Arise clients.



Q. What are the characteristics of the most successful Arise Certified Professionals?

Successful Arise Certified Professionals share the following characteristics:                      

  • They possess tremendous entrepreneurial skills
  • They are self-motivated
  • They are professional and capable of providing a high level of service
  • They enjoy the freedom that running their own business allows them
  • They are positive and optimistic
  • They are tolerant and accepting of differing viewpoints
  • They are comfortable with numeric reasoning
  • They log-in on time and honor all time commitments
  • They have basic computer skills
  • They are self-motivated and conscientious



Q. How many hours can I work?

Through your VSC you can work as many hours as you desire. However, there is a minimum of 15 hours per week required under the terms of the Statement of Work (‘SOW”) on most client applications.



Q. When can my company begin earning income with Arise?

You can start generating revenue with Arise as soon as your Arise Certified employee successfully certifies on an application. The entire process – from expressing interest through course completion – may take two (2) or more weeks, which includes signing the Statement of Work (SOW).



Q. What is the process to become an Arise Certified Porfessional and entering into a business relationship with Arise?

The process is as follows:
1. Create a profile.
2. Take an Ideal Match Assessment test.
3. Pass a Background Check.
4. Pass our Basic Certification Course (ACP101).
5. Incorporate your business.
6. Sign our Master Services Agreement.



Q. What criteria must be satisfied to establish a Virtual Services Corporation?

The criteria are as follows:

  • Become an Arise Certified Professional.
  • Establish a Virtual Services Corporation (including EIN number and W9 in the USA).
  • Set up a home office that meets our technology requirements and other specifications.
  • Open a corporate bank account.
  • Sign the Master Services Agreement.



Q. Explain what you mean by flexible scheduling. Do I choose the client I would like to service, or does Arise choose for me?

Imagine being able to select the clients you will service AND be able to select the number of hours and when you will service EACH WEEK!

As an Arise Certified Professional providing customer interaction services through your Virtual Services Corporation, you choose the clients and the applications you wish to service from the list of available certification courses for which you are qualified.



Q. Are there minimum hours required?

Yes. There is a minimum of 15 hours per week required on most applications. Each client SOW and opportunity announcement will specify minimum commitments.



Q. Why would I choose to establish a Virtual Services Corporation and enter into a business relationship with Arise rather than just become an employee of another work-at-home company?

There are tremendous benefits for you as a Virtual Services Corporation. You are free to choose the clients you wish to service. You determine when and how often you work within the guidelines of a service contract. (Read “Independent Business Owner vs. Employee” for more information.). Your home office business expenses can be tax-deductible. You can add employees to your Virtual Service Corporation to generate additional income.

Our clients have found that small business entrepreneurs provide higher quality service, which attracts at large number of prestigious, Fortune 500 companies to Arise. As such, Arise will not contract with an individual to provide customer interaction services.



Q. Do I need to form a new incorporated entity if I already have a pre-existing corporation?

No. You may use a pre-existing incorporated entity. You must, however, own at least 50% of the capital stock or other equity interest in the incorporated entity.



Q. Can I service Arise clients as an employee of a Virtual Services Corporation that I do not own?

Yes. You can become an Arise Certified Professional and seek employment with a Virtual Services Corporation owned by others.



Q. Is it possible to switch clients, if for whatever reason, it is not a good match?

You would be able to switch from one client to another by successfully completing a certification course for a new client application. Normally, a Virtual Services Corporation employee will service the initial client application through the Statement of Work contracted service period (typically 90 days), and choose to decline service for the next service period when offered. The Virtual Services Corporation employee may express interest in another client offering while servicing the current client as long as they continue to adhere to the SOW requirements. While not recommended, Virtual Services Corporations are also eligible to express interest in a new client opportunity while currently enrolled in another client opportunity as long as the times are not conflicting.



Q. This opportunity will be replacing my full-time job. Are the Service Fees competitive to a full-time job?

This opportunity is very competitive. The amount of money your Virtual Services Corporation (“VSC”) can earn will depend on the amount of time you want to work and your performance. In fact, many of our clients offer extra incentives for good performance.



Q. Who do you give your dedicated phone number used to service Arise clients to? Arise or the client?

You will only need to provide your phone number(s) to Arise.



Q. Can we use our corporation for unrelated businesses?

Yes. You may use your corporation for unrelated businesses.



Q. Does Arise pay for client classes?

No. Arise does not pay for client classes. You are responsible for all certification costs.



Q. Why do I have to pay for certification?

This opportunity is a business-to-business (B-to-B) relationship. As a business owner, you are responsible for any investment related to the operation of the business and that includes the cost of certification.



Q. If a client certification costs more, will the amount of the service fees paid to a VSC going to be higher?

No. A higher cost for a client certification class does not necessarily mean that the application service fees paid to a VSC will be higher.



Q. Is an Arise Certified Professional an actual employee of your company or are they independent contractors?

All Arise Certified Professionals are employees of an independent incorporated business (the Virtual Services Corporation). Arise Certified Professionals are therefore not employees of Arise.



Q. Are there required meetings at the corporate facility (or anywhere)?

There are no required meetings at the corporate office.



Q. Do any clients require services in other languages?

From time to time, we get clients that request service in other languages. Those opportunities are usually announced as they become available.



Q. Is there any guarantee I will be selected for a client opportunity?

There is no guarantee that you will be selected for a client opportunity. Your selection for a client opportunity will depend on your experience and whether you meet the qualifications required by the client.



Q. Can you choose customer service or sales opportunities?

Yes. Depending on your experience, you may choose a customer or sales opportunity. (Other requirements may apply.)



Q. Can I have employees under my corporation? If yes, how many?

Yes. You can have as many employees as you desire under your corporation but Virtual Services Corporations are restricted to two principal owners. A Virtual Services Corporation can only have four Arise Certified Professional Employees providing services on any one Arise application at the same time. Virtual Service Corporations that demonstrate a propensity for managing their business may be asked to join the “Super VSC” program in which these ACP employee restrictions are lifted.



Q. Does Arise have a contractor relations department to address business-related issues?

Yes. Arise has dedicated a department to address your Virtual Services Corporation concerns and can be accessed once the admissions process is completed, through the Arise Resolution Center.



Q. What determines if I can take Customer Service, Technical Support, or Sales calls (or a combination of any/all)?

Your selection to a Customer Service, Sales, or Technical Support opportunity will be based on the credentials given when you created the profile as well as the results in the Ideal Match Assessment test. (Other requirements may apply.)



General - US

Q. Does Arise certify agents in every state?

Arise certifies individuals to become Arise Certified Professionals in the United States (except for Hawaii) and in the United Kingdom and Ireland.



Q. Are there any limitations on the type of incorporated entity I can use, or on the state of its formation?

No. You may want to consult your accountant or attorney for information on which would be the most beneficial choice for you. You also may research how to form your own incorporated entity on your own. Once you have formed your incorporated entity, you will need to obtain a Federal Employer Identification Number from the Internal Revenue Service.



Q. What is the approximate total investment (cost) to establish a Virtual Services Corporation?

The average investment ranges from $400 to $600 if your computer is already in compliance with Arise's minimum requirements. This covers the (estimates below):

National Background Check Fee ($10.95-$23.95)
Incorporation (approx. $100)
High-Speed Internet Access ($50/month)
Phone Equipment ($100)
Dedicated Phone Line ($50/month)
Basic Certification Program ACP101 ($99)

Of the above stated expenses, only the $99 ACP101 registration fee is payable to Arise to participate in basic certification. The other costs are payable to third-party vendors unrelated to Arise. Client certification programs range from $50 to $225 and are payable to Arise.

All prices and fees quoted are subject to change. Some may vary by state or vendor.



Q. How does Arise pay a Virtual Services Corporation for the services that it renders to an Arise Client? How often?

Virtual Services Corporations are paid a Service Fee by Arise via direct deposit into their corporate bank accounts twice a month on the 22nd (covering the 1st-15th days of the month) and 7th (covering the 16th through last day of the previous month). Arise provides Virtual Services Corporations with a report each payment period. The report is broken down by the fees attributable to the services performed by each Arise Certified Professional employee of your corporation.



Q. Why does Arise charge Virtual Services Corporations a semi-monthly service fee?

The Arise service fee is charged for the infrastructure that Arise provides, including the Arise 24-Hour Client Technical Support Help Desk and StarMatic® scheduling system. Arise's semi-monthly service fee is currently $19.75 and is deducted twice a month from your Virtual Services Corporation Service Fees  for each servicing Virtual Service Corporation employee. No Virtual Services Corporation is charged the fee until the first invoice period after it begins providing customer interaction services to its first client.



Q. Will Arise send me a W-9 form for my incorporation?

No. Arise will not send you a W-9 form for your corporation. When you get to that step, you will be provided a Web link that takes you to a form you can fill out and submit online.



Q. Do I need to have liability insurance for my business?

Arise does not require you to have liability insurance for your corporation. Whether you elect to obtain insurance is your choice and business decision that is left entirely to your discretion.



Q. Are we responsible for our own taxes, or is this handled automatically?

As the owner of your corporation you are responsible for your own taxes as well as any employment taxes for your Arise Certified Professional employees.



Q. Is Arise a member of the BBB?

Yes. Arise has an A+ rating as a member of the Better Business Bureau.



Q. I only have a rural P.O. Box (no delivery at home). What are my options?

You can use your P.O. Box address for your application. However, some states may require the use of a home address for the incorporation application.



General - UK

Q. Are there any limitations on the type of incorporated entity I can use?

No. You may want to consult your accountant or attorney for information on which would be the most beneficial choice for you. You also may research how to form your own incorporated entity on your own.



Q. Are we responsible for our own taxes, or is this handled automatically?

As the owner of your corporation you are responsible for your own taxes as well as any for your Arise Certified Professional employees.



Q. How does Arise pay a Virtual Services Corporation for the services that it renders to an Arise Client? How often?

Virtual Services Corporations are paid a Service Fee by Arise via direct deposit into their corporate bank accounts once a month on the 9th (covering the entire month). If the 9th of the month falls on a weekend or public holiday, the funds are made available the next business day. Arise provides Virtual Services Corporations with a report each payment period. The report is broken down by the fees attributable to the services performed by each Arise Certified Professional employee of your corporation.



Technical

Q. What are the minimum computer requirements?

Processor: 1.2 GHZ or better (1 GB RAM or better RECOMMENDED) If upgrading from a slower processor, consider purchasing a new system. It is usually more cost effective.

  • Hard Drive: 40 GB with at least 15GB of free space
  • Modem: 56K bps internal or external modem
  • CD-ROM & Floppy Drive: 32X Speed CD-ROM R/W, R/W DVD, or a 3 1/2
  • Floppy (one backup device is needed, CD, DVD or floppy)
  • Sound Card & Speakers: 24-bit sound card and a pair of desktop speakers



Q. What are the Internet connectivity requirements?

DSL or Cable Modem: DSL or cable fast access Internet service is a requirement. No Satellite connections or connections to a Wireless Home Network at any time with your computer used to work your Arise Clients.

Back up ISP: A back up ISP is required. It can be a dial up as long as it is not the same provider as your primary ISP.



Q. What are the specific requirements on the dedicated landline telephone?

Telephone Line: Standard POTS phone line dedicated to your business with no special features. In other words, you can only have touchtone and dial tone phones. (No VOIP, fax or answering machines/services are allowed and no one should have this number other than your client and Arise.)



Q. Can I use my existing home telephone to receive calls?

No. You need a separate landline telephone dedicated to receiving Arise incoming calls. This line cannot be used for any other incoming or outgoing personal calls. Arise does require you to provide us a separate contact telephone number. In addition, no one should have this phone number other than Arise.



Q. Will I need to call long distance?

No. Long distance calls will not be necessary.



Q. Do I need any headsets?

Yes. You need two headsets with a microphone. Specifically, you need a telephone headset and a VoIP Headset (Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) connects to your computer, AKA “gaming” headset). You may not use wireless phones, wireless headsets or any combination thereof.



Q. Can my cell phone be used for incoming calls?

No. Arise will not support cell phones due to security reasons.



Q. Can I use my laptop to serve Arise clients?

Yes. You can use your laptop to service Arise clients as long as your laptop meets the minimum computer requirements.



Technical - US

Q. What operating systems do Arise and its clients currently support in the US?

Note: WINDOWS VISTA AND WINDOWS 7 ARE NOT CURRENTLY SUPPORTED

  • Operating Systems: Windows XP Professional, Windows XP Home, or Windows 2000 Professional, 32-bit only with the latest service pack installed. Please visit Windows Update to ensure all critical updates are installed.

Supported Anti-Virus Software: (One of the below anti-Virus versions must be installed, activated and updated with the latest virus definitions at all times)

  • Grisoft AVG Anti-Virus (8.x) (Free edition, Recommended)
  • McAfee Internet Security (6.x - 8.x)
  • McAfee VirusScan (8.x - 10.x)
  • Norton AntiVirus 2004 - 2006 (10.x - 12.x)
  • Norton AntiVirus Corporate Edition (7.x)
  • Norton Internet Security (7.x – 8.x)
  • Symantec AntiVirus (9.x - 10.x)
  • Symantec Client Security (9.x - 10.x)



Technical - UK

Q. What operating systems do Arise and its clients currently support in the UK?

Note: WINDOWS 7 IS NOT CURRENTLY SUPPORTED

  • Operating System: Windows VISTA, Windows XP Professional, Windows XP Home, or Windows 2000 Professional, 32 bit only with the latest service pack installed. Please visit Windows Update to ensure all critical updates are installed.

Supported Anti-Virus Software: (One of the below anti-Virus versions must be installed, activated and updated with the latest virus definitions at all times)

  • Grisoft AVG Anti-Virus (8.x) (Free edition, Recommended)
  • McAfee Internet Security (6.x - 8.x)
  • McAfee VirusScan (8.x - 10.x)
  • Norton AntiVirus 2004 - 2006 (10.x - 12.x)
  • Norton AntiVirus Corporate Edition (7.x)
  • Norton Internet Security (7.x – 8.x)
  • Symantec AntiVirus (9.x - 10.x)
  • Symantec Client Security (9.x - 10.x)