Question: Are there any remote help companies that I could earn residual income for by signing people up for their service?

schindyguy — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 15:38:07 -0800

Are there any remote help companies that I could earn residual income for by signing people up for their service? (not just disguised as a BS affiliate program)

I currently have 15-20 clients that are basically computer illiterate and they pay me 80/hr (or sometimes flat rates for certain things) to do on-site stuff like memory upgrades, setting up new computers, backing up to a new hard drive, wireless networking... Of course I also get all the software problems like spyware, viruses, how to crop and reduce redeye in a picture, where did all my email go, etc...

For things that I can get done remotely, I have installed the free version of LogMeIn on their computer and I can fix their problem if they are connected to the internet. Ideally, I would like to not do the problem solving with the remote connection but find some company, resource, or team of techs that I can the farm the job to. I could set my clients up on a monthly plan (somewhere from 30-50 bucks with a limit of the amount of time spent; anything over it would be more) and earn residuals for getting more accounts. I could still do all the onsite stuff, but the spyware, software, configuration, basic computer problems could be solved by others remotely.

I have looked into LogMeIn's Rescue program that allows someone like myself to create an IT helpdesk with "instant remote support to customers and employees." It costs 99/month if I pay for a year and 129/month if I go month to month. I have found this company who is actually using Rescue to be doing what I want to do, but I'm pretty sure they wouldn't be willing to give me residuals for sending people their way (I have contacted them with no response yet).

There is also the competing GoToAssist Beta which is currently free and would only cost $48 a month or $462 a year once it launches. But once again, these are just the software backbones of how the network would work, not the people/techs to power it. This link gives some more good ideas on the backbone. Also BigLankyBastard's answer on this askmefi was pretty insightful, but doesn't answer my questions.

I have also researched companies like Zolved, Crossloop, MyComputerWorks, SupportSpace and PlumChoice. There are problems with each, however. For example, MyComputerWorks affiliate program gives you $100 for each person you refer, no residuals at all. In any case, I would basically need to create a team on one of these networks (available 24/7) that service my client base if they ever needed help. Then I could pay them (maybe on a retainer) or by the amount of time they worked. Most of these networks have "helpers" that could solve these common problems that my clients have, I just don't know a way to make it work. I have even thought about contacting some of the top "helpers" on the network and asking them this same question I am asking you guys. I am stuck...

Of course there are issues of reliability (someone being available at all times), privacy (making sure they don't snoop thru files), and possible screwing up the computer worse than it was to start. Although I don't really think I would have these problems if I went with one of those companies that have helpers because they have a feedback system that rates the helpers (or in other cases large companies have their reputation/name on the line as well).

Thanks for the hives time...

By: schindyguy

schindyguy — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 18:02:36 -0800

Seriously no one even has any direction for me to go in?

Comments on: Are there any remote help companies that I could earn residual income for by signing people up for their service?

Question: Are there any remote help companies that I could earn residual income for by signing people up for their service?

By: schindyguy