FAQ'S
Have questions about working remotely with The Premier Desk? Below are answers to some of our most commonly asked questions about onboarding, certification, scheduling, equipment requirements, and more.
What Is The Premier Desk?
The Premier Desk is a remote support company that helps connect independent contractors with legitimate work-from-home customer service opportunities through the Arise Platform. We help guide contractors through onboarding, certification, and general support while they begin working remotely from home.
Is Premier Desk a Job?
No. The Premier Desk provides independent contractor opportunities, not traditional employment positions. Contractors who service, operate as self-employed independent contractors rather than W-2 employees. This means contractors have the flexibility to choose client programs, select available scheduling intervals, and work from home based on their own availability. Because this is an independent contractor opportunity, taxes are not withheld and earnings may vary depending on the client program selected and the number of hours serviced.
Do I Need Experience?
Not always. Many client programs available through The Premier Desk welcome beginners and provide certification training before servicing begins. However, some opportunities may prefer individuals with previous customer service, technical support, or call center experience. Strong communication skills, basic computer knowledge, reliability, and a willingness to learn are often more important than prior experience. The Premier Desk provides guidance throughout the onboarding and certification process to help new contractors feel prepared and confident while working remotely.
Can I Choose My Own Schedule?
Yes. One of the biggest benefits of working through The Premier Desk is scheduling flexibility. Most client programs available through the Arise Platform allow independent contractors to select available servicing intervals based on their own availability and the client program’s scheduling needs.
This flexibility allows many contractors to:
- Work around another job
- Create a schedule that fits their lifestyle
- Choose daytime, evening, or weekend hours
- Increase or reduce hours when needed
Please note that some client programs may require minimum servicing intervals, weekend availability, or peak-hour participation. Available hours may also vary depending on client demand and scheduling availability.
How Much Money Can I Make?
Your earnings through The Premier Desk will depend on several factors, including the client program selected, the number of hours serviced, incentive opportunities, and your overall schedule availability.
Some independent contractors service part-time for supplemental income, while others choose to service full-time schedules. Because contractors have flexibility in choosing available servicing intervals, income potential can vary from person to person.
Factors that may affect earnings include:
- Client program pay structure
- Hours serviced each week
- Peak-hour incentives
- Performance bonuses offered by certain client programs
- Consistency and schedule availability
The more availability and flexibility you have, the greater your earning potential may be. Since opportunities are independent contractor opportunities, earnings are not guaranteed and can vary based on individual participation and client demand.
Are Certification Classes Paid?
Some client programs available through The Premier Desk may offer certification incentives, training bonuses, or completion incentives, while others may not provide compensation during the certification process.
Certification requirements, schedules, expectations, and any potential incentives are typically disclosed before enrolling into a certification class so contractors can make informed decisions before committing to a client program.
Because opportunities through The Premier Desk are independent contractor opportunities, compensation structures can vary depending on the specific client program selected. Contractors are encouraged to carefully review all program details before enrollment.
Will My Camera Need To Be On?
Yes. Certain client programs and certification classes available through The Premier Desk may require contractors to have their cameras on during portions of training sessions for attendance verification, participation, and compliance purposes.
Contractors should plan to have:
- A working webcam
- A quiet and professional workspace
- Reliable internet connection
- Active participation during required class sessions
Camera requirements and certification expectations may vary depending on the client program selected. All program-specific requirements are typically provided prior to certification enrollment.
How Long Does It Take To Start?
The onboarding process through The Premier Desk can move quickly once all registration requirements, background check steps, and enrollment documents have been completed. Start times may vary depending on client program availability, certification schedules, and the completion of all onboarding requirements.
Some contractors may begin certification within a few days, while others may wait longer depending on the client program selected and class availability. The Premier Desk works to help guide contractors through each step of the process as smoothly and efficiently as possible.
What Equipment Do I Need?
Most client programs available through The Premier Desk require contractors to have:
- A desktop or laptop computer
- Reliable high-speed internet service
- A USB headset
- A quiet, distraction-free workspace
- An updated operating system
- A webcam for certification classes when required
Some client programs may also require additional equipment or specific technical specifications, such as dual monitors or minimum internet speed requirements. Equipment requirements can vary depending on the client program selected, so contractors should carefully review all program details before enrolling in certification.
How Long Before I can Start Working and Earning a Check?
The admissions process takes as little as 1 day. Once you complete the admissions process and join The Premier Desk team, you then choose a client certification course. Realistically, it may be around 30 days or less before the class starts. Classes are typically around 30 days. Once certified you can start working immediately. Depending on how quickly you choose a class, it can take as little as 30 days to receive your first check!
Because you are self-employed, you are in control on when and how much you work. Choose a client that has a contract that meets your needs. If you need to provide your services only during the daytime or would like a client that is open 24/7, you can choose to do so.
Am I Responsible for My Own Taxes?
Yes. Opportunities available through The Premier Desk are independent contractor opportunities, not traditional employment positions. Because contractors are self-employed, taxes are not withheld from payments received.
Independent contractors are generally responsible for:
- Tracking their own income
- Filing and paying taxes
- Maintaining any required business records
- Understanding their local and federal tax obligations
Contractors who meet applicable income thresholds may receive a 1099 form for tax reporting purposes. The Premier Desk encourages all contractors to consult with a tax professional regarding their individual tax situation and business responsibilities.
What Types of Services Will I Provide as an Independent Contractor?
As an independent contractor working through The Premier Desk, you may have the opportunity to provide a variety of remote customer support services depending on the client program selected through the Arise Platform.
Available opportunities may include:
- Customer service support
- Inbound call handling
- Technical support
- Chat support
- Email support
- Sales support
- Roadside assistance support
- Retail and healthcare customer support
Each client program offers different responsibilities, schedules, and servicing requirements. Contractors have the flexibility to choose programs that best fit their experience, interests, and availability. Training and certification are typically provided prior to servicing a client program.
What are the Costs to Get Started?
Yes. In order to partner with The Premier Desk and gain access to opportunities to provide services through the Arise Platform, there are a few startup costs that are considered an investment into your independent contractor business.
Typical startup costs may include:
- Certification courses for many client programs are FREE
- Approximately $30 background check fee
- Approximately $50 refundable class deposit for certain certification classes
- This deposit is refunded after attending the first day of class
Please note that these fees are paid directly to the Arise Platform and not to The Premier Desk.
Startup costs, requirements, and deposits may vary depending on the client program selected. Contractors are encouraged to review all program details carefully before enrolling.
Are there any state restrictions?
Currently, our partner platform, Arise®, is not accepting new applicants from the following states:
California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Maryland, Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin.
Individuals residing in these states are currently unable to enroll or provide services through the platform. This also applies if you relocate to one of these states after enrollment.
What Is the Arise Platform and How Does The Premier Desk Use It for Customer Service?
The Arise Platform is a virtual servicing platform that connects independent contractors with well-known companies that outsource customer support services such as customer service, technical support, chat support, email support, sales support, and roadside assistance. The Premier Desk partners with the Arise Platform to help individuals navigate the onboarding process, access available client opportunities, and prepare to provide remote customer support services from home.