no independent contractors
Questus5 doesn’t sell independent contractor services because the model, especially for non-US staff, is fraught with significant problems. Unlike many online resources that match independent contractors working from a home environment, we simply do not sell independent contractor services.
Are independent contractors ethical?
How does the infrastructure used by a non-US contractor compare?
What problems result when independents work from home?
What happens if my independent contractor gets sick?
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Are independent contractors ethical?
Unfortunately, a large portion of the global marketplace of independent talent operates “under the radar” – using pirated software, operating without business licenses, and without paying taxes. These unethical contractors certainly can provide their services at lower cost – but we wouldn’t dream of introducing someone to your business that has no qualms about stealing IP and evading taxes to get the job done. You could very well be their next target.
How does the infrastructure used by a non-US contractor compare?
Independents in developing nations, where costs are low, face another set of challenges with infrastructure that many Americans take for granted.
- Frequent power and internet outages interrupt work flow. This is no small issue for any business that needs to be able to rely on work being done predictably according to schedule. That’s why our professional centers use backup generators that independents generally do not have.
- Technical support is at best challenging for an independent – and it’s incredibly time consuming. Finding available and qualified technical support in developing nations is vastly different than the American experience where we can call the Geek Squad and get same day service. Weeks go by – not days – while independents deal with computer issues. That’s why our centers have on-site technical support and redundant systems, so your Q5 can remain highly productive at all times.
- Independents both here in the US and in other locations generally have little if any data security – Q5 centers provide physical security (guards) and data security (firewalls, server-based backups, VPN’s, etc.) In fact, Q5 centers provide substantially better security than the vast majority of our customer sites.
- Independents operating in developing nations are fortunate to own a PC, which may represent several months of income. However, their family and extended family may not be so fortunate – so the PC may not be used exclusively for business use. This introduces a number of potential problems with security, viruses and potential downtime. That’s why Q5s are located in modern, secure office environments with current computing equipment, avoiding risks associated with personal use.
What problems result when independents work from home?
In developing nations, the work culture may not be what you’re accustomed to in the United States. Foreign independent contractors may have absolutely no experience with our pace and demand for quality. Working from home, there is nobody to supervise, and interruptions from family and friends that we would simply not tolerate may be culturally appropriate (if not expected) for your contractor.
While the cultural differences in work ethic exist, it’s also true that talented people working in a productive environment can easily rise to levels any US customer may expect. However, to accomplish this, there are a few necessary ingredients.
- First, Q5s work with supervision that is already familiar with the demands of US-based customers.
- Q5s clock in and out, so you can be certain that your employee is actually working.
- Each Q5 uses a webcam – you may elect to literally watch while work is done.
- Surrounded by other employees that are working with US-based clients, Q5s are immersed in a productive environment and learn from it.
While US-based independent contractors may be a viable option because of their familiarity with US standards of efficiency and quality, we do not believe this is a viable option in other locations where we are able to acquire exceptional talent at substantially lower cost.
What happens if my independent contractor gets sick?
For that matter, what happens if they decide to take a full-time job? Many independent contractors would actually prefer the security of full-time, permanent employment – and when they find it, they will leave you. It happens. It happens all the time!
When you work with an independent that suddenly stops working, you’re in a tough position. You need to find your own backup, and you may need to drop everything and do it immediately.
When you hire a Q5, we can work with you to provide backup and smooth transitions. That takes the burden off of you, so you can do what you do best.
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