Working Solutions has been a pioneer in virtual contact center work since 1996, connecting independent contractors with customer service opportunities from home.
But they are not the only option, and depending on your goals, another platform might serve you better.
Some contractors look for alternatives because they want different clients, better pay structures, or more flexible scheduling.
Others are simply exploring their options before committing to a single platform.
This guide covers 7 of the best Working Solutions alternatives, comparing their pay models, requirements, and unique advantages.
Whether you are a contractor seeking work or a business looking to outsource customer service, this list will help you make an informed choice.
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What to look for in Working Solutions alternatives
Before diving into the options, here is what separates a good platform from a mediocre one:
Pay structure. Some platforms pay per minute of talk time, others pay hourly, and some offer commission-based earnings for sales roles.
The best structure depends on your work style. Hourly pay provides stability, while per-minute or commission models can reward efficiency.
Upfront costs. Many contractor platforms require background checks, training courses, or certification fees before you can start working.
These can range from $25 to $300 or more. If you're just testing the waters, platforms with zero startup costs are appealing.
Schedule flexibility. Some platforms let you choose your hours with no minimums. Others require set shifts or minimum weekly commitments.
Think about how much control you need over your schedule.
Client variety. Fortune 500 clients often mean more structured processes but potentially steadier work.
Smaller business clients might offer more variety but less predictability.
Support quality. Good training and ongoing support can make the difference between a frustrating experience and a successful one.
Look for platforms that invest in their contractors.
Working Solutions alternatives comparison
Here is a quick overview of how these platforms stack up:
1. LiveOps
Best for: Maximum schedule flexibility with no minimum hour requirements
LiveOps is one of the most established names in virtual call center work.
Founded in 2000, the company connects over 20,000 independent contractors with clients in healthcare, retail, insurance, and travel.
The pay model is unique: you earn per minute of actual talk time, plus bonuses for certain call types.
This means you're not paid for waiting between calls, which can be a downside during slow periods.
However, the platform offers complete scheduling freedom with no minimum hours required.
Getting started requires a background check fee of $45-65 and self-paced training courses. Once certified, you can log in and work whenever you want.
This makes LiveOps ideal for people who need total flexibility, such as parents, students, or those juggling multiple gigs.
Pros:
- Complete control over your schedule
- No minimum hour requirements
- Diverse client base across multiple industries
- Established company with 20+ years in business
Cons:
- Only paid for talk time, not waiting time
- Upfront background check cost
- Popular hours can be competitive
2. Arise Virtual Solutions
Best for: Access to Fortune 500 clients and skill-building certifications
Arise has been in the virtual customer service space since 1994, making it one of the longest-running platforms.
They specialize in connecting contractors with major brands like Intuit, Disney, and Carnival.
The platform uses a certification model. To work with a specific client, you complete a certification course that costs between $50-300.
While these costs add up, they also provide valuable training that can help you build skills and qualify for higher-paying opportunities.
Pay typically ranges from $10-19 per hour depending on the client program.
Arise recommends (but does not require) registering as an LLC, which adds some complexity but also potential tax benefits.
Scheduling works in 30-minute blocks that you choose yourself. Popular time slots fill quickly, so you'll need to plan ahead.
Pros:
- Prestigious Fortune 500 clients
- Performance bonuses available
- Skill-building through certifications
- Support for 150+ languages
Cons:
- Certification costs for each client program
- LLC registration recommended
- Competitive scheduling for popular hours
3. Omni Interactions
Best for: Zero upfront costs and contractor-first support
Omni Interactions is a newer player, founded around 2018, but they have grown quickly by taking a different approach.
Unlike most competitors, they charge contractors nothing to get started. Background checks and training are completely free.
The company operates a network of over 110,000 pre-vetted agents and serves more than 200 brands.
Their "contractor-first" philosophy emphasizes streamlined onboarding and ongoing support.
Pay is performance-based and varies by contract, so earnings potential depends on which programs you choose.
The highly flexible scheduling lets you pick contracts that match your lifestyle rather than committing to rigid shifts.
For contractors who want to test virtual customer service work without any financial investment, Omni Interactions is the clear choice.
Pros:
- Zero startup costs
- Free background check and training
- Strong contractor support
- Flexible contract selection
Cons:
- Newer company with less brand recognition
- Contract availability varies by demand
4. NexRep
Best for: Sales professionals seeking commission opportunities
NexRep, founded around 2009, focuses on blending inbound customer service with outbound sales opportunities.
This makes it unique among Working Solutions alternatives.
The pay structure combines an hourly base rate with commission earnings for sales roles.
If you have sales skills, this can lead to higher overall earnings than pure customer service work.
However, commission-based income can be inconsistent, and some programs have performance quotas.
Clients include infomercial products, healthcare companies, and retail brands.
Some programs require minimum hour commitments, while others offer more flexibility.
A background check costing roughly $25-50 is required to get started.
Pros:
- Commission potential for sales roles
- Mix of inbound and outbound work
- Work-from-home flexibility
- Variety of program types
Cons:
- Commission income can be inconsistent
- Some programs have quotas
- Sales experience preferred for some roles
5. Foundever
Best for: Those wanting employee benefits and W2 status
Foundever is the result of merging Sitel Group and Sykes Enterprises, including Alpine Access which was founded in 1998.
Unlike most platforms on this list, Foundever primarily hires W2 employees rather than independent contractors.
This distinction matters. As an employee, you get benefits like health insurance, dental, vision, and a 401k retirement plan.
Training is paid, and equipment is often provided. You also get the legal protections that come with employee status.
The trade-off is less scheduling flexibility. You'll work set shifts rather than choosing your own hours.
Foundever operates in 45 countries with 150,000+ associates delivering 9 million customer experiences daily.
If you value stability and benefits over maximum flexibility, Foundever is worth considering.
Pros:
- Employee benefits (health insurance, 401k)
- Paid training
- Equipment often provided
- Large company with advancement opportunities
Cons:
- Set shift requirements
- Less flexibility than contractor models
- Geographic restrictions on some positions
6. Transcom
Best for: Global opportunities and corporate career growth
Transcom is a global customer experience specialist founded around 1995.
They provide customer care, sales, technical support, and credit management services across multiple countries.
While they do offer some contractor positions in certain regions, most roles are W2 employee positions with shift-based scheduling.
Overtime opportunities are often available.
Transcom works with major brands including PayPal, Whirlpool, and CGI.
They emphasize AI-enhanced customer service and corporate career advancement paths.
The company reports impressive client results: +33% customer satisfaction improvements and -33% average handle time reductions.
For workers seeking a traditional corporate environment with growth potential, Transcom delivers.
Pros:
- Global presence with international opportunities
- Career advancement paths
- AI-enhanced tools and training
- Diverse role types
Cons:
- Shift-based scheduling
- Less flexibility than pure contractor models
- Pay varies significantly by region
7. ACD Direct
Best for: Mission-driven work supporting nonprofit causes
ACD Direct occupies a unique niche.
This full-service contact center specializes in nonprofit fundraising and works with organizations like ASPCA, NPR, PBS, and Wounded Warrior Project.
Their network of 1,000+ at-home agents handles both inbound and outbound calls for nonprofit clients.
Pay is per-minute or per-call, and scheduling is flexible but campaign-based. This means work availability follows fundraising seasons.
The work can be challenging. Fundraising requires persistence and the ability to handle rejection.
But for contractors who want their work to support causes they believe in, ACD Direct offers something other platforms cannot match.
Pros:
- Meaningful work supporting nonprofits
- Flexible campaign-based scheduling
- Trusted by 200+ brands
- Minimal upfront costs
Cons:
- Seasonal/campaign-based availability
- Fundraising work can be challenging
- Limited to nonprofit sector
How to choose the right Working Solutions alternative
With seven solid options, how do you pick? Here is a quick guide:
If you want zero startup costs: Omni Interactions is the only major platform with truly free onboarding.
If you want Fortune 500 clients: Arise provides access to the most prestigious brand names.
If you want employee benefits: Foundever offers true W2 employment with health insurance and 401k.
If you want maximum flexibility: LiveOps has no minimum hours and lets you work whenever you want.
If you have sales skills: NexRep offers commission opportunities that can boost your earnings.
If you want career growth: Transcom provides corporate advancement paths in a global company.
If you want mission-driven work: ACD Direct lets you support nonprofit causes.
Tips for success on any platform
No matter which Working Solutions alternative you choose, these practices will help you succeed:
Invest in quality equipment. A reliable headset and stable internet connection are non-negotiable.
Customers can hear the difference, and technical issues hurt your metrics.
Create a dedicated workspace. Working from your couch sounds appealing, but a proper desk and quiet environment improve focus and professionalism.
Track your earnings and expenses. As a 1099 contractor (on most platforms), you're responsible for your own taxes.
Keep detailed records of income and deductible expenses like equipment and internet.
Build relationships with support staff. Team leaders and support agents can help you navigate issues and sometimes offer better opportunities to reliable contractors.
Consider working with multiple platforms. Contract availability fluctuates. Having accounts on 2-3 platforms ensures you can find work when you need it.
For businesses: An AI-powered alternative
If you are reading this as a business owner considering outsourcing customer service, there is another option worth exploring.
While all the platforms above provide human agents, Ringly.io offers something different: AI phone support that handles calls 24/7 without human contractors.
Seth, our AI phone support rep, resolves around 73% of customer calls without human intervention.
He integrates directly with Shopify to look up orders, process returns, and answer FAQs.
Unlike contractor-based solutions, there is no scheduling, training, or management required. You pay a flat monthly fee rather than per-minute or hourly rates.
For e-commerce businesses drowning in repetitive phone support requests, Seth can handle the routine calls while your team focuses on complex issues.
Start your free trial to see how it works.
Start your remote customer service journey today
Each Working Solutions alternative serves different needs. Contractors wanting maximum flexibility should look at LiveOps or Omni Interactions.
Those prioritizing stability and benefits should consider Foundever or Transcom.
Sales professionals might thrive on NexRep, while mission-driven workers will appreciate ACD Direct.
The best approach? Apply to 2-3 platforms that match your goals. This gives you options and ensures steady work availability.
Just remember to research the tax implications of 1099 contractor work if you go that route.
For businesses, the decision comes down to whether you want to manage human contractors or explore AI alternatives.
Both approaches have their place, and the right choice depends on your support needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Working Solutions alternatives have no upfront costs?
Omni Interactions is the only major platform with completely free onboarding. Foundever and Transcom also have no upfront costs since they hire W2 employees rather than contractors.
Are Working Solutions alternatives legitimate work-from-home opportunities?
Yes, all seven platforms covered in this guide are established, legitimate companies. LiveOps and Arise have been operating since the 1990s, while newer platforms like Omni Interactions have built solid reputations. Always research any platform before providing personal information or paying fees.
How much can you earn with Working Solutions alternatives?
Earnings vary widely by platform and program. Hourly rates typically range from $10-19 for customer service roles. Sales positions with commission potential can earn more. Per-minute platforms like LiveOps depend on call volume, while performance-based platforms like Omni Interactions vary by contract.
Do Working Solutions alternatives hire employees or contractors?
Most platforms (LiveOps, Arise, Omni Interactions, NexRep, ACD Direct) use 1099 independent contractor models. Foundever and Transcom primarily hire W2 employees with benefits. The distinction affects your tax obligations, scheduling flexibility, and legal protections.
What equipment do you need for Working Solutions alternatives?
Requirements vary but generally include a computer, wired high-speed internet, USB headset, and quiet workspace. Some employee-based platforms like Foundever provide equipment. Contractor platforms typically require you to supply your own.
Can you work for multiple Working Solutions alternatives at once?
Yes, and many successful contractors do exactly that. Since most platforms do not guarantee minimum hours, having accounts on 2-3 platforms helps ensure steady work availability. Just be careful not to overcommit and maintain quality across all your programs.
