Part 9. Earn $50–$100/Hour + Royalties (Voice-Over Side Hustle)
If you’re looking for a flexible way to earn $10–20 an hour from home, ACD Direct (also known as ACD Agents) might be worth a look. Here’s what to expect—and how you can maximize your earnings.
✅ What is ACD Direct?
ACD Direct is a U.S.-based Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) firm that contracts with independent agents to handle inbound customer service or fundraising calls for clients such as PBS, NPR, veteran shelters, animal advocacy groups, and other non-profits. You’re not an employee—you work as a 1099 independent contractor, meaning you handle your own taxes and you don’t receive benefits like paid vacation or healthcare.
What You Need To Get Started
- A Windows PC (no Mac)
- Stable, high‑speed internet
- USB headset with microphone (corded—Bluetooth not accepted)
- Quiet workspace (no kids, barking dogs, etc.)
- Completion of an online assessment/video voice sample
- A background check (paid by you, typically up to $20–30) with the cost deducted gradually from your first invoices or up to 15% per 💵 How You’re Paid
Rather than hourly pay, you’re paid per minute of talk time—basically, only when you’re actively on a verified call.
- New agents typically earn $0.25 per minute of talk time (~$15/hr)
- With experience, strong performance, adherence to schedule, and busy campaign periods, you may earn up to $0.32 or even $0.35 per minute (~$19–21/hr) in bonuses.
Pay is via direct deposit, issued twice monthly
🕒 Scheduling & Availability
You pick your shifts using ACD’s scheduling portal—shifts are in 30-minute blocks. You’re only paid for talk time, so if no calls come in during your shift, you earn nothing—even though you’re logged in. That makes shift selection crucial—busy times like evenings, weekends, or pledge seasons (e.g. PBS/NPR drives) are especially valuable
How to Increase Your Earnings
- Schedule strategically: Target high‑call volume times—weekend evenings or during campaign seasons.
- Maintain high quality scores: Performance ratings impact call volume allocation; poor metrics can reduce the amount of work you get.
- Referrals: ACD gives a $10 referral bonus for active agents after the referred person completes certification and 20 shifts
🚩 Pros & Cons at a Glance
| Pros | Cons |
| Flexible schedule—you control your hours. | You only get paid for calls, not logged‑in time. |
| Work from anywhere in the U.S. (if not in certain restricted states). | No guaranteed income—quiet shifts = no pay. |
| Good pay potential if you get consistent, high‑volume work. | Mandatory unpaid training and unpaid standby time reported by many. |
| Low startup cost—just minor certification & background check fees. | You’re a self‑employed contractor: handle your own taxes, no benefits. |
🧠 Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
If you want side income or flexible, part‑time remote work, and you can manage the unpredictability and lack of benefits, ACD Direct can deliver decent pay for talk time—potentially $10–20/hr depending on your call volume and performance.
However, it’s not a stable full‑time job. Gaps in call volume, mandatory unpaid training, and rigorous quality standards can limit earnings if work isn’t consistent. Glassdoor and Indeed reviews give middling overall satisfaction (around 3.0/5), often citing low pay and unpredictable work hours as downsides.
Summary
To make money with ACD Direct:
- Be prepared to work as a contractor with no guaranteed pay
- Schedule yourself smartly in busy campaign periods
- Maintain high performance metrics
- Leverage bonuses and referral incentives where possible
If you go in with realistic expectations—that it’s best suited for supplemental income rather than a stable job—it can be a useful way to earn from home using customer service skills.