Comments on: Cable TV Caller - Perfect Part-Time / Summer Job

By: Champion Cheapsakte

Champion Cheapsakte — Sat, 08 Jul 2006 12:20:33 +0000

Why not extend this to other shopping areas, including grocery shopping and coupons? You could become known as “the” frugal negotiator

By: mimi

mimi — Mon, 03 Jul 2006 19:54:29 +0000

i listened to your advice and went from paying $79.99 to $39.99. I was so happy…this even included a premium channel! right now i am also trying out prosper as you had mentioned earlier this year….thanks for helpful information. i am spreading your wisdom.

By: Dawn

Dawn — Sat, 01 Jul 2006 01:47:18 +0000

Aren’t all business ideas a little risky? Atleast you are taking your creativity and making it work for you whether you do it only once or 10 times or make millions from it.

By: pfadvice

pfadvice — Fri, 30 Jun 2006 16:18:20 +0000

I’d have to agree and disagree on your analysis.

Disagree: Unlike MLM where the person is forced to purchase something they don’t need and spend extra money, you are saving the person money in this instance. In my case my friends will end up saving $99.75, $124.75, $181.25, $196.25, $212.50 and $212.50 over the next six months even after paying me. They are simply getting the exact same service they are already receiving for a less expensive price (which in this case they weren’t willing to get on their own)

Agree (but with an easy solution) I may have been wrong in advising to go to another room. It was just when my friends saw how easy it was, they were in a bit of shock and one commented “I’m paying you for that?” with a laugh. In fact, now that I think about it, probably the best way to approach it is to encourage the person to watch you do it and explain how to do it step by step. While this may mean you’ll lose some repeat customers in the future because they will do it on their own in the future, my guess is that some still are not going to want to do it and you will get more referrals.

While I have started a number of businesses, the “problematic” issues on this one seem far less than the others, but I guess that just means I’ll have to take a few days next week with this plan and see how well I can do with strangers

By: Marco Arment

Marco Arment — Fri, 30 Jun 2006 12:56:21 +0000

It might be a reasonable job, but you’d probably get a pitiful sales volume.

The problem is that most utility companies will ask for some personal information before making any changes to the account, such as a portion of the SSN. Considering your point about keeping the person out of the room, you’d essentially need to convince someone to give you (a stranger) their personal information and a lump of cash while you do something “secret” with it that *might* save them some money.

Sounds fishy. Would you do it? I certainly wouldn’t.

The only way you’re likely to get business is with direct friends and family members, so you’re not a stranger - but that’s an easily-exhausted client pool, and using it for profit is morally questionable for many (myself included). Most family members or friends will feel obligated to support you in your small business venture, so they’ll buy your service even if they don’t really need or want it. (The Cutco/Tupperware/Longaberger business model.)

This business is a decent idea in theory, but the practical execution of it is too problematic to be successful.