1. Is this a type of business (homebased) common in the Philippines? Who are the competitors if any?:
2. Is this type of micro enterprise done abroad, in other countries?:
3. What telecommunication system(s) is being used for the call stations?:
4. From a business point of view (economics to finance), why doesn’t Transcripro just set up its own call center, and hire its own call agents to do calls the way it is normally done  the traditional way?:
5. For as long as I can afford to pay the P75,000.00, can I immediately begin operating my call station and/or MT station ?:
6. Can I make calls anywhere in world and what are the rates?:
7. Can I openly advertise, charge call fees as an international call station  in the area/community were I am located in?:
8. Can I get to own/operate more than one seat of a call station and/or MT station?:
9. Are there any geographical locations in the areas I can operate a call station/MT station?:
10. Can I assign the call station and/or MT function to different members of my family?:
11. How long will training as a call agent and/or medical transcriptionist take?:
12. What if I will need to assign another call agent and/or medical transcriptionist, will 13. Aside from the P75K investment, what other fees, charges, taxes will I be paying?:
Transcripro provide continuous training, and what are the costs if any?:
13. Aside from the P75K investment, what other fees, charges, taxes will I be paying?:
14. What is the Return on Investment (ROI) of both micro enterprises?:
15. What academic and/or technical (after) support can I expect from Transcripro?:

 

1. Is this a type of business (homebased) common in the Philippines? Who are the competitors if any?
At this point in time, we are not aware of similar companies offering these very same type of micro enterprise ventures, although we have seen of numerous independent homebased call agents and medical transcriptionists continuously and successfully doing homebased work of this kind. 

2. Is this type of micro enterprise done abroad, in other countries?
Yes this type of micro enterprise (call station and medical transcription) are very common in the United States (North America), and some countries of Europe and the UK. These countries have been commonly engaged in practical homebased enterprise for the past 20 years. It’s about time we Filipinos put more importance to homebased micro enterprise for practical intents and purposes.

3. What telecommunication system(s) is being used for the call stations?
The basic telecommunication system is internet based (VOIP- Voice Over Internet Protocol). The VOIP in simpler terms could be likened to Skype, Yahoo Messenger and similar point to point connectivity.  

4. From a business point of view (economics to finance), why doesn’t Transcripro just set up its own call center, and hire its own call agents to do calls the way it is normally done  the traditional way?
The present owners and investors of Transcripro, initially intended to set up a call station, more so that a couple of its investors have previously been involved in established call/contact centers. However, due to the huge investment (a range of 50 million to 1 billion depending on the number of seats, etc…) and with the present  existing number of contact centers that somehow  are competing  at a given operational level, Transcripro found it best to devolve/decentralize/outsource certain aspects of the operation. While the  operations of homebased call stations will certainly not pose very attractive profits for Transcripro, however, given the not so hefty investment of,  we feel that this type of homebased micro enterprise ventures are ideal and suited, more so with the present stringent global economic difficulties and uncertainties in the contact/call center industry.

With regard to medical transcription and other related transcription work, due to Transcripro USA having inked several substantial accounts/clients in need of the service, there is now an urgent need to fill in this HR requirements (Medical/Legal Transcriptionists), and  TPI believes that it is only in this manner that the 600 transcriptionists requirements can be sourced within the  next six (6) months.  

5. For as long as I can afford to pay the P75,000.00, can I immediately begin operating my call station and/or MT station ?
Yes and No. For the call station, from contract signing, give or take a week or two; that is how soon you can begin to operate. For as long as the location requirements have been complied with (secure, noise free environment etc..), existing internet connection, existing PC, qualified and trained call agent, your call station is as good to go. For the MT station, should you not have a qualified medical transcriptionist, intensive training could take anywhere from 2 to 4 months.

6. Can I make calls anywhere in world and what are the rates?
You can actually do so, but it is discouraged and the call rates to countries other than the US and Canada are simply exorbitant (P15/per minute). Call to the US and Canada will cost you P0.50/per minute.  The idea behind making inbound or outbound calls to the US and/or Canada is principally meant for the call station micro enterprise venture,  and calls made other than this are on a personal accommodation to friends and family members.  

7. Can I openly advertise, charge call fees as an international call station  in the area/community were I am located in ?
We strongly suggest that you do not do open advertising and/or promotions for your call station as this may categorize your business as a commercial/business venture  and not as a  home based micro business, and therefore you may be subjected to other local/national government business taxes and fees.

8. Can I get to own/operate more than one seat of a call station and/or MT station?
Yes, you can own more than one (1) seat, the maximum we have set is five (5) seats, but you will need one (1) independent internet connection per call seat (Wi-Fi/DSL). Likewise, the maximum of five (5) seats is to ensure efficient economies of scale and to contain the venture as a home based non-commercial micro enterprise venture. 

9. Are there any geographical locations in the areas I can operate a call station/MT station?
For as long you have the basic internet connection (WiFi-DSL) you can operate your micro enterprise anywhere in the LUZVIMIN area.  

10. Can I assign the call station and/or MT function to different members of my family?
Yes, you can for as long as they are qualified, they have undegone the required training.

11. How long will training as a call agent and/or medical transcriptionist take?
For our present requirements of call agents, there is an extensive two (2) days training provided for. For Medical Transcription, training is in a range of 3 to 4 months (inclusive of practicum).

12. What if I will need to assign another call agent and/or medical transcriptionist, will Transcripro provide continuous training, and what are the costs if any?
Yes, Transcripro will provide continuous training on a set schedule basis (for call agents) which at present is on a weekly basis. However, should there be a need to conduct unscheduled (repeat) training, actual costs of training not to exceed (P5,000.00) shall be charged for the two (2) days extensive training.   

13. Aside from the P75K investment, what other fees, charges, taxes will I be paying?
For the call station, there is a monthly US$35.00 VOIP systems use service fee. Internet connection which should not exceed P1k is also for your account. Bank charges (if applicable will also be deducted to your bi-monthly revenue). No other fees.
 
14. What is the Return on Investment (ROI) of both micro enterprises?
ROI for Medical Transcription is 5 months from start of full operation, while ROI for Call Station is 6 months from start of full operation.

15. What academic and/or technical (after) support can I expect from Transcripro?
For medical transcription, Transcripro will continuously perform QA to all files. This will act as additional and continuous training for the medical transcriptionists.  For the Call Station, Transcripro will give technical VOIP support during office hours from Monday to Friday.