What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? California
Hi- I posted this in the Employment & Labor Law Forum, but was told I should post it in this category instead, as I am an independent contractor.
First, let me introduce myself. My name is Cat. I'm from Woodland Hills, CA (outside of L.A.). I know that this may sound a bit strange, but I work part time from home, as a phone sex operator (hey, it's decent extra money and never a dull moment!) I have been doing this for the past 4 1/2 months. I am not considered an employee, but an Independent Contractor. The company I work for is based in CA as well, under the name Antena. They are what is called a "Dispatch Company", meaning they have their own website which we set up a charachter on, and the customer calls the company, requests to talk to the person they are interested in, and they send the call to us. The pay isn't that great- the customer pays in 15 minute blocks of time for around $18.00, and we get paid either $4.00 or $ 5.00 depending on if it's a repeat caller or not. However, the customer is allowed to tip. To be able to receive tips, you have to have taken at least $300.00 worth of calls for the company the prior month for the tip prompt to be turned on. I think that's kind of bogus to begin with, but whatever. This is the first month I have been able to receive tips. I have one caller who tipped me big. We are able to view our transaction statement online to see how much money we've made. Today, when viewing, I noticed that a large portion of my tips were deducted. I called up the main office and asked what was going on. She informed me that if we made over $100.00 in tips, 20% of that was deducted and goes directly to the company. I was really shocked when I heard this. The company makes SO much money off us per call as it is, and they take a portion of tips as well?!?! I was wondering if anyone knew if this was legal or not. I don't know how much laws would differ seeing as I'm considered an independent contractor, but still, this just doesn't seem right. If anyone knows, or could point me in the right direction to finding an answer, it would be much appreciated. Thanks!
-Cat
Hi- I posted this in the Employment & Labor Law Forum, but was told I should post it in this category instead, as I am an independent contractor.
First, let me introduce myself. My name is Cat. I'm from Woodland Hills, CA (outside of L.A.). I know that this may sound a bit strange, but I work part time from home, as a phone sex operator (hey, it's decent extra money and never a dull moment!) I have been doing this for the past 4 1/2 months. I am not considered an employee, but an Independent Contractor. The company I work for is based in CA as well, under the name Antena. They are what is called a "Dispatch Company", meaning they have their own website which we set up a charachter on, and the customer calls the company, requests to talk to the person they are interested in, and they send the call to us. The pay isn't that great- the customer pays in 15 minute blocks of time for around $18.00, and we get paid either $4.00 or $ 5.00 depending on if it's a repeat caller or not. However, the customer is allowed to tip. To be able to receive tips, you have to have taken at least $300.00 worth of calls for the company the prior month for the tip prompt to be turned on. I think that's kind of bogus to begin with, but whatever. This is the first month I have been able to receive tips. I have one caller who tipped me big. We are able to view our transaction statement online to see how much money we've made. Today, when viewing, I noticed that a large portion of my tips were deducted. I called up the main office and asked what was going on. She informed me that if we made over $100.00 in tips, 20% of that was deducted and goes directly to the company. I was really shocked when I heard this. The company makes SO much money off us per call as it is, and they take a portion of tips as well?!?! I was wondering if anyone knew if this was legal or not. I don't know how much laws would differ seeing as I'm considered an independent contractor, but still, this just doesn't seem right. If anyone knows, or could point me in the right direction to finding an answer, it would be much appreciated. Thanks!
-Cat