Call whispering is a voice-over-internet-protocol (VoIP) feature that lets managers listen to an active call between an agent and a customer and talk to the agent simultaneously without the customer knowing. It benefits customer service teams by speeding up issue resolution, empowering new agents, and making coaching easier for managers. In this article, we’ll explore…
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IRS Vacation Home Rules & Loss Limitations
The tax treatment of vacation rental property depends on how many days you rent it out and how much you use it yourself. If you rent your vacation property for less than 14 days a year, then you don’t have to report the rental income—plus you don’t deduct the expense of renting. However, if you…
What Is a Sole Proprietorship? (+ Examples)
A sole proprietorship is a small, unincorporated business run by a single person. This business structure is easy to set up and doesn’t require much paperwork. The entity does not exist apart from the owner, so if you start one, then you can use your first and last names as your business name or adopt…
How To Get an Employer Identification Number (EIN)
An employer identification number (EIN) is a unique nine-digit number that identifies your small business when you file taxes, open a business bank account, get a business loan, or perform other business activities. Obtaining an EIN is free, and you can apply for it online, by fax, or by mail if your business is in…
Moonlighting Policy: Handling Outside Employment [+ Template]
A moonlighting policy (also known as an outside employment policy) safeguards employers from potential conflicts of interest without needlessly limiting employees’ rights and options for working additional jobs. Employees working second jobs doesn’t typically concern employers, but in some cases, it can impact the employee’s shift availability, work productivity, and professional behavior. That’s why it’s…
What Is Retail Arbitrage? Everything You Need to Know
Retail arbitrage is when a business purchases products at a discount and then resells those items with a markup for profit. You might also hear a channel-specific version of the phrase, such as Amazon retail arbitrage, Walmart retail arbitrage, eBay retail arbitrage, etc. Retail arbitrage is a low-risk and affordable way to start a retail…
What Is Call Forwarding? A Guide for Small Businesses
Call forwarding, or call diversion, is a voice-over-internet-protocol (VoIP) feature that redirects inbound calls to another phone number, such as a company’s main landline, a user’s mobile phone, or a colleague’s extension. Its main purpose is to ensure all calls are answered when the primary call recipient is unavailable. It allows team members to be…
Exempt vs Nonexempt Employee: Classifying Your Workers
Exempt and nonexempt employees are worker classifications established by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) that determine whether these employees must receive overtime pay. Exempt employee: An employee who, based on job duties and salary, is “exempt” from receiving overtime pay Nonexempt employee: An employee who, based on job duties and salary, will receive overtime…