Telemarketing businesses do not have the best reputation, but in some cases this can still be a viable business start-up idea. If you have a solid plan for sell products and service over the phone, along with the time and resources (money) for implementation, you can start off by purchasing a few basic items and services to get things rolling.
Call Center
The first thing you need for a telemarketing business is a location for a call center. You can rent a small space in an office building or establish the call center in a large room of your home to save money.
Phone Service
You need to apply for a business account with your local telephone company. You must ask for multiple lines and have a technician come out to install enough telephone jacks to support the business.
Employees
You will need to hire employees to call customers. Telemarketing employees are usually paid a base hourly rate plus commissions for sales.
Laws
You must get familiar with telemarketing regulations before your employees start making calls. See the FCC's telemarketing policy under "References" below. Also, make sure to follow all local laws related to your business.
Equipment
You need to purchase special business phones with multi-line and "hold" features, along with headsets for each of your telemarketing employees. See "Resources" for recommendations.
