This is an all too familiar topic here at WhyDoWork.com. Often the first request (or question) a newbie on the site will suggest relates to data entry. It usually leaves me wondering why and how data entry has become the defacto standard for those looking for a telecommuting role.

I think this entire data entry job myth is perpetuated by the many opportunities listed on Clickbank. Over the years I have seen 100’s of programs claiming “earn $300-$500 a week with data entry”, “make $1000’s doing data entry” – guess what? It’s not true! The only way you will make anything with these data entry programs is by fooling as many people as you can into thinking they are signing up for data entry. Confused yet?

It works like this:

• A site claims you will make $100’s or even $1000’s doing data entry. All you need to do is pay the one time low cost of $29.95
• You decide it might be work it, “hey i’ll give it a shot”
• After paying you get an eBook: maybe it has some tips on data entry, but it most likely contains material and tips on how you can sell this product to someone else, and keep half of the 29.95$ selling fee

Thats it! So let’s summarize whats happened here. You expected to pay a small fee to get special access to some data entry jobs. What you really got was a cheezy marketing eBook and instructions on how to keep the scam going by tricking the next sap into falling for the same sales gimmicks. On top of that you also get -29.95$.
If you see this image on a website promising you data entry, promptly close the window:

All this image shows is that money has been earned by reselling this program, NOT through a data entry position!

Do data entry roles really exist? The answer to this question is YES, they do. You will not make hundreds a week, and you won’t be driving a Ferarri anytime soon, but you can earn great money doing it. The majority of data entry roles are contract based. Here’s a tip: If you live in a city with a university or college, check them out. Professors are always in need of data entry assistance on project and leaving your card on department bulletin boards will likely lead to some contract work. Freelance project sites such as Sologig and of course Craigslist for your community are safe bets for legitimate employment in this industry.

Thats enough data entry for one night!