Introducing Helpouts: Help when you need it over live video
Helpouts is an easy and convenient way to get help over live video. No matter who you are, where you are, or what time it is, you can talk to someone who can help you.
Here’s what Helpouts offers:
A wide variety of providers. People offering help through Helpouts can be large, medium, or small companies as well as individuals. We call them Helpout providers. They were invited by Google to participate and had to pass our screening process to qualify as a Helpout provider. Providers create and maintain listings that explain what they offer, their qualifications, their prices, and their schedules. You can find the help you need by searching Helpouts, by browsing our categories, or through direct links on the web.
Live interactive video. When you start a Helpout, a video window will pop up, and you can see the provider and they can see you. During the session, you can point your camera to show what you need help with. For example, you can point your camera at a broken appliance or your fingers trying to play the guitar. If you don’t want the provider to be able to see you, you can always turn off your camera.
If for some reason the connection breaks, a link to rejoin the Helpout will appear. Don’t worry, you’ll only be charged for the time you were connected. And if both you and the provider agree ahead of time, a recording of the Helpout will be created and automatically saved in your Google Drive that’s linked to your Google+ account.
Scheduling flexibility. There are two ways to get a Helpout -- instantly and scheduled. Search results and category listings include the availability of each provider. When a listing has a green “Available for live help now” button, you are just a few clicks away from getting help instantly. If a provider is busy helping someone else, you can wait for them to become available. You’ll be able to see your place in line, and it will be updated as people ahead of you finish. You can decide to leave the queue at any time. Otherwise, every listing has a link to the provider’s Helpouts calendar. You can pick a time slot or send a message to request a new one. And once a Helpout is scheduled, it can automatically be added to your Google calendar, and we’ll send you a notification 5 minutes before the scheduled start to remind you. You can choose how you want to be notified either through email, SMS, or directly on the site through Helpouts settings.
Payments. All payments are done through Google Wallet. That means, you’ll need to have a Google Wallet account set up prior to the start of a paid session. Free Helpouts sessions don’t require a Wallet account. Payments using Google Wallet are easy and secure. We offer a full money-back guarantee. If you are not satisfied with a Helpout, we’ll refund your money.
Pricing options. There are two kinds of pricing based on either a per minute or per Helpout session. Prices are set by the providers. Some providers offer both options at the same time, leaving it up to you to decide which one is best for you.
Reviews. At the end of each Helpout, you’ll be asked to write a review. We strongly encourage you to write a review to help others decide whether this Helpout is right for them.
Ability to share your favorite Helpout. You can easily share your favorite Helpout through Google+, Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube.
Tools. During a Helpout you can choose from a list of available tools that give you more options. These tools currently include things like the ability to take a photo during a Helpout, to allow the provider access to your computer remotely to help you fix a problem, or to access your Google Drive documents, photos, and presentations.
Ready to get started? Visit Helpouts to create a listing.
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