Virtual Assistants in New York City Restaurants
Virtual assistants from the Philippines are greeting customers at New York City restaurants via Zoom, offering a unique solution to rising commercial rents and high inflation. However, the $3/hr wages have sparked controversy, with concerns about wage exploitation and downward pressure on industry wages.
Key Points
- Virtual assistants from the Philippines are projected onto flat-screen monitors at New York City restaurants via Zoom
- The assistants greet customers, explain menus, and coordinate food delivery orders
- Happy Cashier, the company behind the virtual assistants, pays the workers $3/hr, sparking controversy
- The model has raised concerns about wage exploitation and industry transformation
Pros
- Provides relief to small-business owners from rising commercial rents
- Increases store efficiency by handling various tasks
- Offers a unique and technologically advanced customer service experience
Cons
- Controversy surrounding the $3/hr wages paid to the virtual assistants
- Concerns about potential downward pressure on industry wages
- Skeptical customer reactions and reluctance to engage with virtual hosts