Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

Hi everyone,

I`m going to be launching a new internet business by the end of the month. All of the people in this market have an 1-800 number posted on their site to handle incoming calls/questions from customers. I have signed up for 1-800 service from RingCentral.com which basically allows you to have a virtual 1-800 that will forward to any number you specify, which meets my needs pretty well.

Here is my question....

I still work full time during the day, from about 8am-4:30pm. So, I`m not going to be around to answer the calls between that time. RingCentral.com also allows you to setup all the calls to forward to a virtual voice mail. I was thinking of just using voice mail, and then returning the calls when I get home from work.

My site is B2B, and has a subscription based revenue model, so one missed sale could mean a missed opportunity for $600+ revenue over the course of a year. That is, if they don`t leave a message.

I was thinking of using a virtual assistant, but I believe the volume of calls will be very low, especially in the beginning, so that may just be a waste of money. It would be nice if someone offered a charge per call model, but I have yet to investigate that. Quality might also suffer if I outsource it so early into the startup phase.

Thoughts? Suggestions?

Thanks everyone!
Mike

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Hi there!

I am EXCaTLY in the same situation.....I am about to launch my website in a couple of weeks and how to handle incoming call is still an issue

Did some research and found www.callruby.com I liked their prices and packages. I haven t contact them yet so if u do let me know how it went.

Best of luck with ur new venture
cheers
Magda

Have it forwarded to your cell phone.  I got 2 pay-as-you-go cells for that.


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Juggling a business while having a full time job is always difficult. I did it for a few years and missed a few opportunities because I couldn`t get to the phone during the day. I would try to have your 800 number forwarded to you cell phone if possible. If you get a call from your 800 number while at work step out to use the bathroom or get some coffee and call them back. I had to do that many times. It`s not ideal, but hopefully your business jumps off quickly and you won`t need the full time job anymore!


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Scott Thornton . Web. Print. Identity : BlenderhouseCreative.com

Mike,

 

Customer care services give you much more than answering services can.

 

Example:

 

Resolve issue

Take orders

Give advice

Sell your products

Resolve technical and general queries

Provide analysis and reports

And much more

 

Using a CC service can give your new business a competitive edge as this is usually provided 24 hour per day via telephone or internet.

 

The advantages of a customer solutions Vs answering service are endless.

 

 

Good quality service can be found and various payment options are available, per call, hourly, weekly, monthly etc...

 

There are customer care solutions out there that give you great value for money

Team,

Feel free to check out www.Nos-Sol.com to get assistance with resolving the captioned issue.

I say, try to automate it as much as possible. Have a form on your site that customers can fill out and have a way where you can get the messages directly to your phone so you can respond quickly.

If you have to get a phone number, try gotvmail.com it is a great service where you can have the calls forwarded to your phone or even have a voice mail talk for you like you are a big organization. It is dirt cheap and should do the job.

Gloria