This is great! When every we run commercials that say call now, we have to have multiple operators standing by. Well if you do the math thats at least three people at minimum wage for a few hours a day. That sucks cause you really don't know if someone will call. Well we signed up for a new service its called smart receptionist. Now we have live representatives 24/7 and they answer your company name and take what ever info you tell them to they even shedule appointments for you. Best of all its ony about 35 bucks a month. No more expensive rollover phone lines and paying people to answer and no more missed calls. check in to it. Its one of the best things we have seen in awhile, as far as saving money. If you call them ask for Holly Marovich. Atleast check out there website. smart receptionists
holy cow! thank you soooo much for this info. I have been stressed to the max, missing calls, scheduling appointments, etc. that tidbit of info is invaluable.
Can they log your appointment times? How do they determine when YOU would be available.
You set everything up with them. You give them appointment times that are good for you. They will send them right to you on a text message if you choose. Its great.
Strange question, but have you ever called them to see what kind of customer service they provide on behalf of your company? Do they answer the phone "roof rejuvenators"? Are they educated about YOUR cleaning methods?
My business is owned and operated by just myself and my wife so I forward all my calls to my cell phone when I'm on the job every day and I take all calls and schedule appointments myself. I use a bluetooth headset and my smartphone so I can literally schedule appointments while on top of a roof or ladder. Just my two cents.
H
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Residential power washing including roofs, gutters, siding, and decks in Bloomington, IN
Well Newbie, Thats nothing new and completely unprofessional. When your on a customers roof you should be cleaning, not chatting it up and playing with your smart phone. If anything you should let your wife answer the phone. But regardless, this info is for those who get too many calls to have forwarded to there cell phones. And for those who have actual offices and cannot be at there office at all times. I hate when I get voicemails, because that customer should have gotten someone live at that moment. You then already start on a bad foot. If they can't get you on the phone to shedule how with they get you if they have a problem with their cleaning in the future. Thats how they think.
hoosierwindowtek wrote:
My business is owned and operated by just myself and my wife so I forward all my calls to my cell phone when I'm on the job every day and I take all calls and schedule appointments myself. I use a bluetooth headset and my smartphone so I can literally schedule appointments while on top of a roof or ladder. Just my two cents.
Well Newbie, Thats nothing new and completely unprofessional. When your on a customers roof you should be cleaning, not chatting it up and playing with your smart phone. If anything you should let your wife answer the phone. But regardless, this info is for those who get too many calls to have forwarded to there cell phones. And for those who have actual offices and cannot be at there office at all times. I hate when I get voicemails, because that customer should have gotten someone live at that moment. You then already start on a bad foot. If they can't get you on the phone to shedule how with they get you if they have a problem with their cleaning in the future. Thats how they think.
hoosierwindowtek wrote:
My business is owned and operated by just myself and my wife so I forward all my calls to my cell phone when I'm on the job every day and I take all calls and schedule appointments myself. I use a bluetooth headset and my smartphone so I can literally schedule appointments while on top of a roof or ladder. Just my two cents.
H
Not my thread but this answer kind of rubs you the wrong way. I believe that everyone here started out at one point or another as a 1 man shop. Not everyone, myself included, can afford to have an office and staff. I don't have the option of having my wife answer the phone.
Just because a business is run differently does not make it wrong. I am going to be a one man jack of all trades(secretary, roof cleaner, book keeper, supervisor, sales etc.). My customers are going to get voicemail on occasion, does that make it non professional? I don't think so as long as your scripting is good.
I agree with the part of being on the roof and cleaning. You don't need the distractions. Many of us here run by forwarding to cell phones or just giving out cell numbers. This does not mean we are bad business people, just that we are not to a point where it is needed or can be afforded.
I get many calls that I can't always answer due to the fact that I'm on a Roof Cleaning Or Pressure Washing. 90% of all those who call leave a message as to what they are looking for and I call them back ASAP. Those that don't leave a message also get a call back. Many have called and not even expected someone to answer right away.( Must be a Fl. thing). Most down here just figure you are busy Cleaning and will get back with them. I always get a "Thank You So much for returning my call" from the customer. This ALSO gives your company credibility in the sense that you are reliable...May not work for some,,,but it works for me...
I get many calls that I can't always answer due to the fact that I'm on a Roof Cleaning Or Pressure Washing. 90% of all those who call leave a message as to what they are looking for and I call them back ASAP. Those that don't leave a message also get a call back. Many have called and not even expected someone to answer right away.( Must be a Fl. thing). Most down here just figure you are busy Cleaning and will get back with them. I always get a "Thank You So much for returning my call" from the customer. This ALSO gives your company credibility in the sense that you are reliable...May not work for some,,,but it works for me...
I am in the office most days answering calls. A professinal answering service is nice to have when you are busy.
Yeah, I'm so tired of missing calls and paying people to answer phone during commercials so this service should work out great. we go live on monday plus they also take calls for our boone guys so i get a list of all calls to them to so I can see how ther going and track their leads.
You yell at the guy for answering the phone on the roof....then say a customer should always get a live person. Make up your mind! I always answer the phone when it rings esp. in front of a customer, I say excuse me this will only take a minute. I then inform the person I will call them rt back. The customer then see's you are answering when some one calls...not ignoring them...........
I cant stand missing a call and will always answer if its feasable and im able to run to my notepad. I will NEVER answer my phone when i am speaking to someone... thats just me. If someone doesnt leave a message ill call them back and just tell them that this is Chris from Arkansas Pro Wash returning a call.
Last week i missed a call and returned it as soon as I saw it 25 minutes later. Too Late her husband had already found someone to come by and take a look at their house. So i was polite i gave her my spill on safety and low pressure and let her know that id be glad to come by and give them an estimate just in case. I did and we did their housewash... I expect to do their roof too!
Im not sure what the moral of my story is... I guess everyone does what works for them best and whatever works for them best is what they should be doing!
As a fellow trying to figure out what will work best for me starting out, I appreciate everyone's opinions. Whatever works for each individual is the way they should go.
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Cardinal Roof Cleaning of Jackson TN 254 Aldridge Lane Jackson Tn 38305
Non-Pressure Roof Cleaning and Exterior Restorations (731)414-2446 Roof Cleaning Jackson Tennessee
Me too. I appreciate the information given though. I have one rule I follow no matter what: If I am on a ladder or a roof, I DO NOT ANSWER MY PHONE. Personal safety is most important for me and my helper techs.
During a time when I know I need the new business by not missing a call, my current customers know we are a small business of quality. If they have patiently neglected their roof for 10 years, what's a few more minutes or an hour of waiting until we can contact them back?