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gutterdog · Jul 16, 2011

Need advice with answering service

Guest

yeah. hire guys to do the work and you handle the phone and sales.

gutterdog · Jul 16, 2011

That is what the other truck is for, me to do estimates and answer the phone, get supplies. Just need to hire a driver for the big truck. That is gonna be nerve wrecking!!!

Just exploring other options.

aaron61 · Guest

Voice Mail with a very professional greeting!

Roof Cleaning West Chester PA · Premium Member Roof Cleaning Institute of America

gutterdog wrote:
The phone is still ringing off the hook, sometimes 20 plus a day. I'm thinking an answering service??? I miss alot of them. Got another truck to fix other issues.
Does anyone have an answering service? How cost effective is that???
Any input greatly appriciated.

nice problem to have, hire a secretary, not just to answer the phones but to do all of your administrative work ... sounds like you've built a nice reputation and it's time to take business to the next level

Jul 16, 2011

This is why I have a wife. Among other things. Hahaha! She handles most of the calls and paper work. I love it. I have enough to do.

Roof Cleaning New Jersey · Jul 16, 2011

Good to see your busy Mike. Easy does it brother. This chit can drive you nuts. I'm pretty sure it was stress related that caused me to check in to the emergency room last week. See you in Tampa in just a couple weeks

Maverick Contracting · Premium Member Roof Cleaning Institute of America

Glad to hear your that busy. Its called growing pains. Not being set up to handle the volume with current crew/equip. is what holds some back from advertising/taking on bigger projects. We get jobs from other contractors/painters all the time because they can't handle some jobs and either we give them a cut or just throw them some jobs down the road out of professional courtesy or if we're too busy. Maybe you can network with others here in your area to do the work for you and just take a percentage of profit and vise versa?

Either way you sound like you need to focus more on managment and growing your business, getting a field manager/lead to run jobs or someone to work the office while your out there. Its a good sign in this economy that some are hitting their stride.

Doug R · Guest

You definitely want some one with a live voice answering the phone. Most people will hang up when they get a recording and call the next guy on the list. At least they do in my area. You might consider having someone available that you can forward your calls to. Just check the rates for call forwarding from your cell carrier and compare to hiring an answering service.

I have a few friends that I can always call that I just have my calls forwarded to in the event I know I will not be able to answer my phone for an extended period of time. It's usually just a temporary thing and works out great.

gutterdog · Jul 17, 2011

I checked into one service called voice nation. No contracts, so when it slows down, and it will. I can take over the phones again.. I'ts really scary letting someone else drive the work truck. I'll have to let go of that sooner or later.

Roof Cleaning Cleveland (216) 323-0552 · Jul 17, 2011

Mike, why is it so hard to answer the phone? If you don't have the time to answer the phone how are you going to do their work? I have all my calls going to my cell phone. The phone rings, answer it. As long as you're not on a ladder it's normally not a big deal.

gutterdog · Jul 17, 2011

It's when it rings so much, and customers arent happy waiting a month. They call after 2 weeks, and I could book more, that would make customers even unhappier. Customer calling when im on the phone with one.

zjim · Guest

Mike I hired a secretary myself. I just couldn't find a answering sevice to do what I wanted. She is worth her weight in gold

Roof Cleaning Severna Park MD · guest

Mike, get a girlfriend and let her do it. I'm trying to talk my wife into this now because like a previous poster said, it seems like people will call the next guy if you don't answer or call right back.

Roof Cleaning Severna Park MD · guest

I've been losing a lot of jobs because of this, but I try my hardest to answer my phone, but it's nearly impossible to answer while working, and if I'm driving, I sound unprofessional when I either have to call them back or pull over to write down their information.

My wife is probably taking over next season answering calls, but just wanted to see if anyone has invested in an answering service yet?

Roof Cleaning New Jersey · Dec 5, 2011

I will be looking into it myself Phil. Not as a permenant solution, but sometimes you just need to turn the phones over. Ive been sampling a few places and actually calling to check the quality, backround noise, etc. Cuz ya know you cant have mr patel answering your phones and asking " are you varnting your roof cleaned?"

gutterdog · Dec 5, 2011

Somebody from India answering the pnone would be funny!

Bill Smyth · Guest

Hey Mike,

Bill Smyth here-your Google Places guy at Dylmo.com.

WOW, you have an enviable position-it's GREAT your phone is ringing off the hook.
I would suggest you hire a friend or family member-or someone you know, to handle your phone situation. Or even someone from craigslist. It's easy to forward a telephone number

I wouldn't use a service only because they won't effectively promote your biz the way someone local and that you know will...your business will come across more legitimately if someone local answers your phone.

I'm sure you know people in your area that are out of work. Probably even a neighbor. Pay them a buck or so per phone call...or whatever you feel it's worth.
Remember to ALWAYS overcompensate...

I'll be in touch-

Bill

sweetwaterfish · Guest

These guys are really good. I have used them with a previous business.
Www.patlive.com

The Roof Cleaning Institute Of America Training & Certification Forum "Find A Certified Roof Cleaner Directory"

The Roof Cleaning Institute Of America Training & Certification Forum
"Find A Certified Roof Cleaner Directory"