Do you wish to decrease business costs while increasing efficiency? Voice broadcasts can offer both of those benefits, while simultaneously sending outbound voice broadcasts to customers or future customers.
Originally discussed in a blog posting from ifbyphone.com, here are 10 crucial questions you should ask before you decide on a provider.
First, is there a guarantee for on-time delivery? Users should be able to expect on-time service all the time. In certain situations, some voice broadcast providers can over-schedule broadcasts that are to be released at one time, thus sending out the broadcasts late. Make sure you inform your provider that if the company does in fact sends your message out late, you shouldn’t have to pay.
Second, is this a self-service voice broadcast or is there a middleman involved? Essentially, do you have access to both manage and schedule your own broadcasts, or do you have to utilize another individual to do everything for you? Self-service voice broadcasts tend to be the most simple.
Third, are there any extra fees involved? While in most situations you are required to pay for extra ports if you want to send out a large batch of broadcasts, there should be no charge for initial setup, unanswered calls, busy signals, disconnected numbers or transferred calls. Make sure to always ask what extra fees you may be charged for.
Fourth, how much are per minute rates? Over 10-12 cents per minute is extremely high, while 1-2 cents per minute is very low and could have hidden fees attached.
Fifth, does the provider allow voice broadcasts to have an "unsubscribe" or "opt-out" option that is accessible to prospective customers? In 2008, the FTC (News - Alert) enacted the Telemarketing Sales Rule which requires voice broadcasters to offer an opt-out option in their voice broadcast messages. Always ask what compliance tools the vendor offers.
Sixth, does the provider possess the technology to determine whether a live person or voice mail answers the call? A good voice broadcast company needs to have different messages that can be used when a voicemail picks up, as opposed to a real person.
Seventh, do you want an interactive voice broadcast? If so, ask your provider about the kind of interactive voice response (IVR) functionalities they can provide. This can help to dramatically increase leads.
Eighth, how can you route customers or prospects when they choose to transfer back to you? Some voice broadcast companies will allow you to record a message and then tell the caller to ‘press 1’ to be transferred back to a single number. However, what if you want to send the caller based on their location to the store nearest in proximity to them or to an available sales agent? First determine what you need and then search for a voice broadcast company that can route calls according to your desires.
Ninth, will the vendor go that extra mile to make sure your message is delivered successfully? Ask to speak to a customer service rep who can provide you with great tips and best practices about how to implement a successful voice broadcast.
Tenth and last but definitely not least, what level of customer service do they offer? Is it possible to contact the provider via the phone? Are they nice, informative and will take their time to address any questions or concerns you may have?
Voice broadcast messages are an invaluable tool designed to get your important time-sensitive message across to the masses at a rapid speed. With this knowledge, you will now be able to choose the perfect voice broadcast provider that can meet your expectations and go above and beyond.
Jamie Epstein is a TMCnet Web Editor. Previously she interned at News 12 Long Island as a reporter's assistant. After working as an administrative assistant for a year, she joined TMC (News - Alert) as a Web editor for TMCnet. Jamie grew up on the North Shore of Long Island and holds a bachelor's degree in mass communication with a concentration in broadcasting from Five Towns College. To read more of her articles, please visit her columnist page.Edited by Rich Steeves