Here's a cool idea that I have used from time to time. Tell me what you think.

Would'nt it be great if every customer that calls your shop was already sorted, sifted, pre-sold, is zero price resistance, and ready to go?

You can make it that way and it may be easier than you think!

Most phone companies offer voice mail. By that I mean you can get a dedicated number that rings into their voice mail system. Mine has the capability to record a 10 minute outgoing message. Here's how I have used it in the past.

If your like me it is very difficult trying to work when most of your time is being wasted on the phone, answering the same questions, overcoming the same price objections, giving a quote, and trying to educate the customer why you use what you use, explain your qualifications ect.. ect..

With a prerecorded voicemail message your customers can now call, listen to a short informative message. A message that explaines why they can know that only quality products go into every sign you make. Your guarantee's that eliminate their fears from unsatisfactory craftmanship. They can expect their orders in a timely manner. Any specials or discounts being offered. Plus, additional services that they may not know you provide.

Try to include somthing like this on a flyer being sent to a targeted market ie.. vehical letteing. WARNING: Don't call any sign or graphic company until you listen to this message! Learn 6 costly misconceptions about vehical lettering and 5 questions you should ask before letting anyone letter your vehicals! Call 24 hrs a day xxx-xxxx

The customer listens to the message. He is educated about vehical graphics in general. He now knows the risk free guarantees you offer. He knows your not the cheapest in town thus eliminating price shoppers. You then give the reasons why you use only quality materials for those that want quality not just cheap price. (On your recorded message you can also include testimonials of other companies that has praised your work and service.) In fact you can even have dedicated testimonial line. It has a small message from you but includes the actual voice of your many and satisfied customers praising your work and recommending you as the shop to use.

Those who listen in on these recordings are WOW'ed! They are impressed, pre-sold, and confident that you are the right company for them. They either leave their name at the end of the message or directed to another phone # which you pick up live.

Let me ask an additional semi-related question here.

How many shops have thought about or have actually "opted-in" to the e-mail lists for their advertising needs? Would you?

[ January 10, 2002: Message edited by: Santo ]

People are sick of jumping through hoops and hitting buttons just to get to where they can finally talk to someone or leave a message.. any time we call a bank or a larger business or a tech support line, it's the same thing... sit and wait.. hit a button.. sit and wait some more, hit another button..

You gotta answer the phone. Answering machines, voicemail, etc. just lead them to call another shop.

But this recording is not your shops answering machine. It's not intended to take the place of a live person. It is an additional option that allows customers to call a recorded message for more information. Its purpose is to pre-sale and pre-qualify your customers by answering basic questions ie.. why should I do business with you? Are you going to rip me off once your out of sight? Are you reputable? Experienced?

As I mentioned earlier, another use for a pre-recorded message could be as a testimonial hotline. This is a pre-recorded message which has your actual customers saying why they use and recommend your shop and services.

Your customers will by far believe what others have to say about you much more than what you say about yourself.

If you want higher job tickets from your customers you must first give them the reasons why!

Cell number only but the reason why is because each customer has at least a dozen different questions to ask!

No one is the same in their interest of Designs or Signs.

They really like to talk to someone with these items.

In a big world of big companies and mazes of buttons to push before we actually get what we need it is my hope that us little folks can be a breath of fresh air.

It might work for city folks but not in my life.

You can have the best talent, the latest technology, and all the know how that you can absorb. But if your phones don't ring, you'll be just as broke as the guy who ain't got a clue about what he's doing!

an info line for those who are shy about talking to you cuz all they want is to check around untill they get a real chance to call.
Give them an easy way to contact you too. such as an email addy. or a url to yer website.

[ January 11, 2002: Message edited by: Curtis hammond ]

My library is full of maketing books. There is a wealth of info if you know where to look. This is not stuff they teach you college.

Also, don't confuse this pre-recorded message as a primary means to contact your shop. That's not it's purpose. It's sole purpose is to educate, pre-sort, and pre-sale.

My ads, flyers, even yellow pages may have several different phone numbers. I always include one that says Office: xxx-xxxx hrs. 8:30-5:00.

However for the pre-recorded messages I ad teaser copy that entices the callers to respond and listen in. They know when they call that number that it is a recording. So there is no sales pressure from a salesman. They can bail out anytime they want. It states that it is 24 hrs. so they can call anytime they want. And when they call they will receive compelling reasons why they should use us and no one else.

Hence, a selling machine 24 hrs a day!