eCommerce Phone Service?

Discussion in 'eCommerce' started by Kencake, Apr 12, 2013.

  1. #1
    I own a eCommerce site and it's currently being run by just me. I was wondering if you guys knew how the big sites offer the 1-800 numbers. Where might I hire someone to pick up the phone for my website and stuff?
     
    Kencake, Apr 12, 2013 IP
  2. Nigel Lew

    Nigel Lew Notable Member

    Messages:
    4,642
    Likes Received:
    406
    Best Answers:
    21
    Trophy Points:
    295
    #2
    I am launching a brand for someone this week with these folks.
    http://grasshopper.com/800numbers/

    They also do high level voice recordings and will work with you on the script etc. as well.

    hope that helps,
    Nigel
     
    Nigel Lew, Apr 12, 2013 IP
  3. blueboxer

    blueboxer Active Member

    Messages:
    1,421
    Likes Received:
    18
    Best Answers:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    80
    #3
    I'm also looking for the service. I can afford to pay on a per order basis, but it's hard to find a service that charges a decent price. All these providers charge by the second or minute, that can get quite expensive.

    I actually highly encourage my customers to use the contact form. I flat out say "MY BUSINESS will not hire an individual to answer the phone. We'd rather pass along the savings directly to you." It works for the most part.
     
    blueboxer, Apr 14, 2013 IP
  4. Kencake

    Kencake Well-Known Member

    Messages:
    430
    Likes Received:
    5
    Best Answers:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    138
    #4
    That's a pretty good idea.
     
    Kencake, Apr 14, 2013 IP
  5. aamir.alvi3

    aamir.alvi3 Member

    Messages:
    85
    Likes Received:
    2
    Best Answers:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    38
    #5
    There are dozens of call centers, particularly in India and Pakistan. They have special sales and customer services teams that handle inquiries and respond them accordingly. Have you tried Odesk or Elance to show up? I am sure you will get someone dependable and right in your budget too.
     
    aamir.alvi3, Apr 22, 2013 IP
  6. ChrisMono

    ChrisMono Active Member

    Messages:
    301
    Likes Received:
    6
    Best Answers:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    60
    #6
    If you provide a local telephone number then customers know who they will be speaking to. It can look a little less pro, but if you're a likeable person your sales will increase just through excellent cust service
     
    ChrisMono, Apr 22, 2013 IP
  7. moonmicrosystem

    moonmicrosystem Greenhorn

    Messages:
    15
    Likes Received:
    0
    Best Answers:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    21
    #7
    Hi,
    phone customer service is of course very important but if you are just starting your website I don't think you will get many phone calls at the beginning.
    Our store went online 2 month ago and so far we had only 2 phone calls and 8 orders (all done online). Believe me, it you are new you won't get hundreds of orders and phone calls in the first week.
    You have to build pretty big traffic / order volume to be busy with phone customer service. And it takes time and patience.
    In our case we keep our day jobs and also don’t have anyone just dedicated to phone –customer service. All phone calls are forwarded to cell phone or voice mail.
    If we get really busy I will consider outsourcing but it is way to early right now.

    Hope it helps and good luck!
     
    moonmicrosystem, May 1, 2013 IP
  8. ikommerse.com

    ikommerse.com Greenhorn

    Messages:
    2
    Likes Received:
    0
    Best Answers:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    21
    #8
    use kall8.com...toll free numbers for 2 bucks a month, plus forwarding call charges at 60++ cents per minute
    you're not likely to get calls in the beginning, most people wont call, but they feel safe seeing you've got a phone number on the web site
     
    ikommerse.com, May 1, 2013 IP
  9. Dzign Studios

    Dzign Studios Greenhorn

    Messages:
    41
    Likes Received:
    3
    Best Answers:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    23
    #9
    If the amount of support calls you expect to be high then I would recommend you to have full time staff to work for you or else you could just outsource to any call centre and get things sorted for you.
     
    Dzign Studios, May 3, 2013 IP