Would you please elaborate...how were going to use the toll-free numbers to capture prospects?
Not sure what your question is Bruna. I would say, go for it. As long as you respect your fellow colleagues and follow the laws and regulations in your area, it could be a great tool for you. A fellow agent and a good friend owns a web site and phone number "1-800homeowner.com" and he is doing great. Just My Opinion
I'm not sure what the ethical question is here Bruna. I've had a 1-800 # for 3 years and it is a great tool to meet prospects and get new buyers and a great tool in a listing presentation.
Todd
Bruna, it sounds like you are referring to a call capture system, like Proquest, that uses a toll-free number with recorded property information (or other information) to, er, capture prospects' phone numbers. I have been researching them, and have just entered into a cooperative marketing agreement with a local lender (a sign on one property for just a couple of days so far, no calls yet).
It sounds like a good system...prospects get information they want in a non-threatening way, we get a way to follow up.
I'd also like to hear from others using Proquest or similar systems.
I started out using Proquest system and liked it, but currently put dollars into other sources. However, I was very satisfied with Proquest, and in fact received good leads from it. I used it as a demonstration in a listing presentation, and got the listing too, on two occasions. You do need to be reachable however when prospects call in. I would call back in less than 30 minutes if possible so that you are fresh in their minds.
Hello Bruna, I have been using an 800 call-capture system for about 3 years now. If you are concerned about the ethics in capturing their phone number and calling them back with regard to the NO CALL law, let me explain my understanding of the law...
You cannot just willy-nilly call people at random, however, if you offer a product or service in your advertisments or webpage and offer a phone number whereby a consumer may get more information about your service or product and the consumer CALLS YOU (your number) to get the information, you are not violating the law.
No one forced them to call your number, right? If you have a used car to sell and place an ad in the newspaper, the only people who will call you will be people who are interested in the car. Likewise, if you have a listing to sell, the only people who will call you are people who want more information about your listing (theoretically that is...as you know you will get a lot of flakes or people who already have a Realtor or even Realtors who are calling for their prospects..that's part of business)
The law also states that when a consumer calls you for information, you are then free to call them back to provide such information AT WILL for up to 3 months later without violating the NO CALL law. Of course, if someone asks me to put them on my DO NOT CALL list I don't call them back again.
Not very often, but occasionally, I call someone who wants to know how I got their number and I simply explain that the 800# service passes it along to me when you called my number and then continue on with the conversation as if it is a common occurrence....this is very effective, don't dwell on it. Only once in a while do I get someone who is upset or irate...that is part of business also...I simply say I"M SORRY TO HAVE DISTURBED YOU" and hang up and I NEVER end a phone calling session with one of these calls (too much brain damage)..I will keep calling other prospects until I get someone nice so I can end my calling time on a positive note.
I hope this answers your question...please call 1-800-MORE-INFO for more info...just joking :) All seriousness aside, please feel free to contact me anytime...christal.deboer@realestate.com ***GRIN***
ProQuest is a good one.
see www.adtrakker.net for a good choice with no set up costs
www.877infoline.com
no set up fee and prices starting at like $14.95/month
I've heard of all of these. One claim I've heard is that not all of them give the same level of detail on captured lead information (name, address in addition to phone number). Any comments on this?
Also, is there anyone who has used more than one of these systems that can offer a direct comparison on quality of service?
Thanks.
Thanks to everyone! This is the first time I have been able to access all your comments. Actually, I thought this question was totally uninteresting to all of you.
Another case of ass-u-m(e)ing!
Yes. I was refering to Proquest and the like. I am learning all about computers and technology as I go. I have to enroll for a learning course (or MANY more)!
I have the most basic knowledge to get by and find what I need day to day, so far, but most of what is said on this site is a learning experience... so Thanks again to all!
Well it is very informative, would any one of you know if this service is available in GTA i.e. Greater Toronto Area, in Canada.
Thanks,
Your help is appreciated.
Shey
1-800? Almost all telephone deals offer either a zone or the entire country as toll free. This is 2007! Your cell and land line provide caller id so there you have capture anyone who didn't dial in the prefix to hide their telephone number. Why even deal with a toll free number today? Has anyone tracked a sale to such a number in the past two years? If so, can you let me know?