- Original Poster
- #1
Any advice on my situation would be much appreciated.
I run an IT managed services business.
Late last year I engaged in a telemarketing campaign using an outsourced telemarketing company (who also provide a number of other services including call answering and vPA).
We agreed at the start that I would budget £600 per month for a three month campaign. This would include 20 hours of their time making the calls and booking appointments.
At the start I set out my goals for the campaign which was to book appointments for our IT managed services. I asked how many appointments I should expect based on my budget and was told 3-5 per month. I asked what would happen if we didn't get that many - what were the chances of the campaign failing - and was told that while there were no guarantees, 3-5 appointments per month was a realistic expectation and that campaigns don't just fail - "it just doesn't happen" are the words I had. You already know what's coming next.
I e-signed a contract for what I thought was three months.
After the three months, I had received one appointment, which turned out to be a waste of time. I spoke to the marketing company and asked what could be done to improve the results. They suggested I bought data from them, and also create an email campaign then call the openers. I did both, at additional cost. Another month went by and still no appointments. I tried to cancel the campaign but was told I couldn't - read the contract - it says 30 days notice must be given, which counts at the start of the month.
While I didn't get any appointments, I did receive a spreadsheet of who was called and the reason why they weren't interested. Some expressed some interest, to be followed up with via email, but only one actual appointment.
I gave notice and we've finished month six - they are now chasing for the final payment of £600 for the last month.
The campaign has cost around £4,500 ex VAT in total over six month and generated less than 5% of what I was told was a realistic expectation. Is there anything I can do about it?
I run an IT managed services business.
Late last year I engaged in a telemarketing campaign using an outsourced telemarketing company (who also provide a number of other services including call answering and vPA).
We agreed at the start that I would budget £600 per month for a three month campaign. This would include 20 hours of their time making the calls and booking appointments.
At the start I set out my goals for the campaign which was to book appointments for our IT managed services. I asked how many appointments I should expect based on my budget and was told 3-5 per month. I asked what would happen if we didn't get that many - what were the chances of the campaign failing - and was told that while there were no guarantees, 3-5 appointments per month was a realistic expectation and that campaigns don't just fail - "it just doesn't happen" are the words I had. You already know what's coming next.
I e-signed a contract for what I thought was three months.
After the three months, I had received one appointment, which turned out to be a waste of time. I spoke to the marketing company and asked what could be done to improve the results. They suggested I bought data from them, and also create an email campaign then call the openers. I did both, at additional cost. Another month went by and still no appointments. I tried to cancel the campaign but was told I couldn't - read the contract - it says 30 days notice must be given, which counts at the start of the month.
While I didn't get any appointments, I did receive a spreadsheet of who was called and the reason why they weren't interested. Some expressed some interest, to be followed up with via email, but only one actual appointment.
I gave notice and we've finished month six - they are now chasing for the final payment of £600 for the last month.
The campaign has cost around £4,500 ex VAT in total over six month and generated less than 5% of what I was told was a realistic expectation. Is there anything I can do about it?
