How would i solve this?

[Abbid]

Hi all,

Quick question that im hoping someone can help with.
I work full time and plan to launch a website soon. From reading quite a few threads here, its common knowledge now that for a website to look genuine it has to have valid address and contact details displayed clearly on the site.
I have no problem displaying address details, the problem comes with the phone number. Because i work full time too, i wont be able to answer any calls. I could forward the business number to my mobile but talking to customer during working hours is a very big risk. Any ideas what i can do to get around this problem?

Secondly, my supplier does not have a website. All dealing are done through email and over the phone. Since i am starting off, i do not have the capital to be able to purchase a large quantity of stock from them.
The plan was to puechase a little and have the rest of the products that are available on my site and when i get a sale, to then pruchase it from my supplier. But the risk i run is what if the supplier is out of stock at the time too?
it would be impractical for me to call them everyday to find out what the stock status is. Any ideas what i can do for this problem?

Your help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[ken_uk]

How about using a answering machine?

 

[Smallb]

I'm not sure what you can do about the phone situation, maybe look to get an answer phone set up that asks customers to email you or leave their details so you can call them when you finish work.

On the stock problem, i suggest you purchase key products. Ask your supplier which are the best sellers and buy them. Start small with 2 or 3 top sellers and put all the profits back into the business. I'm not 100% but i think there may be some legal problems regarding selling items you dont have :|

Simon

 

[Officebird]

Hi,

It sounds as though you need a lady in the office!

I offer call answering for just this type of thing. I can give you a number to divert your phone to whilst you are at work and then all the calls are answered in your company name and an email with the message is sent through to you to deal with when you are free (perhaps at lunchtime?)

There is a £5 set up fee and then each call is charged at £1.20. There is no minimum amount making it perfect for start up businesses.

If you'd like further details or would be interested in a 2 week free trial please let me know.

Good luck with your new venture, whatever you decide to do.

 

[cjd]

There are only a couple of answers to the phone situation.

1. Use a Virtual Assistant - such as Office Bird or Virtually Sorted - this can seem relatively expensive but it does mean that calls get answered by a real person. You still have to call them back though.
2. Divert to mobile or landline when you can and use Voicemail when you can't
3. Use Voicemail with a voicemail to email service so that you get sent a sound file and can listen and reply when possible.

Until you can service your new business properly any solution you choose is a compromise and will harm your business - so you need to get to the point of being able to answer the phone as quickly as possible.

 

[Silky]

hi,
We had the same problem and use a service called MoneyPenny to field our calls - they've been great and have won awards for their service. They email us with details of each call so if we're out of reach at least we can still keep in touch with what's going on by mail.

I find that few people have actually used our phone number but it does give confidence and credibility. There are a lot of people out there still suspicious of internet sales and often need some reassurance that there are "real people" behind it all.

http://www.moneypenny.co.uk/

Best of luck in your new venture !

Silky