The Perfect SMS Message When not available to answer a call

[Sparetoolparts]

Hi Guys

I run my E-Commerce part time as well as my 9-5, during 9-5 hours I can't answer the phone so I reject incoming calls and send txt message replies. This has worked fine for he last 2 x years however I was wondering what would be the optimum message to send below is my current message and the proposed message:

1. This number is for text orders only. Plz txt the part number you need (current message)

2. Phone line is busy Plz txt us the P/N you require or email an enquiry (possible replacement)

I do get lots of txts from the customers which do lead to orders after I send them the URL to the part they need, but I was wondering what sounds more professional? I also worry that If suppliers are calling me etc and I don't know there number that they will get the first text message and become concerned about the operations of my business.

P.S

Feel free to put down your suggestions but bare in mind I can't do call backs during office hours and after 6 I am flat out with family life

 

[ryedale]

To be honest, if I got a message back that used Plz, I'd walk away.

 

[Sparetoolparts]

Possibly me too but since the posting I got 2 x calls and replied twice with option 2 and got to txt messages back

 

[Sparetoolparts]

I'm finding with people being more digital apt, txt message is a good form of communication
especially if percise and too the point

 

[Faevilangel]

You need to come up with a better system than text e.g.

- get someone to answer your calls, something like answer.co.uk costs £1 per call
- automated phone system where they input their p/n and it emails you the order

It's just not that professional and if you were to get a sudden surge in orders you would be up a dirty creek, having a more "professional" way to take orders is vital especially if you want to grow the business.

 

[Sparetoolparts]

Just looked at answer.co.uk

My margins are quite tight, so not sure any paid service would be worth it, I guess a trial wouldn't hurt but I would need a way to verify conversions and ROI

 

[arnydnxluk]

Regarding usage of "Plz", is there a reason you can't use the full word "Please"? All devices should support multi-part SMS seamlessly as far as I know.

 

[Sparetoolparts]

Hi Mike

It seems when you are rejecting a call with a txt message on the Nokia Lumia's you are limited to a short message

 

[RPower]

Even with text messages it's best to use correct grammar and punctuation.

How many characters have you got to work with?

I'd suggest: We're sorry, our phone line is busy. Please text us the part number you need, or email us on: [email protected]

 

[TLMartin]

I Use erecptionist as they answer the call, take a message, email me the message as in transcribed txt and mp3 file then I can return the call when available

 

[Sparetoolparts]

RPower it has 70 characters

 

[RPower]

This is 70

Sorry our phone line is busy. Please text/email the part num you need.

 

[neils3]

Really like the idea of sending a message, it's very personal. It's also in the direction we are moving with watsapp and messenging bots planned to be the big thing in commerce.

 

[MrComputerSaint]

I *HATE* text speak, so reducing text to txt is just so annoying for me. I'm not the best at spelling at grammar, but I cannot stand short hand. It might just be me.

The one thing I hate is "Thx" for Thanks at the end of an email. It's an email, you don't need to abbreviate anything.

I'd say get an answering service if your budget can afford it. They take the orders and then give them to you at the end of the day.

Or if you're dead set on a text then I'd probably say "Thank you for calling, I can't get to the phone right now, please text us with the part number you need or you can email us if you prefer [email protected]"