UK Sales Calls

[huey11]

Hi Everyone,

I am from the US and work for a company here in the UK where we only "cold call" yes there are many who do not like cold calls but thats life sometimes there simply is no other way so please do not comment about not cold calling.

My problem comes in that here in the UK 80% or so of the people I actually talk with ask me to send an email. I dont get it. If I was them I would rather listen to what they say or say not interested bye. In the US thats how it is I almost never got the send me an email line.

Why is it this way? clearly it could be an easier way to say not interested but I will make you feel like you have a chance. But i need to know from you the experts in the UK. Thoughts Please!!

Thanks

 

[businessfunding]

It might mean 'I'm not interested'

It might mean 'I'd like to know more, but in my own time'

Or it might mean 'I am interested but I want to check your credentials first'

I would always advise against getting a credit card out on the back of a cold call.

 

[telemax]

All of the above, Although if you are offering the right product, sometimes an email actually works providing you follow it up.

 

[MooToTheMax]

If I was them I would rather listen to what they say or say not interested bye....

Why is it this way?

I used to head up IT for a UK company, and had my fair share of cold callers.

Every now and again, I would genuinely be interested, but up to my neck in work at that moment.

I'd ask for them to email me some details, usually with the qualifier "I'm genuinely interested, I just don't have the time to have an in-depth chat right now."

Want to know what's surprising? The number of people who then wouldn't send an email! I mean, surely it takes just as long to send a bog-standard email as it does to type in a phone number?

I guess what I'm saying is: don't necessarily interpret "Please email me" as "go away"

 

[seoswat]

i always use the phrase - email me your info - as its just quicker than saying "not interested" as you always have a follow up response when someone says not interested.

 

[bsummers]

It's safe to say that prospects want to do things in their own time. Personally, I really don't want to receive cold calls, but if the pitch is good enough, then I'd prefer to read whatever credentials or offers they have. In this way, I get all the information I need in the time that I prefer.

 

[huey11]

It's safe to say that prospects want to do things in their own time. Personally, I really don't want to receive cold calls, but if the pitch is good enough, then I'd prefer to read whatever credentials or offers they have. In this way, I get all the information I need in the time that I prefer.

What about if the pitch is asking for a meeting where they can show you what they have to offer in 15-20 min. and then leave you with material that you can have a look over in your own time? I ask because this is how my companie suggests and its really just a hit or miss. But you have the responce I hear all the time

 

[telemax]

Often mixing calling with emails can be extremely powerful. On Wednesday I called 8 large secondary schools with a view to speaking to the headteacher, an almost impossible task!. I ended up with the name of the person at reception and an email address for each Headteacher, and sent an email with the receptionist's name in the subject line.

I received no replies, so re sent the email today and received 3 responses, one polite no, one we're thinking about it and one Headteacher wanting an appointment with us. Granted it is a unique and compelling product which goes someway to explaining the fantastic response rate. But without sending the email I'd have never reached the headmaster in a million years.

This goes to prove that sending an email isn't always a waste of time!

 

[Apprentice Guru]

When I receive cold calls I'll often use the 'send me an email' line. Sometimes I may be interested, other times I won't be. Ususally it's becuase I'm a busy person and will have something more pressing to do than speak with the caller, regardless of what the subject is. For me, it's all about prioritising my time effectively.

As part of the service I give I also have to cold call. I'm used to then sending emails. I find that if I do that and then follow up, I'm successful approximately 1 in 10 times from a cold call to booking an appointment.

In the past, I have also successfully used the tactic of not sending the email, following up a few days later pretending I have, then using the 'It might be better if we call to see you instead' line. It isn't one I deploy anymore, but you'd be surprised how often this works...