Home During the Day and Need Advice

[pamperedpals]

I'm going to be home tomorrow with my boys and I thought I would do some customer care calls.

I need advice on when would be a good time to call people? Mind you, I'm typically at work M-F, 7:00 am - 5:00 pm and don't make calls until the evening. So I'm not used to calling during the day. Don't even do it on the weekends.

I was thinking of calling when the little ones were down at naptime.:indif: When do you make calls during the day?

Any help would be appreciated. You would think I would know how to make calls.

 

[Gina M]

I wouldn't call too early in case people aren't back to school yet - I personally loathe anyone who calls me before 9 am - esp. in the summer (I don't mind during the school year) and I swear I have the same solicitors who call at 8 am every morning - drives me crazy! I would shoot for 10 am - 2 pm - if kids are in school - most SAHM are usually home during this time (at least that's what I've found) - depends on how well you know your customers. A call at any time is better than no call!

 

[pamperedgirl3]

If I make calls during the day, I usually make them from 11-4.

 

[BethCooks4U]

I would say anytime after 10. It all depends on what they're doing and if they have little ones but if you call closer to 10 you might catch a few more at home. I know I rarely leave the house before 11:30 unless I have an appointment or meeting.

 

[sfdavis918]

I was thinking of calling when the little ones were down at naptime.:indif:

Just my own $.02, I HATE when I get calls during nap time. That is the only time that I have to get things done without two little ones clawing at me and constantly calling me. I much prefer calls when they are awake so that I can have "me time" while they are sleeping.

That being said, I don't think that you will find any "perfect" time to call. The best thing to do is come up with the best time for you and then ask if it's a good time for them when they answer.

HTH!

 

[DebbieJ]

There is never a perfect time. I make calls from 9-9 every day! Whenever I can fit them in is when they get done! I always ask if I've caught them at an okay time and if I get a yes, we forge ahead!

I personally don't even bother answering the phone when I know I can't talk. Just because the phone rings, doesn't mean it needs answering! So if you catch someone at a bad time, don't feel like you are bothering them! They were the ones who picked up the phone in the first place!

 

[BethCooks4U]

There is never a perfect time. I make calls from 9-9 every day! Whenever I can fit them in is when they get done! I always ask if I've caught them at an okay time and if I get a yes, we forge ahead!

I personally don't even bother answering the phone when I know I can't talk. Just because the phone rings, doesn't mean it needs answering! So if you catch someone at a bad time, don't feel like you are bothering them! They were the ones who picked up the phone in the first place!

Great advice! I too make sure that I ask if it's a good time and get a time to call back if it's not.

I personally have trouble not answering the phone but with caller id I can at least tell myself "this call isn't an emergency so I'll call them back when it's a better time" or "finally this person is getting back to me I have to take this one." - That being said, I rarely don't answer. lol

 

[raebates]

One of the gems I collected at NC was that the best time to make calls is when it works for you. Nap times are different in different households. Meal times are different. My general rule of thumb is between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. (I usually try to get them done before 8 p.m., though, so I don't interrupt someone's favorite tv show.)When they answer I tell them who I am and ask, "Are you interruptible?" If so, I go on. If not, I ask for a convenient time to call back.

 

[friday]

How much answering goes on during the day? I have considered it but I have sort of assumed that MOST people are not in the same boat as me- at home all day long? Am I wrong about this? I will absolutely start making daytime calls if you tell me that any kind of significant portion of people answer the phone. It would be buckets easier than trying to orchestrate evening calling.

Alison

 

[DebbieJ]

I ask everyone for daytime numbers at my shows. I tell them I am out working at night (doing shows) and I make customer care calls during the day.

No one has hesitated. Most give me cell numbers.

 

[chefann]

Alison, ask people when is the best time to be contacted, and have them star the phone number at which they can be reached during that time. Some people prefer to get calls during the day, but at work. If it's OK with them, call them there!