What's the Best Way to Communicate: Out of Box Calls or E-Mail?

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Discussion Overview

The thread explores preferences for communication methods among Pampered Chef consultants, specifically comparing out of box phone calls and emails. Participants share their experiences and thoughts on the effectiveness and comfort levels associated with each method.

Discussion Character

  • Opinion-based
  • Anecdotal
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, expresses a preference for email over phone calls, noting comfort and response rates.
  • Another participant shares their experience that customers tend to prefer email communication, often receiving quicker responses through this method.
  • Some participants suggest a combination of both methods, with one stating that calling first and then following up with an email feels more personal.
  • One consultant mentions using phone calls for out of box contacts but feels overwhelmed by the volume and prefers to send emails after shows.
  • Several users indicate that they receive more replies from emails compared to phone calls.
  • One participant notes the importance of customer care calls for business growth, sharing that they learn more about customers through phone conversations.
  • Another participant mentions the challenge of making morning after calls, despite recognizing their potential benefits.
  • One consultant describes their routine of sending thank you emails and follow-ups, emphasizing the personal touch of phone calls.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the effectiveness of phone calls versus emails, with some participants favoring emails for their convenience and response rates, while others advocate for the personal touch of phone calls. No clear consensus emerges on the best method.

Contextual Notes

Participants share varied experiences based on their individual comfort levels and business practices, reflecting a range of communication styles within the consultant community.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants looking to understand different communication strategies and preferences within the community may find this discussion relevant.

ginamkiely
Messages
851
Question... does everyone prefer out of box PHONE CALLS or E-MAILS?? I'm much more confortable via e-mail (who isn't) and I would prefer that over calling people but I don't know if the response is as good?

Thanks for your help
 
I use email so much for my business. I find my customer actually prefer it. I will call and if I get a machine I leave a message and then send an email right after I leave the message. 9 times out of 10 I will get an email response over a phone call.
 
I would say to try and call first...then send a follow up email like Jenni just said! That's much more personal...
 
Just my two cents:

I do OOB contacts via phone calls. I'm not that great at staying on top of them (trying to get better) because sometimes they're pretty late. Oh well, better late than never. I prefer these to Morning After Calls. I do send an email to all guests who gave me their email address the day or two (or three!) after the show with a thank you, a review of host benefits, a blurb about recruiting and all of the recipes that I made at the show. Since I do the emails, I feel it's a little over-kill to do big MAC calls AND OOB calls. I'd rather get my name back in front of their face with OOB calls since it's usually a month or so after the show.
 
I do both--usually depending on how many people I have to contact & how much time I have that week. But I have found that I get more replies, etc. from the emails I do than the phone calls.
 
what is MAC? I know what OOB is now.. at first i didnt! but i do now!
 
Morning after call

you can call and see if they need to add to their order or book a show....

I don't do them (bad me) but I do try to do ccc (customer care calls) and tell them it's my OOB call! They usually laugh!
 
My Sr. Director does MAC calls....always has, and she is the QUEEN of customer service. She swears by them - but I have never been able to make myself do them.....guess I need to try something out of my comfort zone there!
 
ChefBeckyD said:
My Sr. Director does MAC calls....always has, and she is the QUEEN of customer service. She swears by them - but I have never been able to make myself do them.....guess I need to try something out of my comfort zone there!

Probably how she is a Senior Director!!! :D

I haven't been doing them for awhile, but once I have this baby already, I'm using my month off to start them up again.
 
I do almost everything via email. I send a thank you email to each guest usually within 2 days of the show. If anyone has booked, I do a separate email with the date and time of their booking. If they've asked for additional info on ANYTHING, I sent it via email as well. Then about 2 weeks after the show ships (remember, I'm in Germany), I do a follow up email.
 
I send the show recipe and a standard email (attached) after I enter the orders in - usually within 24 hours but not always. I then call 30-90 days after the show closes to see if they like their new products. Calls are usually just messages but I think it's much more personal than email.
 

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does anyone have a standard e-mail then send for out of box customer service?

thanks for all the tips!
 
If you're trying to grow your business, I really think you'll need to bite the bullet and do customer care calls. You're not likely to get bookings from sending emails. When I'm on the phone I learn a lot about people (I take notes in PP). This gives me a chance to tell them when might be a good time for them to have a show or purchase a specific item (based on upcoming specials).

I don't like to do MAC calls (out of my comfort zone) but when I'm running my business like I want to, I will send a morning after email. I let them know that they can add to their order with no increase in shipping. I like the idea of including the recipe I used at the show they attended. This might be helpful in getting even more people to share their email addresses with me.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are out of box calls in direct sales?

Out of box calls refer to phone calls made to potential customers or team members shortly after they have shown interest in a product or opportunity. These calls are typically made to establish a personal connection, answer questions, and provide additional information that may help in the decision-making process.

What are the benefits of using out of box calls?

Out of box calls allow for immediate interaction, enabling you to gauge the customer's interest and respond to their questions in real-time. This personal touch can help build rapport and trust, making it more likely for the customer to engage further with your offerings.

What are the advantages of using email for communication?

Email communication provides a written record of the conversation, allowing both parties to refer back to the information shared. It also gives the recipient time to consider their response without the pressure of a live conversation, which can be beneficial for those who prefer to process information at their own pace.

When should I choose out of box calls over email?

Choose out of box calls when you want to establish a personal connection, clarify complex information, or when you believe the customer may have immediate questions or concerns. Calls can be particularly effective for follow-ups or when trying to close a sale.

Are there situations where email is more effective than calls?

Yes, email is often more effective for sharing detailed information, such as product specifications, pricing, or promotional materials. It is also preferable when dealing with customers in different time zones or when you anticipate that the recipient may need time to think about their response before engaging in a conversation.

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