The Locksmith Journal May-Jun 2015 - Issue 38 | Page 40

40 • industrynewS PROUD SPONSORS OF THIS PAGE Are your Automated Menus Losing you Business? Automated Menus Can Lose 55% of Potential Customers »»UK consumers are demanding businesses – including professional services companies - call time on automated call answering services, according to new research by alldayPA. The survey, which questioned 1,000 members of the public, found that over half (55%) would take their custom away from companies that relied on automated call answering and voicemails, rather than providing a human voice on the end of the phone. An even greater percentage (71%) said that, when they are shopping around, a business having automated call answering would make them more likely to choose an alternative supplier. The infuriating practice of having to navigate complicated automated menus or leave a recorded message is considered to be on a par with rude or unhelpful customer service, according to the survey. Customers find financial services companies and professional services (e.g. solicitors or accountants) that use such services the most irritating, followed by travel businesses, like transport companies and travel agents. When it comes to speaking to companies, consumers place great importance on speaking to a human being, on the person on the other end of the phone answering quickly (at least within 10 rings) and being able to answer basic questions, such as opening times, providing directions or giving an idea of costs. Customers are more forgiving when it comes to not getting the exact person that they are calling for, or having detailed questions answered straightaway. As long as they have been able to explain their query to a person, the majority (62%) are happy to get an answer later in the day or by email. David Joseph, board executive at alldayPA, (pictured) said: “Automated call answering is often used by businesses to save money; however, such practices can often end up costing money in lost customers and sales. “These findings show just how much people value being able to reach a real person when they have a query or a problem.” www.alldaypa.com YOU HAVE FITTED SECURE LOCKS BUT ARE THE WINDOWS SIMPLY LIKE UNLOCKED DOORS TO A BURGLAR? Many homes have double glazed windows where the glass is secured by a beading on the outside. This can easily be removed and is one of the most common ways that burglars get in. Taking out the glass is quick and makes no noise. NO-GO GLASS LOCKS lock the glass into the frame so that the glass cannot be removed without smashing the glass. NO-GO GLASS LOCKS are designed to be easily fitted to existing windows and are a very cost-effective way to make a property even more secure. NO-GO SECURITY PRODUCTS are looking for companies to sell and install our NO-GO GLASS LOCKS. If you would like to expand your business then contact us. To find out more email us on [email protected] Or see our website www.nogosecurity.co.uk Or phone 0845 528 0183 locksmithjournal.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2015 Sponsored by ASSA ABLOY