Summer is notorious for producing unsettled weather patterns, and it marks the start of the hurricane season. Ironically, extreme weather can also create a scenario that leads to increased phone calls in many industries, such as hardware, home repair, insurance, tree services and HVAC dealers. This, in turn, leads to additional time callers spend on hold.

Who would have thought the weather could have such an impact on your phone activity? From insurance claims for wind damage, to those suffering in the heat with a broken air conditioner, callers demand attention and often have little patience. This is one reason it is so important to cater to their needs in every possible way.

While on hold time may be unavoidable during high volume call periods, it can be used to create a value-added situation for your potential customers. Not only is it prudent to promote your products and services to callers, it is also smart to offer tips and useful information.

For instance, a caller might simply want to know what hours your store is open. If they call and are put on hold with no information, they may move ahead to the next shop in the phone book. If you are an insurance company and your caller has questions about how to file a claim, they may be relieved to learn that the forms are available at your website. HVAC dealers get positive results when they can offer tips for getting the best performance from equipment during extreme weather. The options are endless.

Perhaps one of the best things about having on hold messages is that they assure your callers that you are dedicated to their satisfaction and they highlight your professionalism. Being left on hold in silence, or listening to beeping, does little to calm an individual whose home has been damaged in a windstorm or whose car has suffered hail damage. At Commercials On Hold, we have even had clients use our messages to let their callers know about changes in hours or addresses after hurricanes!

This summer, why not add Commercials On Hold to your business survival kit? You never know when you’ll feel the effects of Mother Nature, but you can be ready when she comes to call. For more information just call us at 1-800-832-4653.

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