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Print Media
Subscriptions
Outbound telemarketing is used to solicit subscriptions and renewals to
newspapers and magazines. Instead of having agents place calls manually,
Computer Telephony systems use predictive dialers that place calls automatically
from a list stored in a computer. Once a call is placed and an answer is
detected, the call is transferred to an agent for handling. This leaves the
agents with more time to speak with potential customers.
Classified Advertising
A classified listing in the local newspaper includes a telephone number to call
for a recorded description of the item in question. After listening to the
recording, callers may choose to be connected to the person who placed the
advertisement. The number can be dialed automatically to preserve the privacy of
the called party.
Reprints Of Articles
A magazine offers reprints of articles by fax. Callers dial a listed number and
enter a code printed with the article, or they select from a spoken menu. Once a
selection is made, they are prompted to enter their fax number and credit card
and expiration date. The text of each article is stored as a computer file and
is sent by fax server as soon as the calling party hangs up.
Inventory Inquiry
Wholesalers and retailers can use a Computer Telephony system to let their
regular customers determine whether an item is in stock, and if so, to order it.
A customer calls the system and is prompted to enter an account number. Once the
account is verified, the caller enters item numbers and the quantity of each
item needed. The system verifies each order by playing back the choice and
informs the caller when the item is out of stock. When a session is finished,
the system sends a copy of the order to a printer. The printed report can be
used to pick the orders from stock. A list of out-of-stock items is maintained
so the distributor will know which products need to be reordered.
Shipment Status
Manufacturers can check the status of a shipment by dialing a Computer Telephony
system and entering an order number. The system obtains the latest record from a
database and plays a recording indicating the shipment date and any reasons for
delay. The system is programmed to delay shipment to customers who have no
credit record or have a bad credit history.
Locator Services
Many people find it difficult to locate dealers or service centers for products
they have purchased or are considering. A locator system automatically routes
callers to the closest dealer or provides alternative suggestions where an item
might be purchased or repaired.
Product Recall
It can be very expensive for a company to inform the public when a product is
recalled. A Computer Telephony system can provide this information at less
expense by handling thousands of calls a day. Customers who call an advertised
number are asked to enter a serial number or other identifying number to ensure
that the recall applies to them. If it does, the system plays a recording that
tells them the status of the product recall program, how to fix the problem, or
where to take the product for repair.
Fax On Demand
Customers interested in purchasing a product can receive free information about
the product by fax. They call a toll-free number and are prompted to enter a
product identification number and their fax number. The system sends them a fax
automatically. The number of the fax service is featured in print advertisements
along with a list of the product identification numbers.
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