What Is 800 Call Capture?
800 call capture is a technology used in the real estate and mortgage industries, and is often hailed as an excellent way to both generate sales leads and streamline the selling process. Unfortunately, many agents and brokers are not fully versed in the way the technology works, and as a result shy away from it for use in their business. While 800 call capture systems are not right for every business or every agent, it is worth knowing how they function before making the choice to use or discard them.
At its heart, an 800 call capture system is a toll free number. It is bought and paid for by the agent, broker or business from a provider, who will also supply services for the number. The toll free number will be specific to the business – no other companies will share the same exact phone number – and it will typically come with multiple extensions all based off of the original number. This toll free number allows potential clients to call free of charge no matter where they are, with all costs borne by the agent.
What makes an 800 call capture system different than a standard 1-800 number with a recording is the functionality of it. As mentioned above, the system will come with multiple extensions, each of which can be placed in a different location. For example, the number and “Ext 1″ could be placed on a sign rider outside a home for sale. “Ext 2″ could be listed in the local paper, “Ext 3″ on a billboard, etc. 800 call capture systems allow businesses to track which of their extensions is getting the most calls and when those calls are coming in, allowing an agent to adjust the placement and frequency of displays of the toll free number to the best effect.
It is the tracking and reporting of information that is the most important aspect of an 800 call capture system. By using what is known as Automatic Number Identification (ANI) technology, essentially a higher-grade of a caller ID, the 800 call capture number is able to “capture” the phone number and name of the person calling in and record it for later use. Capturing this data is permitted by the FCC, as the commission has ruled that any business that pays for a telephone call has the right to know who is calling them. Calling clients back is also permitted, as this falls under the “90 day business inquiry” rule of the Do Not Call legislation. Once a client has called the 800 call capture number, they have begun a business inquiry and automatically agree to a call back.
Once the information has been recorded by the system, it can be sent to a number of sources. A phone call can be made to a business, home, or cell phone for the agent, telling them who called and when, or the information can be sent to an e-mail account and the details printed out the next day. Typically, the time between a call and the reporting of data by the 800 call capture system is between 30 seconds and 1 minute, giving agents ample lead time and limiting their need to wait for information downloads.
800 call capture lines also provide the ability to list a set of pre-recorded messages about specific properties. Agents can create property listings for each separate extension number, meaning that clients can easily find the information they are looking for. This is useful because not only is information expected almost immediately by clients in the digital age, but this request for information can come anytime of the day or night.
By having the details of a property listed on an 800 call capture number along with the option to leave a message, clients can get the fastest possible service. Call capture numbers also allow privacy for agents. Rather than giving out a cell or home number, the system can be used for all business dealings, keeping the agent’s personal phone numbers safe and secure.
800 call capture systems must be managed properly in order to be effective. Companies must monitor the system’s use, and be ready to update property listings and number placements as events warrant. Used correctly, an 800 call capture number can be of great benefit to an agent, broker, or real estate company.
Brandi Armstrong is an expert author on the unique issues facing real estate agents today and how technology can help. To learn more about how 800 call capture can benefit your business, and for a 15 Day FREE Trial, she recommends visiting http://www.RealtyOne800.com today.
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