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Should I use skype as a means to contact my business?

by LearnNOTmoney
23 replies
I am setting up a web development business. I really don't have the financecs to afford a phone customer services ( I could use my home phone though I'm not sure if that's a good idea) I will be using my e-mail as a means of contact..

I just wanted to provide customers more ways of contacting me.

Is this a good idea or not?
#business #contact #means #skype
  • Profile picture of the author kylenelson24
    IMO it isnt the most professional but i think it is extremely accepted and fine to do. There are many developers i work with that i only speak to through skype. I like it because i can just instant message them if needed.

    Dont do the home phone lol
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    • Profile picture of the author LearnNOTmoney
      Originally Posted by kylenelson24 View Post

      IMO it isnt the most professional but i think it is extremely accepted and fine to do. There are many developers i work with that i only speak to through skype. I like it because i can just instant message them if needed.

      Dont do the home phone lol
      The professional part is what I am really most concerned about. I realize a lot of developers do it and they usually offer this contact via freelancing sites, but I have never personally seen a website that offers contact via Skype.
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      • Profile picture of the author kylenelson24
        Originally Posted by LearnNOTmoney View Post

        The professional part is what I am really most concerned about. I realize a lot of developers do it and they usually offer this contact via freelancing sites, but I have never personally seen a website that offers contact via Skype.
        I would just start with utilizing skype. Also a quick chat popup on the bottom of the screen. It delivers that chat for you on either skype or google talk but is skinned different on your site. I wouldnt worry to much about it. if skype works for you and your making money thats all that matters
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        • Profile picture of the author LearnNOTmoney
          Originally Posted by kylenelson24 View Post

          I would just start with utilizing skype. Also a quick chat popup on the bottom of the screen. It delivers that chat for you on either skype or google talk but is skinned different on your site. I wouldnt worry to much about it. if skype works for you and your making money thats all that matters
          Totally forgot about chat popup. I wonder how it's going to work when I get a large amount of traffic.

          But yeah, it's a great start. thanked.
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          • Profile picture of the author u119840
            If you're just starting out on your business venture, Skype is fine to use. That along with your email address should be fine for contact.

            JR
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          • Profile picture of the author kylenelson24
            Originally Posted by LearnNOTmoney View Post

            Totally forgot about chat popup. I wonder how it's going to work when I get a large amount of traffic.

            But yeah, it's a great start. thanked.
            Yep cleans it up and makes it look professional like you want!
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  • Profile picture of the author Paul Gram
    Another option is using Google Voice. Works really well.
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  • Profile picture of the author Horacioplus
    Sure why not! Personally i use Skype to close sales and provide support to my customers.
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    • Profile picture of the author ChrisDouthit
      I used Skype when customers first wanted a real time chat. It got so popular I then just decided to add a chat program to the site which customers all seem to love.
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      • Profile picture of the author rogran
        I think skype is a great way to keep in touch with your customers. However, I usually set aside certain times of the day that I m available on skype or you will find that after you have several customers you may not get any other work done as you will always be interrupted. You only make money when you are productive.
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  • Profile picture of the author kenzo22
    Instead of using Skype, you may provide a "support live chat" on your website in some fixed hours? But you will have to be available in these hours to maintain your good opinion. I think it looks proffesional and I actually see this solution on many websites. After dealing with single user problem maybe add a solution to FAQ section so people won't spam you with the same questions all the time when you will be facing bigger traffic. I'm not sure about this solution but maybe it's worth something
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  • Profile picture of the author owais211
    Banned
    Sure,yes it can work out but only for start up.Also with the Skype chat its even more fan and interesting to use.
    For a large number of customers/clients,it may not be that effective.
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  • Profile picture of the author smileverse
    If you want to provide online support for customers, live chat seems a professional one compared to skype, such as Comm100 Live Chat, Live Person, etc. In order to improve customer service, you can also create a knowledge base, which provides self-help for customers and saves your time and effort.
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  • Profile picture of the author Mitch Barber
    Originally Posted by LearnNOTmoney View Post

    I am setting up a web development business. I really don't have the financecs to afford a phone customer services ( I could use my home phone though I'm not sure if that's a good idea) I will be using my e-mail as a means of contact..

    I just wanted to provide customers more ways of contacting me.

    Is this a good idea or not?
    Skype is definitely a good idea and widely accepted now.

    Another thing that's not been mentioned is to get a Virtual Number. These are available in many countries (USA, UK, Canada, Australia for sure) that routes calls directly to your home phone. Some of these are even free!

    You can set it up so that you it tells you it's a business call coming through before you're actually connected to the caller so you can answer appropriately. And, of course, it will take a voice message for you when you're not available to answer.

    The combination of the two should give you a very proffessional look on a shoestring budget. The virtual number is ideal for customers in your home country and skype will make you easily accessable globally.
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  • Profile picture of the author johnben1444
    Having as many means of communication just like payment processors is vital when it's comes to running an online business.

    SKYPE is great and free, I have been able to close more business deals on SKYPE chat than I ever did on phone calls or email.

    SKYPE keeps you connected whenever a potential clients adds you, ensure you brand your SKYPE which will serve as a reminder to your clients each time you come online.
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  • Profile picture of the author spearce000
    You could set up a Skype Number. That way it will look like you have a landline number for your business, but the call is routed over Skype. Online personal number, online business number with voicemail - Skype (Not an affiliate link)
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  • Profile picture of the author fatafat
    [QUOTE=LearnNOTmoney;8296005]I am setting up a web development business. I really don't have the financecs to afford a phone customer services ( I could use my home phone though I'm not sure if that's a good idea) I will be using my e-mail as a means of contact..

    I just wanted to provide customers more ways of contacting me.

    Is this a good idea or not?[/QUOTE

    Have you tried gotomeeting?, I found them useful.
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  • Profile picture of the author WillR
    I use Skype and as someone mentioned above I have a Skype online number. It's just a local number so no one can tell the difference and when they ring the calls are redirected to your Skype or you can even forward them to another number.

    I think I only pay about $100 per year or something like that. You can also setup a voicemail message so people can instead just leave messages and you can call them back if you want to.
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  • Profile picture of the author bmathewsCCM
    Originally Posted by LearnNOTmoney View Post

    I am setting up a web development business. I really don't have the financecs to afford a phone customer services ( I could use my home phone though I'm not sure if that's a good idea) I will be using my e-mail as a means of contact..

    I just wanted to provide customers more ways of contacting me.

    Is this a good idea or not?
    I use Skype for everything in my business, so yeah go for it! There are so many cool tools you can get for skype like special animated status updates and Skype recorders

    Have fun with it, you're supposed to enjoy your business, right?

    To Your Success,
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  • Profile picture of the author RoseHunt
    Banned
    Even University and job interviews can be done via Skype right now, so yeah why not?
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  • Profile picture of the author prince55l
    skype is great, though not professional, but you can give it a shot
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  • Profile picture of the author Writer Army
    I think Skype is a great way to communicate with your customers. You can get a Skype number in your area code and use that for a business line. Some customers might also want to chat on Skype and you can provide your username if they do.

    Originally Posted by LearnNOTmoney View Post

    I am setting up a web development business. I really don't have the financecs to afford a phone customer services ( I could use my home phone though I'm not sure if that's a good idea) I will be using my e-mail as a means of contact..

    I just wanted to provide customers more ways of contacting me.

    Is this a good idea or not?
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  • Profile picture of the author Leon Zykos
    I don't normally use skype though. All I do was however provide an email and a contact number for people to contact should they have any questions and queries. Skype are normally being used for discussion purposes with fellow marketers.

    Regards
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