11 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
11 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

Telemarketing/Cold Calling:Direct Sales/Appointment Setting?

by JoeVincent
8 replies
Wanted to throw this out there for those who have either done cold call telemarketing themselves, or outsourced...
I'm in the process of setting up a business that offers a service to merchants at a rate of $25-$50 per month. No large initial fees or anything beyond that set price point. The business is local in nature, but the service seems viable enough that I believe I could obtain enough customers to make this viable.
After getting up & running, and establishing a client base, I can always expand with print/radio/TV advertising, etc...
But for the initial blast, I've decided that cold calling will be my best option.
The question I have for those with experience....at the price point I've set, would it be more feasable to set my strategy to be a direct sales pitch, or for appointment setting?
I suppose I could try both; tweak and test. But my instinct tells me that the hours of footwork for a lower price point would probably make direct sales a better option.

Anyhow, was hoping for some warrior input. All opinions/suggestions are highly appreciated. Thanks.
#appointment setting #callingdirect #cold calling #direct sales #sales or appointment #setting #telemarketing #telemarketing or cold
  • Profile picture of the author Mwind076
    We have been telemarketing/appointment setting for 6 years. I recommend appointment setting. Here's why.

    I can get anyone on the phone...keeping them there to listen to me is a different story. It's much easier for me to get them on, ask 1 or 2 qualifying questions and then turn that into an appointment for you to call them or go see them. They don't expect me to call, therefore they are less willing to shell out cash to me and less willing to listen to me talk about your product. If they KNOW you are calling, or coming, they are more prepared to listen intently to you. Also, YOU are your best salesperson...I am not. Hire me to do my job, and you do yours...I'll call and book, you go sell.

    If you are looking for someone experienced to do your calls...send me an email or PM.
    Signature

    Looking for answers on how to SUCCESSFULLY market your company?
    Cold Calling, Appointment Setting, Training, Consulting - we do it all!
    PM for more information

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4046699].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Data Rich Australia
    I would reccomend sales lead generation, where you would collect their emails and qualify them for being interested and whatever else you may require. From there you email them more information which will generate what i call "hotties" (people who call in and purchase) This way you could still make a profit in the first month as sales leads are much more affordable than appointments or direct sales. I find sales lead generation is much more effective than going straight in with a cold call to a close. Data Rich Australia is a marketing business and we have our own call centers on the Gold Coast so if you're interested in discussing this further pm me or add me on skype username: sherysecurrey
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4101216].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author roggernrogger
      I know a good appointment setting company. Name is Intelemark.com This company works well. It only charge for appointments which had been set. They believe in quality not in quantity thats I like most for this company. I have work over 12 months with this company. Intelemark's ability to respond quickly and implement successful new calling campaigns within days has been essential to providing our customers.
      Signature
      appointment setting
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4727478].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author marketeers
    Appointment setting works best for me, i feel that most customers feel a lot safer and view you as a proffessional when they meet you in person.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4727636].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author terip
    I agree with the replies here. Lead generation and appointment setting promotes a more professional approach to marketing your services. In my opinion, if you go for direct selling means even through outsourced telemarketing, most people do not take kindly to this and you may find yourself being buried in hate mail.
    Signature
    Appointment setting services with no set-up fees, no extra charges. Just results.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4811326].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author karan khanna
    Hello,

    Just thought of checking if you still have requirement of a Telemarketing Company? We are based in Mumbai (India) and we help our Off-shore clients find the right Delivery provider here in India. Our team acts as your eye here ensuring Quality, Productivity and Data Security with not being an extra cost to your pocket.
    you can add me on skype or mail me on karan.y.khanna @ gmail dot com to discuss all the questions you got..
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4813025].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author kirbymarketingconcierge
      A low cost sale, and a good product/service?

      can you really afford to set appts. - time and money?

      get them on the phone, sell the deal, send to website or landing page.

      Need a solid, assertive "pitch" so you don't waste time & money and they are in or out!

      Mr.. Business owner,

      this will help your business, and were looking at 25-50.00 a month.
      were both business people, so do you see the value of (Whats in it for Them)? I can handle a no and I will call another company?

      my 2 cents
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4814084].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author mitchelbear
    Telemarketing, appointments setting and cold calling are some very important services which help your firm to improve sales. These are wonderful methods for promote your services and professional approach. All the techniques have been used in real sales situations and proven successful by people that sell for a living.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5477904].message }}

Trending Topics