10 replies to this topic

[ewc21]

I have read some article in the past about Pay Per Call advertising and now, Google's impending launch of Click To Call service will definitely attract skeptics and advocates.

Google Begins Test of "Click-to-Call" Advertising Program

[TopTenOrBust]

Is the telephone becoming a dinosaur?

I have a similar service available on our site through Timpani, but don't use it. They launched a beta program last month. Same deal, where it's "free", right now. No word on what will change down the road.

I may be a little behind, but do that many people use a headset on their computer? Just seems to me that it would be easier to pick up the phone and dial a number.

[ewc21]

I am cautious about this. But this is due to the fact that we always have reservations about disclosing certain info and Google privacy issues.

[Pete L]

Maybe I have just not kept up with this sort of thing, but I would think by now some major software developer would have created a program to read and dial numbers online, at least over a DSL or a cable connection. This would allow cable users with a service like Vonage or DSL users to click numbers on sites and dial them. This same service could be made available to dial-up users, but it would require a different comm port modem or the user would have to disconnect from the internet, to dial over the single existing modem.

I developed an appointment book program years ago that dials over a modem for dial-up users. One of these days, I may just adapt it to cable/DSL. I'm just a little surprised that click / dial services were not developed sooner. I do not think Vista will even be fitted to offer such a service.

BTW - The most ridicules dialing service I have seen can be found in directories that encourage you to click a phone icon only to discover that after you do, you get a form to send your number to the party you want to call. A message appears on that page to inform you that party will receive your number and call you back. Waste of time, IMHO.

Pete

[TopTenOrBust]

BTW - The most ridicules dialing service I have seen can be found in directories that encourage you to click a phone icon only to discover that after you do, you get a form to send your number to the party you want to call. A message appears on that page to inform you that party will receive your number and call you back. Waste of time, IMHO.

Ditto Pete. I can't see any customer service benefit on behalf of the customer or the site operator. It just adds another step to the process of getting the information that is being requested.

[Cameron Olthuis]

From a consumer stand point I'm not a huge fan of Google's "click to call", or any click to call. I would rather just pick up the telephone and dial the number myself. It really doesn't seam to offer any convenience if you ask me.

Have we as society really become that lazy that we need someone to call us and while we wait have them connect us to the company?

The only benefit I can see this offering me is the money I'd save on long distance charges, but since I exclusively use my cell phone that's free anyway.

[ewc21]

I second to that, the inconvenience I'd be getting is more than saving money for long distance calls.

[jfj3rd]

I think the Click To Call service will ultimately flop. If it doesn't I at least think that consumers will get tired of not reaching anyone.

I'm not too familiar with the service but does it mention anything about pausing the program during say midnight hours? I'd hate to be utilizing this and get some night owl at midnight clicking.

I love the web for the purposes of being available to avoid the sales person and even when I finally want to involve the sales person I'd rather fill out a form to buy something or ask further details. Privacy!

Any ways, thats my two cents.

<-- Forum Junkie WannaB

[ewc21]

I never got the chance to look at it myself either. But maybe if you leave your number (as a potential buyer), and time convenient for a conversation, it will make sense. After all, if I am interested on a product or service, I would expect to learn more about it and be glad to hear from a sales rep call me at my prescribed time.

I won't leave my contact details if I am not interested. Assuming that the call will only take place once and only from the sales rep of the product or service I am interested in.

[jfj3rd]

Well leaving a 'Best time to call' would be a partial good fix. It still leaves the responsibility to the sales rep for that site to call back at the appointed time. That would be good if you were a company with multiple employees that can make that a reality when the customers want.

It could also be an evil method of calling waking your ex up at 1am too!

Now what would be a good idea is for it to not only allow the client to select what time to have to company call but to have the company be able to specify specific hours that is available for the client to have as an option. With that a one man team (or small business) will benefit from it.

Ring Ring You've Got Mail ... Should be interesting none the less.

[ewc21]

Right, win-win for both businessman (who is eager to call someone whose interested in a product or service) and the prospect (who is eager to hear something about a product or service he/she is interested in).

I think Google should be able to address the issues.