What kind of equipment do I need to be able to use on hold programs?
How much does it cost?
How often should I change my program?
How long is the program? How many messages are on a program?
Do callers hear the same message every time they're put on hold?
What is your turnaround time?
We have more than one company on our phone system. Can we put messages on hold?
What's the difference between a regular tape deck or compact disc player and the AR-37 digital player?
What if I want both male and female voices on the same program?
How will on hold message programs work with my voice mail system?
Why can't I just record my own programs and play them?
Why don't I recognize any of the music you have in your library?
Why not just play radio or other music on hold? What is licensed music?
Can I use my jingle or school song on the program?
Is it possible to record our on hold messages in other languages?
What kind of equipment do I need to be able to use on hold programs?
All you need is a business telephone system with music on hold capability. We have a list of compatible phone systems or you can confirm with your phone technician if you're not sure. To play the on hold programs, you'll only need the AR-37 digital receiving/broadcasting device, which we provide.
How much does it cost?
The pricing depends on the number of times you want to change your program in one year, and number of locations. The price per program decreases as your package size increases.
How often should I change my program?
How often you change your program depends on your business. In the case of schools and communities, messages are changed on a monthly basis because of upcoming events and announcements. With many companies, messages are updated only a few times a year. We will work with you to establish a schedule that's right for your application. Some clients just use one program all year round, and update it once a year. Many clients change their programs seasonally. Others produce monthly programs to offer specials or other dated information. We can coordinate your on hold programs to work with special events, rollout of a new product line, or any other special requirement. Other factors to consider include whether you get frequent calls from the same people, or if you tend to have a steady stream of new customers with less repeat business.
How long is the program? How many messages are on a program?
The maximum length is eight minutes of digital audio enabling us to provide a minimum of six 30 second spots.
Do callers hear the same message every time they're put on hold?
No, your on hold program plays on a continuous loop. It covers all your lines, so if more than one person is on hold, they're all hearing the same thing. It's unlikely that a frequent caller would hear the exact same message every time they call.
What is your turnaround time?
Once we have received your signed order form, we can start work on your script as soon as we receive content. In addition to working from any brochures or printed literature you provide us, we will access your website for more information and one of our account executives will also call you for a brief interview. The script information is then turned over to one of our professional copywriters who will fax or e-mail you a script draft within a few days. Once we make any needed adjustments and have your approval on the script, we begin production. Your digital playback device will be delivered in about seven to ten business days.
We have more than one company on our phone system. Can we put messages on hold?
You can use on hold messages, but keep in mind that the on hold feature cannot be separated for specific lines without additional equipment. We've produced programs for multiple companies in which the messages alternate for each company. You could also produce a generic program if the businesses are similar, or just stay with a courtesy program.
What's the difference between a regular tape deck or compact disc player and the AR-37 digital player?
With a compact disc player programs play continuously by hitting 'play' and 'repeat' on your player. Once it reaches the end of your program, there are a few seconds of silence before it starts over. Keep in mind, the CD player will eventually wear out. In the case of a cassette player, imagine playing a cassette in your home stereo and running it non-stop for one year. The player will have lots of wear, if it's not already worn out. CD and cassette players also requires ongoing maintenance. In case of a power outage it will need to be reprogrammed to play. Also, we have found cassette and CD players do not produce enough volume on some telephone systems, unless an expensive amplifier has been added correct the problem.
With the AR-37 digital player, your program plays from a digital memory chip instead of a cassette, or CD, so there are no moving parts and nothing to wear out. Your program should sound exactly the same after a year or more of playing it. This machine is built specifically for the on hold playback application. The digital player is a very "hands-off" machine, and is the only player you'll ever need. The AR-37 allows you to spend your time running your business rather than messing with ongoing maintenance.
What if I want both male and female voices on the same program?
Yes, we can use both a male and female voice on your program. We call it alternating voices. We can take it one production at a time to determine what is the right sound for your business. Alternating voices is a nice way to add separation to programs that are copy heavy and don't have much music between messages.
How will on hold message programs work with my voice mail system?
On Hold programs are the perfect complement to any voice mail system. Many of our clients use them hand in hand. Though callers are often transferred directly to voice mail, the hold time in the transfer process can take up to 30 seconds. Also, if you are in the office but not at your desk, the caller may hold while they're waiting for you to return to your phone. Best of all, the on hold programs are just a fraction of what you spent on your voice mail system. In addition, we work with a number of companies who want the same professional voice that's on their on hold messages to be on their voice mail system and even after hours recording. We would be happy to provide a quote.
Why can't I just record my own programs and play them?
A lot more goes into producing an on hold program than simply throwing some messages and music down on a tape or CD. Keep in mind what you play on hold is a part of your company image. You want something that sounds professional. We specialize in on hold message programs -- it's our expertise. Our account executives, copywriters and production staff know what it takes to make you not only sound great, but also get the most from your hold time. That leaves you more time to do what you do best...sell your products and services and provide customer service.
Why don't I recognize any of the music you have in your library?
When it comes to licensing popular or recognized artists, the licensing fees get very expensive. Also, instrumental music is best so that the lyrics don't conflict with your messages.
Why not just play radio or other music on hold? What is licensed music?
First of all, you're not using your hold time to your best advantage. That caller who's on hold has an interest in your business, otherwise, they would not have called. You have a captive audience. With the radio, it's possible they may hear an ad for a competitor...not just someone who's in direct competition with your business, but anyone who offers a product or service that competes with you for the limited dollars your caller may have to spend.
With the radio, you have an uncontrollable on hold environment. Don't be surprised if your callers end up hearing the music that does not suit their tastes, jokes that are in poor taste, or even depressing news reports. Is that really the image you want to portray to your customers?
When playing the radio, or a music tape or CD, you should also be concerned with licensing fees. Because you're playing music for which you haven't paid the proper licensing fees that cover royalties that are due the performers.
The people who write and perform music are usually represented by watchdog groups that help ensure royalties are paid when someone uses their music for business purposes. This includes music-on-hold. Even though radio stations pay licensing fees for their use of performers' music, playing radio on hold is considered "rebroadcasting" therefore you should pay your own licensing fees.
Can I use my jingle or school song on the program?
Yes, we can use your jingle. You'll have to provide it to us on either cassette, compact disc or digital audio tape. Once our production people have heard your jingle we can offer suggestions on the best way to incorporate it into your on hold productions.
Is it possible to record our on hold messages in other languages?
Yes, we have clients that we produce programs for in other languages. Translations are also available.
