Most phone companies, including BellSouth, will conduct specific studies to determine call rates and to what extent calls are not getting through. For businesses with multiple locations, particularly retailers, one phone number can be provided for all locations, but incoming calls will automatically be routed to the store or location nearest to the caller. Programmable software automatically does the job. For example, a pizza company with 20 locations around the city could advertise one number in all of its advertising and promotional materials. The caller dials the central number, and the programmable software automatically routes the call to the nearest store.
Most small businesses view the phone as merely an answering device.
Sometimes, the telephone is viewed as an obstacle and a curse. Most phone technology is used nowadays to shield the customer from the company. Voice mail is the best current example of effective technology that is being misused. Contact your telephone supplier and ask for an audit or explanation of what technologies, products and services are now available and how they can be customized for specific marketing use at your company. When talking to the phone company, know your marketing objectives.