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Despite modern day technologies of social media and emails, there are many people who would rather talk to you on the phone. I’ve found this is especially true of older customers placing an order.
I’ve had a few Cutting for Business readers ask me for best practices during phone calls in their craft business. Today, I’m sharing a few tips.
3 Tips for Taking Phone Orders in Your Craft Business
- Schedule a time. Offer to call the potential customer at a time that works for you. I know that many Cutting for Business readers have small children, elderly parents to take care of, or jobs to work during the day. By scheduling a call, you can prevent customers from missing you or calling at a bad time. Obviously, be sure to follow through and call when you say you will.
- Write it down as you go. Take notes while on the phone with your potential customer. It’ll be easier to remember the details.
- Email the customer a summary. Immediately after hanging up with the customer, email them with a recap of your conversation. Be sure to confirm with them that all details are correct.
If you are in the USA, you do not have to provide a customer service phone number for your customers. In other countries, local laws may require that you have a phone number available for customers of your small business. If you don’t want customers calling your cell or home phone consider Google Voice – it’s free!
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Since 2015, Christine Schinagl has been helping crafters start and run craft businesses through her blog, Cutting for Business. As a Silhouette and Cricut crafter herself, she has a unique take on what works and what doesn’t work in the craft business world. She also enjoys teaching other crafters how to create digital SVG designs, available through the Design with Me series.
Khadija Rangwala
Tuesday 9th of October 2018
Thank you so much for this article!
Christine
Tuesday 16th of October 2018
Happy to share!
lynne
Friday 11th of March 2016
Another reason I do not give my phone number is that customers are scattered across time zones. They will also publicly share your number on message boards.
Christine
Friday 11th of March 2016
I absolutely agree Lynne!
Cheryl
Wednesday 9th of March 2016
I was a caterer for 26 years and quickly learned that it is much easier to keep everything in writing. That way, there is no confusion as to who said what and the paper trail can be referred to at any time. So I have carried this over to my Etsy shop as well and customers have been okay with it. That said, I am super careful what I put in writing about what I will offer and when orders will ship. I make sure that I can deliver and keep my word!
Christine
Thursday 10th of March 2016
Awesome Cheryl! I couldn't agree with you more! Christine
Debra Spinks
Wednesday 9th of March 2016
This is a great article. However, the link to the Google Voice info instead goes to the post about keeping your personal information personal.
Christine
Wednesday 9th of March 2016
Good catch Debra! I fixed it up. That's what I get for editing a post with a toddler in my lap! Christine