Calls from clients when not working?

[Mrk'sLawn]

When your not working for whatever reason and the cell rings and it's a customer, do you answer? I got 3 calls yesterday from a guy I do work for but I was having a little me time, (fishing) Even though I work for them, I feel if I'm busy doing other things I have no obligation to answer the phone if I'm not working. Any thoughts?;)

[qualitylawncarefresno]

Nothing Wrong With That. They Can Always Leave A Message.

[PMLAWN]

Brings up the phrase-- "this phone is for my convenience, not anybody else's"

Your call but if it was during business hours it would be best to answer and address concerns. After hours, leave a mess.
My real estate phone even says that if this call is after 8PM I will return the call tomorrow.

[oOTurfmanoO]

business line. Having said this, if the number isn't in my called ID or I don't recognize it after hours, I don't answer.

As for the weekends, depending on the time and what the hesk I am doing, I will or will not answer.

[Team-Green L&L]

Isn't voicemail wonderful!

[bigjeeping]

Unfortunately I am still in the same boat as many of you and my cell phone dubs as my business line. If it's past 6:00 I usually won't answer. 95% of the time they leave a msg!

However.... a funny story. A few years ago when I started the business I was still getting used to the whole personal vs. business calls on my cell phone. One night I was out with the boys drinking. Around midnight my phone begins ringing and I don't recognize the number on the ID. I was assuming it was probably a friend calling from someone else's phone.

Impulsively, I tell my friend to answer it since I don't know who it is.

Buddy: Hello?
Lady: Oh Hi I wasn't expecting to get somebody on the phone.
Me: (Guys turn down the music it's a business call!!!!!!!!!)
Buddy: Oh yes we'll we just finished working for the day.
Lady: Wow you guys must be hard workers, I'm looking for a snowplowing estimate.
Buddy: Let me transfer you to Zach he deals with estimates
(he hands me the phone)


Etc...... man that was a laugh.

[Pro-Scapes]

Im deaf... all calls go to voice mail. My wife does the voice mail when she can. I got most of my clients trained. They text me or email my PDA. You would be surprised at how accepting people are to this.

I read lips really well in person for the most part and I talk perfectly still (only deaf 6 years)

Only calls i miss is from mexicans wanting to work.. They get the company cell off the trucks

[HOOLIE]

Yes voicemail is great, and it's there for a reason.

You can also assign a particular ringtone to family and friends, so if you don't hear that ringtone you'll know it's a business call.

[Mrk'sLawn]

I have a business 800# that transfers to my cell, push 1 to send caller to voice mail 2 to accept. I sent this guy to voice mail 2 times the third time he hangs up before saying anything. I can call in in listen to my messages when I'm on the road but I'm not sure my pass word to access it that way. Usually I check it through my pc. I use Ringcentral as my service. It's nice. Has music when on hold... Just the fact that he can leave one message and I will check it when I get the time. Don't keep calling. Not a big deal. I have to list my hours of operation on my cards and on my contracts.

[topsites]

I answer it if I feel like it, literally, whether during on or off hours, if I'm in the mood I take it, if I'm not in the mood I know way better than to. The other thing I do a lot is to leave the cell phone someplace such as if I go to a restaurant the phone stays in the car, so it is the easy way of I do not let my dinner be disturbed.

yup, been doing it like that for some time, you are the boss, this is your boat, so drive it like you pwn it.

[Branchland]

I usually will answer mine. But there is times I just don't want to. Whatever be the reason. I call them back when I can. If it was over the weekend I just tell them that I was spending time with my family(hint). or if it's during the weekday I tell them I was in a neighborhood that I don't get good phone service in. And I do have 2 that are like that.

But I if I don't answer I try to call them back in a timely manner because they are our customers and we do offer customer service.

[KB Klippers]

I ususally answer it. If it is inconvenient at the time, I tell them to call back or I raise the minimum cut price so high that it is worth my while....kinda like overtime...I just think about reaching out for that great big handle on the cash register, pulling it back, and...CHA CHING! SHOW ME YOUR MONEY:laughing:

[leadarrows]

As long as I still need all the work I can get... I will take the calls. When I don't care anymore I won't. It's that simple for me right now.

[J&R Landscaping]

If I have sometime to talk, I will answer but if I'm pre-occupied, Leave a message and I'll get back to you! JMO

[jazak]

Thats why you have two cell phones. One for work ony and the other for personal. T-Mobiles the best 1500 minutes for $40 per month.

[lawncare3]

For me office hours are M-F 9am-10pm friday and sat I will answer if I feel likt it. I never get me time. That's why I have a personal cel and business cell.