Texting / Mobile Phones

[ppentertainments]

I know this has been covered before, but has anyone found more and more people texting for enquiries and even bookings.

Main reason for asking is just before logging on here, I received a text enquiry. Earlier today, I also had a text asking about Bank Transfer details.

I was never a lover of texting and found it very unproffessional. However I have responded by text to those who have text me - something I said I would never do.

I am also finding people texting to confirm meetings, if running late, even a bride on the morning of her wedding to check if everything was ok.

I have been thinking about the reasons - people now get free texts, you are more likely to receive a quicker reply than email, saves time (??).

As a side subject, I am becoming more and more dependant on my mobile phone. Whilst on holiday last week I managed to secure 3 bookings, send and receive booking forms, recieve deposits into my bank which I checked my phone and sent confirmation via email on my phone. (I did apologise for using this method, but all concerned were fine).

Just a topic for discussion methinks. :)

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

has anyone found more and more people texting for enquiries and even bookings.


Never had one.

Thinking about it, this is probably because I don't advertise my mobile number...:muppet: :o :muppet:

[ppentertainments]

Never had one.

Thinking about it, this is probably because I don't advertise my mobile number...:muppet: :o :muppet:
:D :D :D :D

Actually another angle here- are people using mobile phones more and more ?? Even people ringing me on my landline (which is usually diverted to my mobile), tend to use a mobile phone rather than a landline. TBH if it was not for SKY TV and Broadband I don't think I would have a landline personally.

[Big Mix Mobile Disco]

I know this has been covered before, but has anyone found more and more people texting for enquiries and even bookings.

Main reason for asking is just before logging on here, I received a text enquiry. Earlier today, I also had a text asking about Bank Transfer details.

I was never a lover of texting and found it very unproffessional. However I have responded by text to those who have text me - something I said I would never do.

I am also finding people texting to confirm meetings, if running late, even a bride on the morning of her wedding to check if everything was ok.

I have been thinking about the reasons - people now get free texts, you are more likely to receive a quicker reply than email, saves time (??).

As a side subject, I am becoming more and more dependant on my mobile phone. Whilst on holiday last week I managed to secure 3 bookings, send and receive booking forms, recieve deposits into my bank which I checked my phone and sent confirmation via email on my phone. (I did apologise for using this method, but all concerned were fine).

Just a topic for discussion methinks. :)

Its called .... evolution :D :D :D :D

[Ecstatic Events]

Thinking about it, this is probably because I don't advertise my mobile number...:muppet: :o :muppet:

Lol

Its some peoples preferred method of communication I guess!

I have recently confirmed a booking and had severals enquiries through Facebook too - :eek:

[ppentertainments]

Lol
I have recently confirmed a booking and had severals enquiries through Facebook too - :eek:
I still can't get my head round that :Censored: site :mad: . Must be the only person in the world who does not use it.

[Vectis]

Must be the only person in the world who does not use it.

Errr.... nope.

Managed to set up an account once upon a long ago but "use" is a bit strong really for what I do with it.


As for conducting business by SMS, no thanks. Nothing to do with being a luddite, it's far too informal and difficult to prove any disputes.

I've had the occasional "everything OK for tomorrow" type messages, which are fine, but quotes, bookings etc. forget it.

[Corabar Entertainment]

Never had one.

Thinking about it, this is probably because I don't advertise my mobile number...:muppet: :o :muppet:
Snap! :)

[Corabar Steve]

But then again Solitaire Entertainments & Corabar Entertainment are both full time (limited) companies.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

But then again Solitaire Entertainments & Corabar Entertainment are both full time professional compnies.

Whereas everyone else is rubbish. :D :D :D :D :D :D

[CRAZY K]

I still can't get my head round that :Censored: site :mad: . Must be the only person in the world who does not use it.

No me too===

To answer the point yes we are using texts more now--but only for the odd confirmation---like to people on Holiday to confirm bookings have been arranged. They have their phones with them all the time--I sent a text to a client somewhere in Spain and got a reply in seconds!!!!!!!!!!!!

I dont think we will expand on texts but they have the odd use for instant direct contact.

To summarise--it appears to me more people have a mobile phone and have it near them all the time as opposed to an email facility--

But im not interested in giving quotes and corresponding by text.

I mean you dont do this with your Soilicitor do you:confused:

ALTHOUGH I get automatic texts confirming my Dental Appts--so maybe theres a bit of potential there--dont know what the automatic texting service linked to your Disco diary would cost:eek:

[Corabar Steve]

Whereas everyone else is rubbish. :D :D :D :D :D :D
Indeed:sj:

[Corabar Entertainment]

I mean you dont do this with your Soilicitor do you:confused: Ermm.... actually, one of the biggest areas of growth before the 'bust' was SMS bolt-ons to case management systems so that the client received text updates on property transactions. A lot of firms were doing it (although the systems are quite expensive for what they are and I suspect that a lot will have gone by the wayside during the down-turn by way of economising.)

Obviously, these were sent from computers rather than by mobile phones, and the client's couldn't text back.

[Pazz]

I know this has been covered before, but has anyone found more and more people texting for enquiries and even bookings.

Main reason for asking is just before logging on here, I received a text enquiry. Earlier today, I also had a text asking about Bank Transfer details.

I was never a lover of texting and found it very unproffessional. However I have responded by text to those who have text me - something I said I would never do.

I am also finding people texting to confirm meetings, if running late, even a bride on the morning of her wedding to check if everything was ok.

I have been thinking about the reasons - people now get free texts, you are more likely to receive a quicker reply than email, saves time (??).

As a side subject, I am becoming more and more dependant on my mobile phone. Whilst on holiday last week I managed to secure 3 bookings, send and receive booking forms, recieve deposits into my bank which I checked my phone and sent confirmation via email on my phone. (I did apologise for using this method, but all concerned were fine).

Just a topic for discussion methinks. :)

Yes. I had a period of a few months this year where I was receiving more text message enquiries than any other form. I'm not sure how it happened like this (and I did start a thread at the time) as I wasn't overly keen on responding thinking it unprofessional like yourself. But, since then I have changed my opinion and my conclusion is you have to move with the times - busy lifestyles, cheap or free texts (like you mentioned) and more and more people preferring this method rather than speaking!

Strangely though, I haven't had a text enquiry for a couple of months now and I'm back to the trusty email, website enquiry form and telephone enquiries these days.:)

[simon1969]

Not ever had a booking by text and I wouldn't be too happy if I did !!
My mobile number is on my business cards though go figure that!!!
Unless we are just really classy up north!!! :D :D :ner:

[ppentertainments]

ALTHOUGH I get automatic texts confirming my Dental Appts--so maybe theres a bit of potential there--dont know what the automatic texting service linked to your Disco diary would cost:eek:

I get texts from my sons school and even our local Mercedes dealer texts when your car is ready for collection after service / repair.

Then again Mercedes are not professionals are they :p

[Corabar Steve]

Mechanics. 'nuf said :sj:

[BeerFunk]

I don't think texting sits right as a means of formal or business communication either, but I think it is inevitably going to be accepted as such over time.

You have to bear in mind that 'texting' is still a relatively new phenomenon, and in that time has become a universally accepted form of communication.

[rob1963]

I've never received an enquiry by text, and hope it stays that way.

If I DID receive one, I'd either ignore it or text them back saying that I don't deal with enquiries by text & ask them to email me or telephone me.

[ppentertainments]

I've never received an enquiry by text, and hope it stays that way.

If I DID receive one, I'd either ignore it or text them back saying that I don't deal with enquiries by text & ask them to email me or telephone me.

That is exactly what my opinion USED to be.

[Gareth]

I think that moving on with the age is a good thing. I would of quite agreed that it is unprofessional but working for a massive worldwide company has made me realise that it easier with today society.

Gareth

[rob1963]

I have been thinking about the reasons - people now get free texts, you are more likely to receive a quicker reply than email, saves time (??).

Personally, I disagree about being more likely to receive a quicker reply than email & that it saves time...certainly in my case.

Firstly, I'd say that it's quicker to fill in the enquiry form on my website than to compose & send me a text.

Secondly, emails or queries are more likely to arrive quickly than texts, as I've had a number of occasions where a friend has sent me a text, and it took a good few hours, or in some cases a day or two to arrive. I've had other occasions where someone sent me a text which didn't arrive at all.

[DeckstarDeluxe]

whatever works for the customer works for me.

That said, nobody has done any formal business with me by text.

[Booche]

Had a few enquires etc by text, but i think texting services are becoming more popular now and i honestly think that it will become the "Way" in future, like what has been already mentioned alot of clients have always got there mobile with them so its easier to send a text then jumping on a pc when you get home plus with the newer phones having net access its even better as they can check you out on the go and then just text..

Also i think texting could maybe help as evidence if anything ever went to court as you have more proof then just a phone call (unless you record your calls) or am i just blowing hotwater now lol

Cheers Dave :)

[Jiggles]

Couldn't careless how I got the booking. If its a good payer and they pay up so what where it came from? Sure you cant do everything via text!

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I've never received an enquiry by text, and hope it stays that way.

If I DID receive one, I'd either ignore it or text them back saying that I don't deal with enquiries by text & ask them to email me or telephone me.

Seems a bit silly to text them back to tell them that you don't text back...:sj:

[rob1963]

Seems a bit silly to text them back to tell them that you don't text back...:sj:

I didn't say I'd text them to say I don't text back, I said I'd text them to say I don't deal with enquiries by text & would ask them to phone or email me.

In other words, whatever they were asking in their text, they wouldn't get an answer, just an instruction to contact me by a different method.

:D :D :D

[yourdj]

it's far too informal and difficult to prove any disputes

exactly :) if a customer has a problem post event which some do. ntohing better than a list of emails to and from. never had that problem but pretty sure i will at some point.


I've never received an enquiry by text, and hope it stays that way.

very impersonal. i do not like phones but i would rather talk to somone. all text i have had have been ignored. email is the future (for now) as loads of phones have it these days.


this is probably because I don't advertise my mobile number...:muppet: :o :muppet:

:p


whatever works for the customer works for me.

That said, nobody has done any formal business with me by text.

i cannot see how? i had a meeting with someone this morning and this evening re weddings and we texted but thats it as we lost each other.

unless skype manages to take over mobile networks properly?


Seems a bit silly to text them back to tell them that you don't text back...:sj:

:p

[CRAZY K]

Ermm.... actually, one of the biggest areas of growth before the 'bust' was SMS bolt-ons to case management systems so that the client received text updates on property transactions. A lot of firms were doing it (although the systems are quite expensive for what they are and I suspect that a lot will have gone by the wayside during the down-turn by way of economising.)

Obviously, these were sent from computers rather than by mobile phones, and the client's couldn't text back.

Ahh I was talking about Soilicitors--I really must have an early night ;)

I imagine these are not traditional Solicitors but Conveyancing firms set up
for the purpose of quick and cheap legal transactions which kinda makes sense that they would be using text I guess.

I cant see a Solicitor texting someone and saying---

Divorced now congrats btw cu in the office laters 4 T

:Laugh: :Laugh: :Laugh: :Laugh: :Laugh:

Although my dentist sends confirmation of appointments its a peripheral part of a Professional service.

Mind you my quotes include recommendations from existing clients, several video clips and a lot of information---text is a non starter in my opinion.

Course if your reply quote is--yeah no problem its sixty quid--regards sid

Thats fair enough:eek:

[ppentertainments]

exactly :) if a customer has a problem post event which some do. ntohing better than a list of emails to and from. never had that problem but pretty sure i will at some point.

Not sure how, but I can transfer my texts to a googlemail account thus enabling me to print out any correspondance, surely similar to email ??


Course if your reply quote is--yeah no problem its sixty quid--regards sid

Thats fair enough:eek:
No, but your reply could direct them to your website for more info (or all neccesary info if you have a good site), then they can come back to you.

Most, if not all, text enquiries I have had have been reccomendation or people who have spoken to me at a gig. They therefore know what to expect and will know the pricing, service etc already. In fact the last booking I done by text (only done three :) ) never mentioned pricing etc. They wanted me and were only interested in if I was available, I was so they booked.


I am still uncomfortable with doing business by texts, but definetly think it will increase in the future.

[DJWilson]

I've had around 3 people text me about gig's in the past 3 weeks.

One confirmed, other turned away as it's the BPM weekender :D

[Corabar Entertainment]

I imagine these are not traditional Solicitors but Conveyancing firms set up for the purpose of quick and cheap legal transactions which kinda makes sense that they would be using text I guess.Then you'd imagine wrong :p - and it's far from a cheap option!

The idea behind it is that the system sends out short update messages (ie from the CMS program on the computer, but sent by SMS so it is received by the client on their mobile, which hopefully will cut down on the number of telephone calls received from the client asking for updates, leaving more time to actually get on with some work...... that's the theory anyway! The client can't text back / carry on conversations via text..... it's a one-way street.

I wouldn't have a problem with brief updates like that, but that sort of thing isn't really applicable to our industry.

Actually conducting business by SMS just seems wrong to me, and if any client cares so little about their event that they would try and make a booking in this way, then I doubt they are my client in the first place.

[Excalibur]

Never had one.

Thinking about it, this is probably because I don't advertise my mobile number...:muppet: :o :muppet:
Then in this this respect, I'm at least one up on you. :p One nil to the Dinosaurs. :D :D :D



:D :D :D :D

Actually another angle here- are people using mobile phones more and more ?? Even people ringing me on my landline (which is usually diverted to my mobile), tend to use a mobile phone rather than a landline. TBH if it was not for SKY TV and Broadband I don't think I would have a landline personally.
Inclusive calls mate. ;) The only numbers I ever call from the landline are freecall and local call. ( They're no longer inclusive on my package. )


I still can't get my head round that :Censored: site :mad: . Must be the only person in the world who does not use it.
Facebook? Not for me either.

But then again Solitaire Entertainments & Corabar Entertainment are both full time (limited) companies.
Pardon me for being particularly dimmer than usual, but I fail to see the relevance of that statement. :confused: :confused: Are you saying that enterprises of the magnitude of yourselves and Darrren eschew such plebeian forms of communication? :confused: :confused:

I didn't say I'd text them to say I don't text back, I said I'd text them to say I don't deal with enquiries by text & would ask them to phone or email me.

In other words, whatever they were asking in their text, they wouldn't get an answer, just an instruction to contact me by a different method.

:D :D :D
Smoke signals, semaphore, carrier pigeon, I don't care. If they can convey to me somehow that they wish to avail themselves of my services, and they've got £60 in their pocket, they're my customer. ;) Signed, sealed, and delivered.

[soundscapes]

surely whatever form of communication the customer desires is best ? if they wish to conduct thier initial enquiry by text then i dont see the problem. by refusing to deal with a customer by sms you risk losing the booking. seems a little petty to me. as mobile phones as opposed to landlines are increasing in popularity steadily, there is a very real chance that one of "your kind of customers" may choose to deal via sms.

[CRAZY K]

Actually conducting business by SMS just seems wrong to me, and if any client cares so little about their event that they would try and make a booking in this way, then I doubt they are my client in the first place.

Same here, it seems to me to be related to price driven clients--who I dont want.

How can anyone assess your proposition by text--unless its price only:eek:

I phone --thats what I seem to be getting messages from rather than texts.

[ppentertainments]

Same here, it seems to me to be related to price driven clients--who I dont want.

How can anyone assess your proposition by text--unless its price only:eek:

I phone --thats what I seem to be getting messages from rather than texts.
My last booking by text ended up being £580 :confused: :confused:

[Corabar Steve]

Pardon me for being particularly dimmer than usual,
You're pardoned


Are you saying that enterprises of the magnitude of yourselves and Darrren eschew such plebeian forms of communication? :confused: :confused: Yup! (certainly for business purposes anyway) As Angela so succinctly put it in the post prior to yours

Actually conducting business by SMS just seems wrong to me, and if any client cares so little about their event that they would try and make a booking in this way, then I doubt they are my client in the first place.

[Shaun]

We had a similar thread a few months ago (http://www.forum.mobilediscodirectory.co.uk/showthread.php?t=25974).

My views from then haven't changed so here's my posts from that topic....

My highest paying job last year came via text. Professional couple in a great venue; even the afluent use modern techology. I received the text and called them back on the number they sent it from.

As far I can recall I've never received any others via text.


I'm still having a difficult time comprehending why the method of initial contact matters, or why some wouldn't respond. I'd never ignore an enquirer. Heck, they can use carrier pigeons and smoke signals for all I care.

[CRAZY K]

My last booking by text ended up being £580 :confused: :confused:

Presumably the inital enquiry bit--i guess it wasnt---

TEXT ru free on 7th July---
reply--yeah its £580 reply==

TEXT grt lets go ahead:D :D :D

IF YOU GET MY DRIFT;)

I actually must admit that my best paid booking ever was started by a text now I come to think of it.:eek:

However its not happened recently so generally it doesnt work for me.

[DJMaxG]

Shaun,
I was about to say the same :

Call back on the number (providing it doesnt start in 0901 for instance), and ask for further details to provide a quote upon.