Conference Call Service Providers: How to Avoid the Bad Ones

With conference calls becoming a critical component of today's business, it is important to ensure that the provider of this service is able to provide the service for which they have been contracted for. As with any other service providers like cleaning, catering or transportation, it is vital that the service provider for your conference call facility will provide you a service that will enhance your business rather than bringing it to a stand-still.

Provided below are few suggestions that can save you future embarrassments or God forbid your business going belly-up.

Contractual Obligations

Ensure that the service provider provides you with a contract that clearly spells out the obligations of each party. You must be clear on what services you are paying for and the responsibilities you have towards the service provider. A contract that also provides an SLA (Service Level Agreement) is worth looking into. The SLA should specify both the responsibilities of both parties and the penalties for failure. Go through the contract with a tooth-comb to avoid surprises that can be buried in the small print. The services of a legal eagle should be considered before signing on the dotted line.

If your service provider can not offer a written contract, drop it like a hot potato.

Customer Care

When communicating with the service provider, take special note of the treatment you receive from their agents.

The service on offer should be clearly stated and any constraints should be highlighted right at the beginning. If the information provided is unclear or the agent can not satisfy all your questions, look elsewhere for the service.

If the agents are rude or arrogant, any assistance you require in the future is also likely to meet the same type of personality. Any organization which fosters such representatives should be avoided.

References

Ask the selected service provider to supply you with names of others who are utilizing their services. Call these clients and ask them for their view of the service being provided. If the service is bad, look elsewhere.

Contact other players in the industry you are in for information on the service providers or to recommend one they have had contact with.

Call the BBB, the Better Business Bureau to check on the provider you have selected. They will provide you with information to assist you in making a decision. If the company provides poor service, the BBB is likely to have been called by other business for their failure to provide a good service or praises for excellent service. Do not jump to pick any old company to provide you with conference call facilities. Make some enquiries first to determine the suitability and reliability of each company you want your business to depend on for supplying it with conference call service.

Resources:
Article, How to Choose the Right Conference Call Service, AllConferenceServics.com