Answering phones (for businesses)

[gameover]

Hi,

What is the generally accepted "correct" way to answer a phone, if its for a business?

I always find it annoying after calling a company, they then say their company name. Of course it is that company when I called them. I can't recall ever calling a wrong number (maybe I just don't call that many numbers not in my phone book or something), so i can't really see the point in those "Hello acme corp, jane speaking" answers...

j/w your thoughts on this matter

 

[Gackt]

It's probably to confirm that the person has reached the correct place, and not, in fact, dialled an incorrect number (due to a mistake on their part, or from where the number was retrieved).

 

[Stelly]

I normally go for Business name, my name.... then a sorta can I help you... no one complains...

Stelly

 

[Andy100]

I can guarantee that if you phoned a company and they answered by just saying hello the first question you would ask is "Hi, is that <company>?"

 

[SwishSpencor]

I say "Hello, you're through to Spencer how can I help?" and I get people saying "Is this Elliott Loohire?", I'm just like -_- "Yea".

 

[Jono]

Good morning, <Company Name, <My First Name> speaking. seems to work ok.

 

[Beerbaron]

i sometimes get people calling my direct number asking for a theatre, thanks 118 118


.....and i dont work for a theatre

 

[semi-pro waster]

"Hello <company name> my name is <name>" and either leave it there or add "how can I help you" sort of thing, depends if it seems appropriate but unless I think it is an internal call I will use the company name because it is generally deemed more professional to give an introduction and confirm that the client is through to the correct place. You may never have dialled incorrectly but I can assure you I've spoken to scores of people who have dialled incorrectly - some of them even seem to ignore the messages you get when you are on hold which refer to the company.

 

[Aruffell]

I had to get some new turfs the other day and they answered saying "Hello" I waited 5 seconds and they said it again, so i confirmed "Are you the turf place".

Would have been easier if they said who they were.

Andy

 

[Cosimo]

“Good morning/afternoon, company name, my name, how can I help you”

 

[Ironic Namesake]

Good morning <company name> , get lots of people dialling the wrong number so it does come in useful that they know who they're calling

 

[Raymond Lin]

Trust me, if i answer my phone with just "Hello", they'll say "Is this x company?"

You might not, but most people will.

 

[Steve2000]

Gooooood aftanooon madam.

 

[Cosimo]

Gooooood aftanooon madam.

You're Fired!

 

[Marky]

<Good Morning/Afternoon>, <Company Name>.

That's it

 

[Trifid]

If it is an external number:

Hello, <business name> IT Department <name> speaking, how may I help.

Internal name that I recognise:

Hello <their name>

Internal that I do not recognise:

Hello, IT department <name> speaking, how may I help?

It is usually followed by them hanging up though.

 

[panthro]

I just say "hello <my name>" as I have a direct dial number which only colleagues and other business associates have, so 99% of the time people know its my they are calling. I work with some people though who just say "hello" or just state their first name or their surname.
Plus I have a Cisco IP phone with caller ID so usually know who it is anyway.

 

[J.B]

When I worked at Ramada Jarvis we had a right mouthful

"Good <morning/afternoon/evening> Ramda Jarvis central reservations, my names <name>. How may I help you?"

People used to get tounge tied all the time

 

[Kemik]

I was told to say:

Tax department, Sean speaking.

Note: I don't work for HMRC. Please do not come after me with pitchforks. I work for one of the companies who get you out of paying tax.

 

[Sankari]

"Yo, bro! How's your ho?"