Posted 2016-03-14 9:29 PM Subject: You advertise. ANSWER your messages.
Boot Detective
Posts: 1900
I will try to say this nicely. Don't place an ad if you are not going to answer your phone nor return voicemails nor return emails. It's rude and unprofessional. If the advertised horse or merchandise is sold, mark it sold or delete your ad.
Also if someone emails you about a horse, answer ALL of their questions, not just the ones you want. It will save buyer and seller both a lot of wasted time if you tell the truth up front.
Thanks!!!!!!!
Posted 2016-03-15 2:02 PM Subject: RE: You advertise. ANSWER your messages.
Expert
Posts: 1898
I am probably one of those you'd be mad at!
I am very specific on how to get a hold of me. I always put my cell number and email on an add and then ask that prospective buyers text or email first. After first correspondence I ask if the buyer would like to continue in text or email OR if they would prefer I called them.
I do this for three reasons. It's easier on me, I have a memory loss problem so it helps me keep track of numbers and names and asked questions. It is very frustrating for the buyer when I ask them the same questions over and over. It's easier for me to just read through what is written every time. Plus, I don't answer my phone if it's a number I do not recognize. Second, I have no cell service at my house, if you leave a voice message there is a very good possibility it is going to get lost in cell space somewhere and I am not going to get it until weeks later. I don't have internet at my house either. Text messages and emails usually come through after I get back in cell service. Lastly, it weeds out a lot of tire kickers. If something I dislike more than rattlesnakes and Hillary it's tire kickers.
I do have a land line but on the unlikely occasion that I am in the house, I don't answer the phone unless I know the number. I will give a prospective buyer my land line when I am certain they are a serious buyer. I don't want to have to be tied to the house waiting on someone to call me about a horse.
I have probably lost some sales because of this but I have never not sold a horse. I figure there will always be a buyer who is willing to wait.
You advertise. ANSWER your messages.
