Image
Top
Navigation
March 4, 2011

Ahoy – Automatic Call Distribution

When email and instant messaging alone aren’t enough, groups and teams that need a better communication solution usually turn to the telephone. The problem with that is that most calling systems are more complicated and more expensive than they really need to be. GoAhoy is aiming to change that perception, by creating a super-simple interactive calling system that any company can use.

To start using goAhoy to distribute phone calls to your team, sign up for a local or a toll free phone number that you group can use. GoAhoy offers more than 300 phone number options – including local numbers in both the U.S. and Canada – so you should have no problem finding something that works for your team. Next, add the names and phone numbers of everyone you want joining your virtual group. You can decide which people should get administrative privileges as well, which makes it possible to view call logs, add group members, edit group profiles, and view billing statements. When someone calls your new number, each team member’s desktop telephone will ring simultaneously. You can pick up the call, or hold off and let your colleague next door handle the situation.

Among the many interesting features that goAhoy users get access to are custom call menus, automatic call recordings, company-wide call forwarding, and personalized greetings that welcome callers and encourage repeat business. GoAhoy can easily be set up to reject any incoming calls that come in before or after business hours, and administrative users can set up call logs to track which employees are answering the most calls each month.

Practical Uses:

  • Make sure someone’s always around to answer calls from clients
  • Get a toll free number that customers can use when contacting your company
  • Save money by not hiring a receptionist to forward incoming calls
  • Track which calls were missed and promptly return those calls during business hours

Insider Tips:

  • Review call logs to see which employees picked up certain phone calls
  • Set up call menus and personalized welcome greetings
  • Determine which employees are worthy of having administrative privileges
  • Companies are not billed when their group status is turned off

What we liked:

  • GoAhoy has developed an easy way for sales teams to work together
  • Using goAhoy to manage incoming calls is much cheaper than hiring a full-time employee for the job
  • The distribution calling system can be turned off during non-working hours
  • GoAhoy allows companies to record incoming or forwarded calls

What we didn’t like:

  • GoAhoy charges a fee for each request for password information or a password reset

Alternatives:

Company Info:

  • Launched: 2011 (Beta)
  • Privately Held
  • Web site: {no longer operational as of 10/2011}

Costs:

  • $5/month for a phone number
  • ¢3/per minute, per received call
  • ¢3/per outgoing SMS, per password reset or password change

Submit a Comment

Posted By

Categories

Be Social