2006-07-26 08:51:35 · 9 answers · asked by Amelia Jane 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Small Business
Speak to the guys at National Car Rental, they're slowly goin under (in the UK at least), so they might be able to help you out with equipment.
but don't ask them for advice.
2006-07-26 08:57:25 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The best routes to take are to research the process of starting a business as well as the industry you're interested in.
I recommend checking out the SBA, Entrepreneur, The Start Up Journal & Nolo. All 4 are great informational resources for the new/small business owner. I posted links for you in the source box.
Associations may be a good avenue to explore. These organizations will address many of the thoughts, questions and concerns you'll inevitably have as well as many you haven't anticipated yet. See the source box for some relevant links.
Research, research, research – this cannot be stressed enough. Read as much as you can about the industry. Here are some book titles that are relevant:
* The Call Center Handbook: The Complete Guide to Starting, Running, and Improving Your Call Center by Keith Dawson
* The Executive Guide to Call Center Metrics by James C. Abbott
* Call Centers For Dummies ® by Réal Bergevin
* Call Center Operation: Design, Operation and Maintenance by Duane Sharp
There are plenty of free informational resources out there. Check the source box for links to articles.
Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!
2006-07-26 10:00:32 · answer #2 · answered by TM Express™ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi there
I used to run an operations organisation with a call centre. The fundamental thing you need as an ACD system, this is Automatic Call Distribution. In effect it shares incoming calls across the team of people answering.
But there is a lot more you can put in a call centre. For example you can integrate a client database with the incoming call, it takes the CLI (tel number) of the caller, searches the database, pulls up a screen with all the client details - and all in a fraction of a second so that you can serve the caller/customer more effectively.
More recently you can get IP based ACD systems, one advantage of these is that it is easier to share calls across your team whether they are at home or in the office - this can save on office costs !!
Overall there is much too much to cover in one answer. My recommendation is to contact a telco provider and ask for their advice.
Lastly there is cost. For an ACD system you can pay anything from a few hundred pounds for a small second hand system with 10 or so agents (people taking calls) to £100K or even £1m+ for large call centres with fully integrated systems.
I hope this helps
2006-07-26 09:11:44 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, first off look up your local (or national) entrepenuerial body. Governments and organisations support businesses, so they could offer you very good help! For the first few weeks, you could always trial-run with your own home. Richard Branson worked off the public phone down the road at first! You should definitely look at case studies in your field and the competition. I'm sure you'd need something like a switchboard and lots of phones. You could easily set up in a garage and work your way up. Employees could be local people from your neighbourhood.
Do look at case studies though! And good luck : )
2006-07-26 09:02:30 · answer #4 · answered by Lost_megafan!! 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I helped create the above mentioned Call Centers for Dummies. You can purchase on the Hardware and software, outsource or buy into a fully hosted service. I recommend you focus on what you want the call center to achieve and then learn the metrics to make it successful. Read that book and email that group for more info.
2006-07-28 04:22:36 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A lot of phones and desks/cubicles. For phones, check out Avaya and Planktronics. You will need multiline phones and headsets to match. Computers and a computer system to match whatever you plan to run the call center on. For creating PO's, make sure you have a reliable system that will not loose the customer's information!
2006-07-26 10:16:27 · answer #6 · answered by L 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't start one. Outsource to one abroad. Try Malta Com, Dial IT in Malta. It's a lot easier and cheaper.
Empire Stores in Yorkshire set up an operation there. Find their no and ask for a recomendation.
2006-07-27 11:24:28 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A phone line, loads of computers and a coach load of tosspots willing to work for the minimum wage in appalling conditions
2006-07-26 09:01:58 · answer #8 · answered by David R 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check this site:
http://www.dizzay.com/dizzay/Topic_View.asp?Topic_idx=337&DocID=23
2006-07-26 09:03:29 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋