Digital Music on Hold – Keeping Customers Content

It's happened to us all – we call up a support line or a business and end up getting put on hold. In some instances we're left with nothing but our thoughts while other occasions may find us listening to horrible music that drives us absolutely crazy. While everyone's tastes are different, there's no way to deny that horrible on hold music can actually turn a standard business call into an annoyance that most would rather avoid. Today's businesses have an advantage over those of yesterday since they can utilize digital music on hold to provide at least some form of entertainment to those who call their company. While nobody likes to be put on hold, digital music on hold can at least make the wait slightly more bearable.

Digital music on hold is simply the process of playing music to those waiting for any kind of service from your company, whether it is in technical support or simply waiting to be connected with one of your departments. Studies have shown that adding music on hold can help increase the patience of those on hold when they're placed on hold for longer than average times. In most cases instrumental music is used and several tracks are placed on a loop, although some companies have linked in popular music to their digital music on hold services.

The process works simply. The music is sent through a music on hold system that can be linked into answering machines and standard phones, although it's important to note that call waiting services eliminate the ability to use digital music on hold. To circumnavigate this issue most companies utilize call forwarding in place of call waiting. Installation is very simple to set up and most companies find that they can do so without requiring outside assistance, although some opt to let professional installers handle it just to ensure that no issues arise. Once it is set up, any caller to your company who is placed on hold will hear the music that is installed in the music on hold system.
Some companies utilize digital music on hold features to deliver messages to the caller. While some take the opportunity to talk about upcoming promotions, explain certain policies, or discuss products, others play messages that address frequently asked questions to help solve common problems while the user waits for whomever they're calling for. Some companies hire professional voice talent companies to record these messages while others simply use an in house worker to record the various messages.
Costs for a digital music on hold system usually cost above one hundred dollars, although just how much higher than that really depends upon the specific needs of a company. Certain features may cost extra, but most will find that the standard package solves most of their on hold music needs. No matter what type of company you run there are numerous benefits to be had from digital music on hold. Adding this simple feature to your call system can help improve customer patience as well as customer satisfaction. It's a minimal investment that can pay off in ways you might not even realize.