Came across this intriguing virtual customer service company in the latest issue of Business 2.0 magazine:
Company Name: Apptera
Based In: SAN BRUNO, CA
Concept: They eliminate phone-tree hell for thousands of midsize and small businesses. If you've bought Amtrak tickets over the phone, then you know "Julie," the virtual customer-service rep who didn't put you on hold, understood everything you said, and helped you book your tickets faster than you could have done it online. Unfortunately, Julie is a rarity in phone-based customer service, because the speech-recognition and transaction software that makes her so responsive costs more than most small companies can afford. Now comes Apptera, with the first off-the-shelf application that makes it possible to install a "Julie" at a fraction of the cost.
The article claims the system is less than $ 200k. Amtraks' "Julie" system reportedly cost more than a million dollars to implement.
I couldn't find any customer references on their site to try them out with.
Hi Dude,
ReplyDeleteThe idea of the virtual customer service comes up with the need of the customers to connect with your client’s brand anytime they want. Customer service can be a true differentiator and a driver of both top line and bottom line growth. Thank you...