Forum Discussion

westernrvparkow's avatar
Feb 07, 2016

Returning Phone Messages

This is the off season for many RV Parks. Often you need to leave a message on an answering device to speak to a park employee. I have a few suggestions that will help that process.

1. Speak slowly, clearly, and repeat the phone number.
2. Include the area code when you leave that phone number.
3. Include your name in your message.
4. Include the reason for your call
5. Keep the background noise to a minimum, screaming kids and booming music won't speed up a callback or make it easier for us to understand your message.
6. Even if you are upset we didn't answer the phone, don't tell your spouse "They aren't $%&#ing, answering either" before leaving your message.
7. Leave a BRIEF message about what you are seeking, but please, don't leave an unpublished novel.
8. If you are calling to complain about one of our policies, it is best to wait until you are called back before starting your rant. I am very unlikely to return a call from someone who's message is "Why do you have the stupid policy that we have to have our dogs on a leash?"

We really do want to call you back, but nearly one out of every 5 messages in unintelligible. If you don't get a callback, it won't hurt to try again, because it is possible we couldn't understand your message, unfortunately it happens.

47 Replies

  • I usually give my name and phone number twice (once at the beginning, and once at the end) when leaving a message.

    When I receive a message at home, I'll listen casually and then reach for a pencil and paper if needed. I then usually need to replay the message to get the phone number. I like it when the number is repeated (slowly) at the end so that I can write it down without repeating the message.
  • Fizz wrote:
    There is nothing more frustrating than a long message with a garbled up phone number at the very end.
    You'd think after 40 years of using answering devices, people would eventually learn how to do it. Perhaps they don't have one themselves and have no idea how their gibberish sounds.

    My usual offering? "702-xxx-yyyy, Chris, 702-xxx-yyyy". I see little reason to leave even a brief message since we're going to be repeating all of it on the phone.

    I hope the OP has all those points spoken on his greeting.
  • There is nothing more frustrating than a long message with a garbled up phone number at the very end. You have to go through all of it again, hoping to catch it on the second try.
  • Use email. Much less confusing. Now that assumes the park will actually read it.
    Parks often list an email addy as a token gesture to the wired world, but don't pay much attention to it.

    I use the phone if there's no other way.
  • In our small business which is not RV related, I usually let the answering machine take the calls as many are robotic "junk" calls. If we are quite busy this does not affect our bottom line. We have 2 people working and don't need these distractions. If you want a call back I would leave a message.
    Brian
  • Sorry you have to go thru that. I know at a busy time or off hours to expect to have to leave a message. Your tips should be taken as helpful not being critical.
  • I think when getting ANY answering machine, most folks immediately get frustrated! I know I do. What is worse, is to go through their automated voice mail system (push 1, 2 or 3. Now push 1,2, or 3. Now push 1, 2, or 3. Now push 1, 2, or 3...... please leave a messages!) Oh don't expect me to leave a very pleasant message. By then I am so frustrated I'm on the edge of stroking out!

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