Frequently Asked Questions

What is the setup cost for a project?

There is NO SETUP FEE when doing the minimum project of 100 hours. There are no hidden costs in our pricing. You pay for only the time we spend generating results for you on the phones. Many other telemarketing firms charge thousands of dollars in setup fees alone.

Does IDS guarantee results or can we stop after 50 or 100 hours if we are not satisfied?

Yes! IDS has a Satisfaction Guarantee Policy. If you are not satisfied with the services IDS is providing or if at any point in your program IDS is not meeting the goals detailed in your proposal, you express your dissatisfaction, giving IDS 5 business days to correct the problem. If the problem is not corrected to your satisfaction, you may cancel your contract with the only financial obligation being the work completed to date.

What kind of results can I expect?

The number of completed telemarketing calls achieved is influenced by length of script, client reputation, size of firm being called, level we are trying to contact and the condition of the list. Because of all the variables, it is important to understand these items to determine the exact number of completes IDS will produce on any new project. Based on your answers to these variables and our experience working similar projects, IDS will prepare a proposal with an estimated number of completes you can expect to obtain for your given project.

For a lead generation ‘pilot test’ project – how long would it take and how many people would be on the phones?

This is determined on a project-by-project basis. Again IDS would look at all the variables involved and then make a recommendation to our client as to an appropriate number of hours for a pilot test project.
As for the length of time to complete, this really depends on the clients needs. It is normal that any test project will take a little longer than an established client project and it should. It is at the beginning of any new project all the “kinks” are worked out. Then the project can build momentum and have a fairly stable output of results.

Where do I get a calling list?

Sometimes the best list for telemarketing projects are those that can be found within your company, usually compiled from tradeshows, trade magazine advertisement responses, etc. IDS is not a list broker, and we do not supply list files directly. If you need assistance in locating an appropriate list or selecting the parameters of a list for your project, we will share our industry contacts with you, to provide you with various list sources, contacts, and pricing information at no cost to you. Additionally, IDS works with many of the leading CRM software applications, such as Goldmine, ACT, SalesForce, etc., to seamlessly import/export your existing list database files.

How many records do I need for a call list?

The number or records needed depends on the number of hours the client has contracted, the level of contact within a company and the size of company in which IDS is calling. Generally, IDS recommends a list 3 times larger than the number of completed calls proposed. The larger the list the easier it is to make good consistent contacts for you our client.

How do I get started?

The first step towards a successful telemarketing project is to determine the needs of your organization. Call IDS at (321) 251-4730 and a sales person will work with you to develop a proposal that will define the project goals, target market segment(s), call list, reporting requirements, and other important terms of the engagement. After the proposal is accepted, you will need the following:

How much lead time do I need to get a project started?

IDS can normally get a project going within 5-7 business days from the time we get final script approval and have the database in house. Your sales person should be able to let you know timeframe when your contract is prepared.

How often are results reported to me and in what format?

IDS normally provides leads to their clients 2 times a week via email. They are sent in an easy to read Word format. (They can also be provided in many other format determined by your needs.) Top priority “hot leads” and requests for follow-up by a sales associate will be reported promptly, usually by daily e-mail or fax, to get them to you ASAP. IDS will update you with status reports on a weekly basis. These reports are provided in a pie chart format showing hours used and the results of the completed calls. At the end of the project the final database is usually provided in an Excel format but we also have the capabilities to work with many common contact management software applications. IDS’s goal is to make this process as easy as possible and convenient for you and your staff.

What is the process to get a project started?

The client and their sales person define the goals of the project. Then IDS takes over developing a script, database set-up, training of telemarketers, test calls, reports and most of all, results!

How soon can you get started on our project?

As soon as you need us to.

Where do you get your call lists?

Our clients provide the databases we use for their project. If you need some assistance in locating a prospect list or even with the parameters of an appropriate list for your project we are always available to help.

How are the results of our project communicated to us?

However you need them. The most common way is in an Excel format but we also have the capabilities to work with many different contact management softwares. We always email “hot leads” in a word format for easy access and to get them to you ASAP.

What hours do you work on the phones and how many people will be working on our project?

We will work whatever hours your project demands. That is also true for the number of people required to complete the project in your timeframe.

Do you have references I can call?

Yes. References are available upon request.