Would you be likely to shop for homeowners insurance on a night/weekend or during the week?
September 1, 2010 by
Filed under homeowners insurance
I currently work for an insurance agency and I sell homeowners insurance. I am considering getting a cell phone to answer calls after 5:00pm and on weekends. I am not sure how lucrative this would be. Do people primarily look for insurance during the week or do they seek convenience on nights and weekends?
I used to try and shop in the evenings and weekends for insurance, however I have learned that to talk to a person you must be able to converse with them during the day or via email. My agent does business with me either during the day or via email. Although it would be nice to be able to contact my agent during the eve – I have never found one that did – so if you bought a cell for eves you may find no one calling because it is not the norm for agents to be available in the evening.
I usually work until around 8 or 8:30 every evening because that’s the time that most people are off work. I make sure prospects know that I’m available during those hours and do 40% of my business then. My clients appreciate knowing that they can reach me after hours.
A cell phone also comes in handy if you’re out inspecting homes or meeting clients in their home. You never know how traffic will be so you can let them know if you’re going to be late getting to the meeting.
Start with the cheapest plan, I’m sure if you had 1 extra policy issue per month it would at least cover the extra expense. I would imagine, though, that many people shop for insurance after 5 and may make a call, expecting to leave a message. I called several business lines brokers today at 6 pm to get quotes on E&O coverage. I left messages, but if someone had answered, perhaps I’d be more inclined to do business with them.
it is good to be contactable after office hour. One of the main reason is after sales service, customer will feel more confortable if you are accessible. But my customer seldom call after office hour or weekend. Just that the feeling that you are accessible in the time thye need you is important
Ask your self this question, will you do business with someone who is not contactable after 5pm and weekend or someone who you can rely on after 5pm and weekend.
Give customer the feeling that you are serious in providing extra service to them. They can feel it, and the sales will come very naturally.
good luck
Well, most people buying houses WORK, so it would probably be a benefit. Some agencies DO open on Saturdays, for that very reason. The PROBLEM is, getting the word out that you’re available. So will the advertising cost less than the new business it brings in? Likely not. But it’s a great idea.
The more available you are to potential customers, the more likely you will get to quote them. I know that when I am attempting to buy something, I partly base my decision on how easy it is to get ahold of someone.