FAQ's

Why do I need an on-hold recording?
Throughout the course of a typical business day, it is unavoidable that callers will be placed on-hold, and if your callers hear nothing but silence, they may not hold for very long. Sometimes they may hear a click on the line and think they've been disconnected. (We've all been there before!) If you have the radio playing, your callers may be on-hold listening to commercials and DJ chatter....or static!
See what some of our happy clients have to say about our on-hold messages.

A customized on-hold recording by Watt Media eliminates silence and gives you control over what your callers are listening to. It is a great way to enhance your company's image and ultimately increase sales. Plus, you can update the recording periodically with new promotions for maximum effectiveness.
Listen to some demos of our on-hold recordings.



How does on-hold messaging work?
An audio source is plugged into your phone system, and any time the "hold" button is pressed on one of your phones, the caller will hear the on-hold messages and music. The recording plays on a continuous loop, so the caller hears whatever part of the message is playing at that moment.

Even if you don't have a phone system, we have an adapter available which will enable your phones to play on-hold recordings.

How long are the recordings?
Our on-hold recordings are anywhere from 4 to 6 minutes in length, with 6 to 10 "messages" or paragraphs. The recording plays on a continuous loop, so there's no beginning or end, and the caller will hear whatever part is playing at the moment he/she is placed on hold. There is always music in the background, and about 10 seconds of music in between each paragraph.

If you think about it - the recording is pretty long! Your callers should not be on-hold for the entire recording, but even if they're on-hold for 2 or 3 minutes, they won't hear the same message twice.

How is the on-hold recording played?
Our recordings are played on either a Digital Player or a Portable CD Player.

Digital Players are the most reliable source for on-hold play today. Your recording is downloaded to a digital chip inside the unit and then plays continuously. The sound quality is excellent.

Unlike CD players which have a moving mechanism that wears out, Digital Players have no moving parts and therefore no wear and tear. These state-of-the-art machines are made to handle the load of long term, continuous play, and will even automatically resume play after a power outage. With a Digital Player, you'll have trouble-free, hassle-free performance.

At Watt Media, we also offer the choice of using a CD Player. Since it has moving parts, a CD player will have to be replaced periodically. Also, a CD Player will not automatically restart after a power outage and therefore needs to be monitored. This is, however, an extremely affordable option which may be ideal for start-ups and smaller businesses.

When should I update my on-hold recording?
On-hold messaging is most effective when the recordings are updated on a consistent basis. Businesses that play the same on-hold recording for months or even years at a time are missing out - and even risk annoying their customers.

After you receive your first recording, you may soon realize that you have some new services or products that you would like to add to the messages, or seasonal promotions. It's always a good idea to change the background music, so that your callers have something fresh and new to listen to.

How often a business should update its recordings depends on the particular needs of that business. Some businesses would do just fine with 3 recordings a year, while others may need a new recording each month. Updates are included in all of our on-hold packages.

Who writes the script?
We write the script for you. We have a questionnaire that you can fill out, or we can use your brochures, company literature, or website as a source of information. We will write a professional, effective script, and send it to you for you to review. We will not record your script until we have your final approval.

Who will install the on-hold system?
In most cases, installation is extremely easy, and simply involves plugging an audio cord from the Digital Player or CD Player to a jack on your phone system. You should be able to do it yourself. In some cases, however, a phone technician is needed. You can either use the phone dealer who regularly services your phones, or we can provide you with a technician from our network.

Who will be the announcer on my recording?
At Watt Media, we use only top-notch, professional voice-talent. You can choose between a male or female announcer.  Listen to some demos of our on-hold recordings.

Who will install the on-hold system?
In most cases, installation is extremely easy, and simply involves plugging an audio cord from the Digital Player or CD Player to a jack on your phone system. You should be able to do it yourself. In some cases, however, a phone technician is needed, and your local business phone system company will be able to help.

What type of music can I choose?
We have a vast library of royalty-free, high quality music. You can choose any style you like, including Smooth Jazz, Contemporary, Classical, Rock & Roll, Dance, Hip-Hop, Easy Listening, and more.

What about Voice Mail?
Voice-mail is a completely separate entity from on-hold. Chances are that your current voice mail announcements were recorded by someone on your staff who has a "good voice", but is not a professional. Instead, imagine a caller being greeted by a warm, friendly, and professional voice guiding him/her through the voice mail menus.

All voice mail recordings are downloaded into your system over the phone lines from our studio. It's completely hassle-free, and your phone system will experience no down-time.
Click here to find out more about our voice-mail services.

Will the on-hold recording interfere with my voice mail system or answering machine?
Although the on-hold audio source is installed into your phone system, it is completely separate from any voice-mail system or answering machine you currently have. The music and messages are heard by callers only when the "hold" button is pressed on one of your phones. Your on-hold music will in no way interfere with your voice-mail or answering machine.

How do I get started?
Since every business has different needs, call us to discuss which of our packages would be best for you.

Call or e-mail Watt Media toll-free for more info: 1-800-250-8233


HOME || FAQ'S || DEMO || VOICE-MAIL || WEB DESIGN || CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
CONTACT US || SITE MAP || BLOG