| 1. When I can send a brief e-mail and/or attachment to explain my question or give an answer. 2. Also send e-mail when I have no luck with voice mail. 3. E-mail is a great tool after hours or when working with people in other time zones |
| 1. Acknowledgements 2. Quotes with many items 3. Technical quotes 4. Technical info. |
| 1. Before or after business hours 2. When person has not returned my calls 3. When I need to 'broadcast' information to several folks. 4. When market is very active, and I find myself on the phone holding for someone, I can usually multi-task and send off an e-mail to another person. |
| 1. Complex info transfer. 2. Lots of numeric information. 3. If person is tied up, but at desk and likely to see my email before they check messages, especially voice mail. 4.For communication strings I want to document. |
| 1. For specific questions or answers 2. To keep a record of requests (claims, prices, etc.) 3. Long winded salespeople 4. After hours info. 5. Distribute multiple contact info. |
| 1. I can communicate with e-mail while talking on the phone with someone else. 2. If I can't get through on the phone. 3. Communication that requires no conversation e.g.. ready notices on order etc. I still prefer to talk with customers etc. on the phone -- better retention of relationship. |
| 1. I need an answer but not prompt. 2. Something that may require a little homework before you can get a firm answer. |
| 1. If I know for certain a person responds QUICKLY to email 2. If the matter is something that can EASILY & ACCURATELY be addressed by email |
| 1. If I know that the person is on the road (like a salesman) 2. If I am in the email area of my PC already and I can quickly email a note 3. If I have an attachment to send. 4. If I do not have time to talk; an email is more to the point whereas phone conversations can be long. |
| 1. If I need a record 2. for quotes. 3. For formal RFI's 4. If the other person and I can not be on the phone or in the office at the same time we can still communicate |
| 1. Inquiries 2. Placing and order for a previous inquiry 3. General questions regarding car releases, claims, etc. Most times will try phone first and if I cannot reach the person will send an e-mail off. |
| 1. Offering sheets 2. PO confirmations 3. transport status 4. general updates and inquiries |
| 1. Someone difficult to reach 2. Someone hard to get off phone 3. Brief information passing 4. Need paper trail |
| 1. When I don't want to get tied up in conversation. 2. To transmit information |
| 1. When I have a list of things to buy 2. When the person I'm calling is not very accessible. 3. When I have a complex inquiry |
| 1. When I want something in writing 2. When I am on the phone and need to get a message to someone 3. After hours |
| 1. When the phone is continually busy 2. When it is easier to reach the person than through their automated telephone system. |
| 1. When the recipient indicates that he/she prefers email. 2. When it's impossible to get a hold of the recipient by telephone 3. When I need a record of the conversation/transaction and an email trail can be followed |
| 1/4 of the time |
| 50% of the time |
| 75% of time even purchasing |
| 80 percent of my transactions are done by e-mail |
| A certain dealer who is NEVER available to take a phone call and is not very good about returning calls, I've found easier to deal with by e-mail |
| A lot of normal communication. Also to set up meetings |
| A lot!! It's generally accepted as an appropriate communication form |
| A lot. It helps explaining the facts when you have an important issue. Sometimes you can get a quicker response just depends on the other person |
| A request that isn't time sensitive. |
| About 50% of the time, when I can wait for pricing. |
| After 2 tries at connecting by phone. |
| After business hours |
| After business hours. When discussing a complex transactions that are better documented. When time does not permit the courtesy of an uninterrupted phone call. |
| After hours, or when busy doing other things. |
| After hours. Technical information |
| After hours. When I know the person is out or unavailable. When I want verification of inquiry & response |
| After leaving a message and after a conversation |
| After normal hours |
| After repeated unsuccessful attempts to get the person on the phone. |
| All |
| All circumstances if possible better |
| All communication that does not require immediate response or dialog. |
| All if possible |
| All of the time. it's the best way to get answers from customer, with out all the hoops of calling on the phone. The phone has become a BIG pain! |
| All the time |
| All the time - it is now preferred unless I want an answer RIGHT NOW |
| All the time... I am on the phone all day, so I send emails while I talk on the phone, especially when I'm on hold for someone else... |
| All times possible! |
| Almost all circumstances I like to use email for documentation purposes, though I follow up with a phone depending on the importance of the subject! |
| Almost all communication requirements. |
| Almost all situations unless an immediate reply is needed. |
| Almost all the time due different time zones. |
| Almost all! Faster and not to mention that it's a written communication, meaning you can follow the conversation later on by reading back your emails. |
| Almost always |
| Almost always for routine communication and purchases. Use phone when I need to dialogue with another person. |
| Almost always use email instead of the phone now. I prefer email. |
| Almost always, unless urgent. |
| Almost any time |
| Almost any time I can |
| Almost never |
| Always |
| Always if possible. |
| Always, if possible. I never use the phone if I am contacting another party with an e-mail address. |
| Answer all e-mails with e-mail. Answer all phone calls with a return call. |
| Any broker who doesn't have an 800 number. |
| Any circumstance possible |
| Any situation where I want a paper trail |
| Any that are possible. |
| Any time I can take care of business without a phone call. |
| Any time I can, that is when an immediate response is not required. |
| Any time I can. |
| Any time I can. It is much easier to multi task, but speaking to some one in certain instances can be more useful, i.e.. negotiating. |
| Any time it is available |
| Any time it is available. E-mail produces a paper trail for future verification, when necessary. |
| Any time possible. |
| Any time that I can. |
| Anytime I can -- hearing problem |
| Anytime I can as long as I know the person actually reads them in a timely fashion |
| Anytime I feel I can avoid the phone call. Email is a preferred method of communication - less intrusive in the other person's schedule. |
| Anytime I need a confirmation on something in writing, so I have a record of the correspondence. |
| Anytime I need written confirmation of a conversation, deal, or event. |
| Anytime it is available and I do not need an immediate answer |
| Approximately half of my sales are done through email because I can email and be on the phone at the same time. Time does not allow me to sell everything by phone. Thank goodness for computers! |
| As a last resort. |
| As a last result.....or customer request. |
| As a second alternative to holding when voicemail is not available or if the subject is not time critical. |
| As an alternative and a method to confirm information discussed during telecon |
| As frequent as possible for non buying decision subjects |
| As little as possible. |
| As little as possible. Only to respond to customer inquiry. I much prefer voice communication with our customer base. |
| As much as I can |
| As much as possible |
| As much as possible for non timely events |
| As much as possible under all circumstances. |
| As much as possible, if the matter does not require immediate attention. |
| As much as possible. The phone is terribly inefficient for most things. I use the phone when I need to understand or be understood. I use e-mail to convey information. |
| As often as I can |
| As often as I can. It goes directly to the individual and it can be answered the same way. |
| As often as I can. Prefer e-mail. That way there is a backup trail of all transactions |
| As often as I can....I MUCH prefer email to phone! |
| As often as possible and for just about everything |
| As often as possible when time allows. |
| As often as possible, if the contact is comfortable with it. If I do not require an immediate response. If there are several items to discuss that would need research before giving a response. |
| As often as possible. |
| As often as possible. It largely depends on the preference of the recipient, and on the urgency of the dialogue. |
| At EVERY possible opportunity |
| At the customer or supplier's preference, or after normal business hours, or as directed by an automated system. I prefer telephone conversations always, if practical. |
| At the customer's request or initiation only. |
| Billing issues and shipping issues |
| Brief messages, confirmations |
| Busy markets. Checking car shipments/tallies |
| Buy metrics |
| Cant reach person after several tries |
| Communicating data and general information. Specific communications, I prefer by phone. |
| Communicating large amounts of information. |
| Communicating with existing customers on standard transactions |
| Communication within the company; as well fielding offers from mills & vendors |
| Complicated matters with customers that don't speak English very well. Claim matters. Contract details |
| Confirmation of orders. Passing information the doesn't require immediate attention. |
| Confirming meeting times, schedules, jokes |
| Confirming specifications and program pricing or details. After hours communication. Communication that does not require a telephone...confirming a ship date, advising particular information that a phone call would tie up more time than an e-mail communication to several different parties on the same topic or issue |
| Constantly |
| Coordinating schedules, replying to messages, short responses, and when I feel my response should be documented but not necessarily in a letter. |
| Correspondence that doesn't require immediate attention or personal contact. |
| Customer always uses voice mail and never returns calls |
| Customer preference |
| Customer preference |
| Customer request |
| Day to day business, mainly because you can't talk to more than one mill at time or customer so by emailing I can talk to mill and still call customer or reverse it, either way I use both hand in hand every day.... |
| Depending on the urgency, I will use email instead of the phone almost 100% of the time. If it is urgent, I will use the telephone. |
| Depends on the relationship with the client and type of request. Some people I enjoy talking to, some I don't. |
| Detail information required |
| Detailed quote -- someone hard to reach on telephone want a record of my information exchange |
| Detailed quotes and orders |
| Do not use email |
| Document conversations better and easier to copy all parties involved...quicker than time for conference call. |
| Don't |
| Don't think that is any better than picking up a phone and calling a mill, unless you cant get hold of the mill rep via phone, then I send him an email asking them to call me |
| During 'hot markets' I have to use both. |
| Early in the morning, before most people are in the office, and when I need a paper trail for pricing etc. |
| Early morning inquires Passing on general information Any time immediate response not necessary |
| Early mornings and after hours to make sure the message is sent |
| Easy communication. data transfer, setting up meetings |
| E-mail easily replaces the phone in circumstances when simple answers are needed based on prior conversations. |
| E-mail is great for product mix and pricing |
| E-mail serves for corresponding to normal daily affairs. Phone conversations are necessary for evaluation of markets, new programs, special issues as well as Sales |
| Every chance I can! |
| Every chance I get |
| Every time I can!!! |
| Every time I can. Period. |
| Every time I have an e-mail address for the customer/supplier. |
| Everything. I prefer not to use the phone unless its absolutely necessary. |
| Few. |
| Follow up |
| Follow up information for questions previously discussed or specific tally or price details for deals previously discussed on the phone. |
| Following up on previous asked questions |
| Follow-up or any time it's important enough that I desire an e-paper trail. |
| For accuracy and a record of the communications. |
| For all communications that do not require two way feed back or confidential business. Saves much time and have a record. |
| For car numbers, to see if someone is actually in working that day prior to calling them or maybe to report data information |
| For follow-up to phone conversations; when the person is not available but I want him to have specific info; proposal discussion so everyone is on the same page |
| For general questions |
| For giving someone detailed instructions that they need to remember and refer back to. |
| For hard to get a hold of persons |
| For intercompany messages while on the phone or performing some other tasks |
| For just general correspondence, quick replies |
| For market updates |
| For more formal and official issues. |
| For offerings, specials |
| For order information |
| For overseas business partners (for huge time differences) |
| For people that respond quickly and seem to prefer that method of contact |
| For placing orders with a large number of items and orders that are discounted if placed online. |
| For quick messages + follow-ups |
| For quick non-sensitive info & conversations... |
| For quotations |
| For quotes where spec and prices vary. specials and overstock |
| For record purposes |
| For short, easy replies. Also if the customer/supplier prefers e-mail. |
| For simple tasks that do not require urgent action. I.e.: to request shipping status on a load or to request a proof-of-delivery. |
| For some people email works better than the phone and therefore I communicate with them through email. I also use email when the details are important so we all have a record of our conversation. |
| For someone who is hard to get a hold of. Or for people that have nasty receptionists. And more companies than you think have bad receptionists. |
| For specific inquiries, where specifics are important for cross-checking |
| Formal response or project |
| Freight rates Destos |
| Frequently |
| Frequently use e-mail for convenience - hard to always reach people on your schedule - e-mail helps complete a task instead of going back to it. |
| Frequently, because emails are more accommodative. |
| Frequently, especially if the callee is in the same organization |
| Frequently. Allows me to better utilize my time. Unless it is quite urgent, I E-mail. |
| Frequently... to put out special offers to a broad audience. |
| General communication |
| Generally under most circumstances email is preferred. |
| Generally when I have an issue that only requires a simple question or answer. I prefer to use the telephone when the issue will probably require a dialog or an explanation. |
| Get updated price, shipping info, other company info, etc |
| Getting quotes, checking orders |
| Getting to the point where I would like to use email exclusively. Much more productive for me. |
| Group generic offering lists |
| Hard to reach mills. For sales agents that tend to transpose numbers or information. |
| Hard to reach people |
| Hard to reach people or people that prefer it |
| Hardly ever |
| Hardly ever except for clear copies of prices lists, product info, etc. |
| Hardly ever use e-mail. The only time I use e-mail is, if I can't reach my party by phone. |
| Have found our customers prefer the phone, and fax. |
| Have no aversion to using either, largely depends on my customers preference. |
| Having trouble reaching them by phone. If there is a problem and I need a paper trail for future reference |
| I always use a combination. But I most often use e-mail when I have more than one person as the intended audience |
| I am finding that e-mail, in almost all cases may becoming a preference over phone. The pro in phone is you know the recipient has been reached, the pro in e-mail is that you can control your time better. It's possible to answer a question on e-mail even if the receiver isn't there. |
| I book a lot of trucks during the day, so I use both the phone and email at the same time to get loads moved on time. In the office or within our company I use email only as a back up or to CMA. |
| I buy all of the commodity items for our business and most of my quotes are now being sent to me via e-mail. This has cut down on my phone time dramatically |
| I do not use e-mail |
| I do not, unless circumstances absolutely require it. |
| I don't |
| I don't due to not knowing if the e-mail actually made it to the person you sent it to. You also do not know if your order was processed the way you understood the transaction/price changes. |
| I often use e-mail if it is just to pass information and a conversation is not important. |
| I prefer e-mail from lumber mills and brokers |
| I prefer e-mail over phone, I can accomplish much more quicker. |
| I prefer email to phone actually. |
| I prefer to correspond via email. It provides a written record and helps me with follow-up |
| I prefer to e-mail to hard to reach people or when they are out of office. |
| I prefer to use email whenever possible, however some topics are just too complex to type and email. |
| I rarely use it except to send over things that are easier typewritten. I much prefer verbal communication with customers/suppliers. |
| I try to use e mail all the time. However most traders still want to talk on the phone. |
| I try to use e mail more and more it is quicker and more productive. |
| I try to use email when possible and if I do not need an immediate answer. I will also use email if/when I need the information in writing. |
| I try to use email whenever possible. |
| I use email 50% of the time approx. I have a few customers that I work exclusively via email as it documents all conversations/orders as it is used. |
| I use e-mail anytime I can. |
| I use e-mail as much as possible, however there are situations where a telephone conversation is more appropriate. |
| I use e-mail as much as possible. It frees me to take care of things when I have time. If I need to know something right away then I will call. |
| I use e-mail as much as possible. it allows me to check on information while on the phone with someone else. |
| I use e-mail as my primary communication tool. |
| I use email extensively. It's a great tool to reach salespeople, particularly when the market is moving. And lots of times, you may need just a quick answer on something and it can be handled more conveniently via email. |
| I use e-mail first to our foreign customers. Most of them have someone in their office that can communicate in written English. If I need an immediate response, I will call. |
| I use e-mail for non-deadline communication. I still use the phone for primary buying and market strategy information. |
| I use email for quotes. |
| I use email for short messages all day long |
| I use email if I cannot get in contact by phone, or if I have a short, quick question, which can be answered easily by return email. |
| I use e-mail in conjunction with the phone, often times having two conversations at once. I use it for exchange of detailed information, sometimes for quoting or requesting a quote, but prefer to conduct negotiations over the phone. |
| I use e-mail infrequently, especially only after I have already spoke with the person at least a couple of times. |
| I use e-mail instead of the telephone when I need to reach a person quickly and they are on the phone or when I don't have time to talk and/or can complete a process without having a long conversation. |
| I use email like I use the fax machine for quotations, and RFQ. |
| I use email more than phone, mostly to get question answered quickly, plus there are usually documents associated with my conversations, therefore it is nice to have an attachment associated with what I am talking about. |
| I use email much more extensively than the phone, for every kind of business circumstance, and try to limit phone calls to complex issues that would result in an overlong text message, or for those situations where immediate interaction is required. |
| I use e-mail quite extensively, while on hold. |
| I use email to deliver the bulk of the message. I use the phone to confirm. |
| I use e-mail to send and receive information leading up to placing an order. I also use it to transmit offerings. |
| I use e-mail when ever I can, but if I need an immediate answer I will call. |
| I use email when I am looking for a particular item that can be bought from a number of different suppliers. Writing one email is easier than making 10 plus phone calls. |
| I use e-mail when I have an inquiry that I would want to get pricing and shipping information from several sources. I also use e-mail to check on the status of orders with regard to shipping information. |
| I use email when I want to have something in writing and it is fairly detailed, hard to explain on the phone. |
| I use email when it is the customers preference. I will send offers to a customer then follow-up with a phone call after the customer has time to consider the offers. After hours communication with customer. |
| I use e-mail whenever I believe it is appropriate and does not compromise a personal relationship. |
| I use e-mail whenever I can. It provides a written record of interaction which is valuable when quoting orders and settling complaints. |
| I use e-mail whenever I can. I wish everybody did |
| I use email whenever possible. An email always goes through. |
| I use email where ever possible but if I have a short question that is urgent to be answered I will call. I will also return calls and make cold calls. |
| I use email with people who I know will read and reply promptly |
| I use e-mail with persons that are using it. |
| I use it a lot for request for quotes on carloads and truckload quantities |
| I use it all the time with some customers |
| I use it as much as possible |
| I use one or the other. voice good for real quick consult, or for 2 way discussion. email best for clear confirmation of knowledge, 'positions', tallies, forecasts and schedules. the worst is a secretary for leaving detailed messages, or even 'call me back' messages. that's a huge waste of efficiency. voicemail allows you to 'read the bible' into it, allowing the other party to return with an ANSWER so we can move forward, instead of just catching up. My saying is that 'we operate at the speed of business, we do not let our 'systems' dictate the speed of business...' |
| I use the phone when I need an response 'right now' otherwise I use email when ever possible. |
| I work mostly with e-mails as a lot of my calls are internationally and thus expensive. |
| I would like to see more lumber quotes in a e-mail form, lees time on the phone |
| I would prefer to use e-mail over phone calls. I normally use it instead of the phone. |
| If a good customer that I know is hard to get in contact with emails me, I will respond with email. If it is a marginal customer, when I have time I will return the email which is sometimes hours later. |
| If an answer can wait or not time sensitive. |
| If communication is not urgent |
| If contact or myself is busy on phones ...playing phone tag. |
| If customer likes e-mail |
| If customer or mill is overseas. |
| If customer prefers communication in that manner |
| If email was all I had or if I wanted them to have a written copy of the message |
| If I am asked to by the person I am trying to reach |
| If I am very familiar with the other party |
| If I can't get a hole of a customer and want to get information to them quickly. |
| If I can't get someone on the phone |
| If I can't get someone on the phone, I will e-mail. |
| If I don't hear back in 2-4 hrs |
| If I don't need a quote and know the price. |
| If I don't need an answer ASAP |
| If I don't need immediate answers and the person has email, I will use it. |
| If I don't need to have extra information better handled on the phone - I often don't think e-mail. |
| If I have an established relationship with an individual and know that he/she responds as promptly to email as to phone calls. |
| If I have placed a call and do not receive a call back within an hour, I will e-mail. |
| If I have the e-mail address, I'll use it instead of the phone |
| If I just need to leave a short message. Use the phone more to make an actual sale. |
| If I know the customer well and I will use for sales occasionally. Very often for shipping and logistics. |
| If I know the other individual is active in checking there e-mail acct on a regular basis...i.e., every 2-5 minutes. |
| If I need to access many people with the same information quickly. Also, If I want a written record of the 'conversation'. |
| If I need to attach a file. |
| If I need to get information to an individual and cannot reach them by phone. |
| If I receive e-mail. |
| If I think it will be faster |
| If I think that I can convey my message without my fingers cramping up...... |
| If I want a record of what is agreed to. |
| If I want a written record of the transaction |
| If I'm busy or can't reach a person I will e-mail them |
| If I'm strictly checking prices. |
| If information I want to convey is of critical nature and I want to have a paper trail |
| If its easier to get my contact by email than by phone I will use email. |
| If it's not an urgent matter. |
| If my comment or question can be stated or asked in one sentence I will use e-mail |
| If my customer have e-mail - I E-Mail |
| If person can not be reached by phone or to respond to request. |
| If possible, all the time..... |
| If price and lead time are not anticipated areas of difference where orders are somewhat complex (highly mixed trucks w/ prenegotiated pricing) and/ or seller will be unable to be reached by voicemail. Also, order confirmations. |
| If requested |
| If sending a quick note or depending on person when I need a quick answer |
| If someone has asked me to contact that way |
| If that specific customer(s) seems to prefer it. |
| If that's what the customer prefers. |
| If the customer prefers |
| If the customer requests it. |
| If the customers tells me to if I can't get a hold of them. |
| If the other party is as hard to reach as I am, it's easy w/email. It is much more reliable via email and more timely. |
| If the other person likes email, I always use email. |
| If the person I am trying to reach likes it or travels a lot. Must have their e-mail - so it is very difficult until relationship gets to that point. |
| If the person I'm contacting likes to communicate over email more than phone. |
| If the person is difficult to get a hold of. |
| If the person is notoriously difficult to reach or poor at returning phone calls |
| If the person is on vacation. |
| If there is difficulty reaching by phone, or shortness of time, or after hours messaging. |
| If they are extremely busy and I cant reach them on the phone. |
| If time is not an issue and I can wait for a response I'll go with email. I try not to call if I can help it. |
| Important matters which should be confirmed in case customer is not available |
| In as many cases as possible - much more efficient than trying to get people on the phone. |
| In cases where the receiver prefers that mode or where I'm exchanging information that doesn't require much back and forth. |
| In conjunction with phone calls and follow up |
| In every case possible. It creates a paper trail and takes less time. |
| In most instances. I find it to be quicker, more efficient. I can relay my info and while I wait for a response I can work on other projects. I use the phone when I'm working with a customer and need immediate info although in some cases and with some automated systems it is faster to email. |
| Individuals preference. |
| Informational messages; when want to send notes |
| Inquiries and facts |
| Inquiries for purchasing material - Responding to Vendor e-mails - Inquiries on shipments - |
| Inquiries, tally questions, general info is best by e-mail. I can take a few minutes to study the info before I get back to the customer |
| Inter company business |
| Inter office correspondence |
| Intercompany |
| Internal |
| International communication, offerings from vendors and offers to customer., ordering etc |
| Intracompany messages and communicating with chronic phone abusers |
| Issuing purchase orders, inquiring on material and prices, sending quotes, sending offers. |
| It all depends on how the customer wants to get their information. Some people we only talk on the phone with and some people would prefer e-mail to be the main communicator. We'll quote prices, track shipments, discuss market conditions, etc... on e-mail - if the customer wants it that way. |
| It depends. If they person I am trying to get to has e-mail than I will use it over using the phone. |
| It's faster! |
| Just another tool |
| Just for information never for trading |
| Just to answer an inquiry |
| Just when I send out my list of available inventory, or if phone is busy or no answer when there should be. |
| Large inquiries |
| Last resort |
| Lengthy message or electronic files |
| Long lists |
| Looking for quick, easily described information |
| Making offerings, usually with phone call follow up. |
| Many |
| Many I prefer e-mail to phone most of the time. You have a record and can go back to it. |
| many times. I always prefer to use e-mail. We use a phone call, when it's impossible to use a e-mail |
| Mass contact! Or for purposes of proof of conversation. |
| Mill sales people that are not timely responders to voice mail. |
| More and more |
| More than the phone |
| Most |
| Most all occasions. |
| Most all of the time. Much easier to communicate rather than play phone tag with people. Leaves a permanent record of what was said leaving no confusion. |
| Most any time it is available |
| Most communication |
| Most of my correspondence now is via e-mail. It is more efficient than phone - you can detail exact specification, price etc allowing the person you are contacting to reply immediately via phone or e-mail with complete details in front of them. It eliminates any potential misunderstanding surrounding our offer details. It is also extremely helpful when dealing in different time zones - I can send an offer at night from home allowing my customers to view and respond in the am. |
| Most of the time so as to have things in print for verification. |
| Most of the time, since most of the people that I deal with live in a different time-zone (6 hours ahead or 6 hours behind). |
| Most of the time. |
| Most of the times!! To clarify thing is much easier to do via e-mail. |
| Most times when there are numbers or specific quantities required. |
| Most. It is much more time efficient. Still need a little one on one phone conversations occasionally. |
| Mostly for all correspondence and for sending files. |
| Mostly for sending documents or reports that cant be discussed over the phone |
| Mostly when ordering product |
| Multiple customer offerings. Multiple mill inquiries when the person is busy |
| Never |
| Never, if I don't have to use it. |
| No special circumstances, use both. |
| No urgent messages/information sharing verses information seeking/sharing information with more than one of two people |
| Non emergency info only...please pick up the phone and call me if you want to place an order. I don't have time to check my e-mail in a buys run of the market and your order will not get placed. |
| Non specific |
| None |
| None if possible |
| None really. |
| None! |
| Non-urgent messages or communications |
| Not in a hurry and to pass on info |
| Notify customers of orders ready. |
| Obtain quotes & general information and relay shipping info. |
| occasionally, if I am sending an additional document or want to have a record of conversation for future use. |
| Offerings to specific customers but do not prefer. Actually prefer offers on email though. |
| Offerings when I can't reach a buyer on the phone. Following up on orders. |
| Offerings. Shipment inquiries. Market news. Confirmations. Pictures. |
| Often - it is efficient. It allows you to avoid waiting for people on hold. And you can tend to other business. The only problem is you do not know if someone is in the office to receive the e-mail. Response is usually very good. |
| Often instead of phone if I don't need an immediate response. |
| Often to respond to a question about shipping ; when, tally, car # etc. |
| Often when I feel I need an answer quickly. I also send quotes to companies for paper trail online. |
| Often, I send emails when it will take the receiver a while to answer my question-either they need to look something up or get some info for me that is not readily available. It is quicker for me to not sit on the phone. |
| Often/cheaper |
| On very specific orders that I do not want messed up... and I cc me a copy just to make sure I have a record of what I ordered |
| Once a week offer list |
| Only as a last resort |
| Only for order verifications. |
| Only good customers and in-house |
| Only if customer would rather have e-mail |
| Only if I can't get through on the phone. |
| Only if I can't reach them by phone. |
| Only if I feel that documentation will be important |
| Only if impossible to reach personally |
| Only if instructed to do so by the person I've contacted |
| Only if someone is out of the office or not answering there phone |
| Only if specific question or request from customer |
| Only if specified or purchaser unavailable |
| Only if the customer requests it. |
| Only on large sales with lots of facts and numbers |
| Only use e-mail when there is no other alternative |
| Only when checking material availability at many different suppliers and other job responsibilities keep me from having time to call in person |
| Only when customers etc are too hard reach &.or they only want communication via email |
| Only when I know the person will respond quicker to email than voicemail. |
| Only when phone contact isn't possible |
| ONLY when the recipient is email savvy and I'm sure that they're paying attention to it. |
| Only when time is not a problem |
| Opening inquiries. Confirmation of details, orders etc. Updates on info. etc. |
| Ordering material or whenever possible |
| Ordering with purchase orders |
| Ordering, invoice discrepancies, product availability |
| Orders, specs, customers not in the office, general information, etc. |
| Our business is 95% export so email is our primary method of communication |
| Overseas inquiries |
| Pace of business that day. |
| Photos only |
| Place orders; have someone call back; check offer; list quotes |
| Placing large orders |
| Placing orders, getting quotes |
| Placing some orders, checking status of orders |
| Placing/confirming orders |
| Prefer e-mail |
| Prefer email to phone...will use if correspondent has email capacity. |
| Preferred form of communication with suppliers and customers. |
| Price list |
| Price list is sent via e-mail. I will follow up a voice mail with e-mail when releasing orders for pickup. |
| Price lists. Straight information exchange (i.e.. no negotiation). Responding to e-mail inquiries. |
| Price quotes |
| Primarily when I am looking for documentation |
| Purchasing offers sent to me by e-mail. Sending large purchase orders with breakdowns. Any large transaction. It helps eliminate errors. |
| Putting out request for quotes. I type once and forward to several, they in turn can print out without having to take notes. Much quicker. Also if I am complaining about quality, I will write an email and attach pictures so they can see first hand. |
| Question or comment that doesn't require immediate response. Prefer e-mail over phone |
| Quick answers, to give figures and info |
| Quick info, i.e.. car numbers overseas calls |
| Quick message, pass on information that must be written down Anything I want to have as written record |
| Quick messages |
| Quick notes or messages not requiring discussion |
| Quick questions or small quotes |
| Quite often, when urgency or tone of message is not important. |
| Quotations, delivery information |
| Quotes, inquiries, etc |
| Quotes; digital pics; descriptions; etc |
| Quoting specific tallies and following up on shipments |
| Rail car diversions, other mill communications. Some customers prefer e-mail for specials, offerings etc. |
| Rapid trading market |
| Rarely |
| Rarely--- when conversation / etc requires detailed information that must be conveyed by other means, or discussion of documents that need to be forwarded in a prompt manner for further discussion. E mail is not used for primary contact, but as an additional tool to support customary communications means. |
| Rarely with customers, much prefer personal contact. I like to see product offerings from vendors via email because I don't have the time to talk to all of them |
| Rarely, only when answering e mail |
| Rather than short phone calls. email is used for one or two quick sentences |
| Receiving quotes and other information from people that I don't have time to talk to on the phone |
| Replying to emails |
| Replying to other e-mails when I am dealing with information that is going to e-mailed to a large group. |
| Returning messages |
| Routine communication with well established customers or quick responses to customer's and potential customer's inquiries....however, time permitting, I prefer to speak via telephone with any potential customers....especially those who I perceive to have potential to become good well established customers. |
| Routine communications usually asking for information from company personnel. Inquiries or comments to individuals in the industry that I know to prefer emails or are usually more difficult to get immediately on the phone. |
| Routine correspondence with existing accounts |
| Routine way of communicating is 85% e-mail, 15% phone. |
| Seems like more customers prefer email offerings over telephone calls. |
| Seldom |
| Seldom for important or personal contact matters |
| Seldom used |
| Seldom, but I do work with one supplier where email works well. |
| Seldom, when I do use e-mail I will follow up with a phone call |
| Send information such as availability or pricing to customers. Also send digital photos |
| Send out e-mails for blanket request for product and pricing. Also send an e-mail when I want information for a project I will be working on in a few hours. That way I will have the info needed when I start my project. |
| Sending a lot of quotes to one area -- people are too busy to talk |
| Sending attachments |
| Sending facts, spreadsheets, etc. When there is little need for discussion, simply information transfer. |
| Sending files |
| Sending follow-up materials and/or files. Lower priority communications. If I know ahead of time person is traveling (not in office) |
| Sending messages out to multiple people |
| Sending orders when possible, receiving confirmations, sending documentation for claims |
| Sending out morning messages, sales offerings, some like to do business this way.... |
| Sending out offerings for the most part. |
| Sending pricing and special quotes. |
| Sending quotes, confirmations, forwarding information and large documents. |
| Short communications, send inquiries, quote materials. |
| Simple warehouse orders on non-commodity based products |
| Some customers are very hard to reach by phone, so I use e-mail almost exclusively for them. |
| Some customers do not use the phone because they do not have time. They will send an e-mail when it is convenient and look at the reply when possible. |
| Some customers prefer to be reached by e-mail and answer it promptly. This is fine, but many never acknowledge any correspondence. |
| Some people are can get me answers faster via email. |
| Some times |
| Sometimes can get faster answer -- get tally or other info verified - etc. |
| Sometimes the person responds faster to an email than to a message in their voice mail. |
| Special material quotes |
| Special offerings answering email initiated by the customer |
| Specified information with lots of figures. |
| Speed of information del. Dif. reaching by phone |
| Status of the order to confirm quotes ( prices ) to send our weekly price list to all customers. Offer specific tally |
| Technical info, claims, quote requests. |
| Technical information, formal quotes, and for communicating with multiple parties |
| That is my first choice. |
| This is my preferred method of communication. We are working with most of our vendors using E mail and this will only increase. |
| Those that e-mail me. |
| Time of day - lunch or early or if it is lengthy. Also, some people I can't reach by phone. Sometimes I will e-mail and tell the person I am on hold. I try and use e-mail unless the discussion I need is lengthy. |
| To answer inquiry sent by e-mail |
| To answer quick questions that require little or no personal interaction with the individual. To pass info that has to go out to many individuals |
| To back up phone conversations or putting important information in writing |
| To carefully craft the message |
| To communicate simple information. Things that don't need explanations. |
| To confirm a sale or purchase |
| To confirm an order to a vendor, to have a vendor research something out of their normal interaction with me, to verify and confirm details on a special order |
| To confirm details |
| To confirm price information |
| To confirm shipping of order / some time enquires |
| To confirm specific financial information, agenda information, production scheduling, etc. anything that requires attachments (excel, word documents). |
| To convey information when a conversation isn't necessary. Also, working in various time zones, it insures people have more complete messages, sooner. |
| To convey questions that might take time to research, and occasionally when unable to reach the person by phone after repeated attempts. |
| To get a complement of information. To ask somebody to call me to offer a specific thing. |
| To get multiple quotes. I also use it when the other person is on the other phone or out for whatever reason. |
| To give or confirm details. To send files. |
| To give specs, to close a complex deal, to send/receive POs, to deal with places with too many hours of difference (Asia, Europe) |
| To have something documented or not enough time for chit chat. |
| To have verification that the other person got the message. |
| To leave detailed information. |
| To leave less critical messages, general info, and something that is not of major importance |
| To leave specific information (i.e. grade, delivery) |
| To leave verifiable messages and to be able to track content |
| To let people know whether or not I am on market. Also, when the market gets active and I'm hard to reach I try to do both so that I do not make people wait too long to talk to me |
| To place orders or request quotations. |
| To put into writing a quote or to confirm a price over the phone |
| To relay information other than price requests |
| To relay short, concise messages where no dialogue or interpretation is necessary |
| To respond to the correspondent's e-mail or if the other person prefers e-mail |
| To send color picture images to some of the customer. |
| To send directions to sales staff |
| To send general info not requiring an immediate response |
| To send info it would like to have record of |
| To send information that needs to be tracked. To send information that is detailed. To ask questions that have answers that need to be saved for future reference. To transmit information that does not require an immediate response. |
| To send lists and tallies |
| To send out inventory & receive orders |
| To send out offerings. Correspondence regarding problems when the other party won't p/u the phone. |
| To send PO and grade reports |
| To send quick questions or answers |
| To send special offerings and quotes; respond to e-mail requests for quotes. |
| To show a paper trail to reduce faxes to inquire info from multiple vendors |
| Too many |
| Transfer of specific, detailed information. |
| Transference of data; When a customer desires contact in this manner; When a 'paper' trail is necessary. |
| Typically if I have tried to contact someone or know they are not available to answer, I use e-mail. |
| Under all circumstances. I prefer e-mail to phones. |
| Under almost all circumstances. Email is great. IT is a legal document. It gets things off my desk and onto someone else's. I do not have to wonder or remember what was said. I like it. |
| Unless the situation is to complicated to explain easily in writing, I will almost always use e-mail instead of the phone. |
| Unsolicited product offerings, transportation updates. |
| Update on orders and get info to customer about their order |
| Upon someone's request. |
| Use both |
| Use both all the time....but if I had to make choice it would be phone |
| Use email as often as possible in lieu of phone |
| Use email more than the phone for purchasing inquiries. Normally use the phone to confirm purchase. |
| Use email to communicate with all customers as well as the telephone. I also use email to confirm commitments made over telephone. |
| Use in conjunction with phone |
| Use it when I am busy and need a just a quick response. |
| Use of email is increasing both for making contact, delivering quotes, and taking orders. |
| Use when customer will respond. Will not keep emailing customer if no response. |
| Used mostly for receiving files & price lists. |
| Using e-mail more and more every day. Quotes, orders, confirmations. |
| Usually as an ice breaker with a follow up call to discuss greater details. |
| Various. |
| Vendor special quotes. Order confirmation. |
| Very busy market, issue not of immediate importance. |
| Very few. |
| Very often, when I want to get a fast message to someone who keeps on top of their email. |
| Very rarely. |
| Very rarely. It is ok if your customer prefers it like that. |
| Very rate. |
| Very seldom |
| Want to leave written documentation |
| We e-mail then follow up by phone, if we have something specifically to offer. |
| We never do. |
| We receive inquiries from 2 large retail chains via an e-mail system and respond electronically with quotes. Also occasionally send quotes, car numbers, product information, photos of products, etc by e-mail. A few customers are sending random inquires by e-mail and we respond with quotes to those by e-mail. |
| We use email extensively. Can access email through customer management system we developed. |
| We very rarely use e-mail to send a message. We only use e-mail to respond to e-mails we have been sent. |
| Whatever the customer prefers |
| When a company has an automated phone answering system.... especially one that is designed poorly whereas you're thrown into an extension, nobody's there, and your only option is to leave a message. |
| When a customer e-mails me |
| When a customer is very hard to get a hold of and when you do get him he is very short with you. |
| When a customer requests it or non trading activity. |
| When a customer requests it! |
| When a person does not call back. |
| When a person is just unreachable by phone. |
| When a short answer will do |
| When a time change is involved or I want them to have the information as soon as they arrive. |
| When a topic can be conveyed simply without there being misunderstanding. |
| When a voice call is not required: pricing , trucking , etc. |
| When a written response is required and the information is not urgent. |
| When an answer in not need quick. Also when I want to contact several people at one time with the same message. |
| When an immediate reply is not needed. |
| When an immediate response is not required. |
| When asked to. |
| When asked. |
| When busy and not wishing to get tied up in conversation. |
| When buyers prefer. |
| When complex directions or data are an integral part of the communication. |
| When confirming orders and conversations I like to use e-mail because of the paper trail. |
| When conveying same message to many people. When a paper trail is needed. When passing along data that requires no feedback. |
| When customer prefers |
| When customer prefers or when it's the best way to reach them. |
| When customer requests it |
| When dealing with established vendors, much more time efficient |
| When dealing with overseas companies, or time of day for which ever coast I am working with. |
| When exchanging information that doesn't require an immediate conversation, or when exchanging documents. |
| When forced to communicate by e-mail |
| When getting quotes and/or specials. |
| When hard to reach contacts. When contact prefers. Whenever possible. |
| When I am at my computer |
| When I am busy on the phone and I need to communicate information that is timely to a client. |
| When I am contacted via e-mail, I typically respond with e-mail. But I only check me e-mail a few times a day. Most of my work is by phone. |
| When I am conversing with my head office or with our lumber buyers. I use e-mail to set up appointments and conference calls. |
| When I am having trouble reaching the party. |
| When I am in a hurry. If I am only conveying facts. If I have a simple question to ask. If I am trying to document information exchange. |
| When I am in the office and when it's not URGENT. |
| When I am on hold or when the other party responds quicker via email. I use both all day long. |
| When I am on my two lines with other suppliers and I am trying to make a purchase. |
| When I am under a time crunch and do not have the ability to 'gab' for a long period. |
| When I can get away with it. |
| When I can not reach someone on the phone or when I want a verification that someone got my message. |
| When I can respond to a question or give numbers, such as PO's, prices, etc. Also, when I do not want to spend time on a call. |
| When I cannot get an answer from someone or I need to send pictures. |
| When I cannot get someone on the phone or when I am already on the phone with someone else. |
| When I cannot get through when I want to save time |
| When I cannot reach the individual by phone. |
| When I cannot reach the person or when there is a time zone issue and I need answers. |
| When I can't contact my party by phone |
| When I can't get hold of them |
| When I can't get the customer on the phone |
| When I can't get them on the phone....what a question? |
| When I can't get through |
| When I can't get through to a real person and I don't want to leave a voice mail |
| When I can't get through to my intended person. |
| When I can't reach anyone. |
| When I can't reach by phone, or want to have a record of conversation. Also, when market is running hard and we are coming out with an offer we use email so that all customers have the same opportunity to buy wood. |
| When I can't reach customer |
| When I can't reach my party by phone, or when the info is less than urgent |
| When I can't reach the party I am trying to contact, and the message is time-sensitive (aren't they all) |
| When I can't reach them by phone |
| When I can't speak to the person after 3 tries |
| When I can't stay on the phone or when I need to get exact information |
| When I deal internationally. This is due to language barriers |
| When I do not have time to stay on hold |
| When I do not need an immediate answer, and for passing information |
| When I do not need an immediate answer, but something is difficult to explain. |
| When I don't have time to wait for a contact to be available. |
| When I don't need an immediate answer |
| When I don't need an immediate answer, and I know the other person actually looks at his e-mails |
| When I don't need an immediate answer. |
| When I don't need an immediate answer. When I want a paper trail of the discussion. When I need to attach documents. |
| When I don't need an immediate response. |
| When I don't need an urgent answer. |
| When I don't receive a phone call back or when I prefer to have written evidence of correspondence. |
| When I feel it is not important to speak to the other person. |
| When I get an e-mail that I have to respond to and the person cannot be reached by phone. I prefer to call. |
| When I get sent to voice mail on an initial call. |
| When I have a concise message. |
| When I have a list of material to price |
| When I have a list or don't need an immediate answer. |
| When I have an option to answer an e-mail communication I have received. |
| When I have something to offer, and will follow it up with the phone. |
| When I have to get prices for several different location and from several different vendors. |
| When I have to send an attachment file. When I have to provide information without needing a conversation. |
| When I have to, or need record that message has been sent. |
| When I know a person will not return a phone call, or when I have experienced confusion about important points with this person on the phone. |
| When I know for sure the recipient checks his email frequently. |
| When I know it will be difficult to reach the party |
| When I know someone prefers e-mail to phone. When I want to provide information that the person I need to reach will need to refer back to. When I have made initial contact with the person at least once by phone. When I know the person is busy and the communication is important but not urgent. |
| When I know that person is extremely busy and he/she indicates that e-mails are best. |
| When I know the call backs of the person I am trying to reach are generally not prompt |
| When I know the one to be contacted is out of his office |
| When I know the other person is constantly monitoring his e mail |
| When I know the other person watches their email closely and when I know they are difficult to reach by phone. |
| When I know the parties email address |
| When I know the person and the communication is not urgent |
| When I know the person I am trying to reach prefers it. |
| When I know the person is busy and I want a commitment .. I'll ask for an email or when dealing with cultural differences. Verbal is not as good as written |
| When I know the person is not going to be available. |
| When I know the person is unreachable by phone or does not return phone calls. |
| When I know the recipient will be checking them on a timely basis. |
| When I know they are difficult to reach on the phone. |
| When I like to have a paper trail. When I want to contact someone before or after hours for a response later. If the person is out of the office for a period of time (day or two). |
| When I need a paper trail. Volume quotations. Pricing disputes. Quality issues |
| When I need a quick response and I know that the person I am sending it to is at his/her computer all day and checks e-mail instantly. |
| When I need an immediate response to a simple question. |
| When I need to get information out to customer/supplier quickly |
| When I need to get my point or information across and there is no need for conversation. |
| When I need to get someone information fast or I need an specific answer fast. People seem to answer e mails faster than return phone calls or listen to voice mail messages. |
| When I need to leave technical info or lists of items. |
| When I need to reach someone off hours, or do not need an immediate answer |
| When I need to send the same message to different individuals. |
| When I need to spread the same message to multiple people. |
| When I or they need a record. When the person to whom I want to speak is unavailable |
| When I require a written record |
| When I want a documented back-up for my files. When I am having a hard time reaching somebody by phone. |
| When I want a record of my conversation. |
| When I want a reply, but do not have a near term time requirement. |
| When I want proof of conversation |
| When I want there to be no doubt about what was discussed and the conclusion. Generally use it on orders. |
| When I want to have a record of the information I am sending. |
| When I want to leave a message without requiring a response, when I am traveling and need to respond after business hours, when the other party is not taking phone calls. |
| When I want written record. |
| When I'm communicating the same message to several people, when I'm relaying a lot of detailed information and when I've found it's easier to reach the person in that way. |
| When I'm in a hurry |
| When in a hurry and no time for idle chit chat. |
| When in a hurry, and have a short message |
| When info or topic needs documentation or when you know the other person likes messages by e-mail and the message is not urgent. |
| When information needs to be clear. Lengthy bits of information. After hours correspondence. Setting up meetings. |
| When instructed to, otherwise I call. |
| When it conveys the message better |
| When it doesn't matter if I don't have the answer right away. If I can wait an hour or longer I will send an email. |
| When it is an easy problem to solve without a lot of explanation. Or when I am on a phone call and trying to accomplish some other tasks as well. |
| When it is available and no unusual information is required. |
| When it is available, and I can depend on a prompt answer. |
| When it is convenient. |
| When it is difficult to get through. Phone is quicker that typing e-mail. Especially for when several response are needed to come to a conclusion. |
| When it is easier to reach the person, it is faster sometimes if they are busy. They can be on a call and still respond to email. |
| When it is efficient. I find that most people answer their e-mail infrequently. |
| When it is hard to get a hold of someone. |
| When it is impossible to get a hold of someone. |
| When it is impossible to reach the person by phone. |
| When it is very difficult to reach the other person on the telephone. |
| When it makes sense. Some contacts are easier to reach that way and respond promptly, others don't. I like email though, it is quick and efficient. |
| When it's a shorter message and I don't necessarily need a response immediately. |
| When it's convenient; the customer requests e-mail communication; the person is not available by phone; or the data being sent requires written proof that the sender DID transmit the data. ( Not necessarily in the above order ) |
| When its easier to get in touch with the other party or during my working hours and the other party is in another time zone. |
| When I've been on hold too long and it's important. I'll email and say I'm holding, how long will they be. |
| When making large sales offerings .. confirming car #s, any items that I want customer to have a written record... |
| When message is not critical |
| When my contacts prefer it. Some are more likely to answer an e-mail than the phone |
| When no negotiation is required and a written record is needed |
| When not reachable; when customer requests it; if busy and can do it without negatively affecting current task in response to inquiries |
| When not urgent and as often as possible |
| When party is not available and I want a quote on a specific tally or special grade. |
| When people are difficult to reach |
| When person is out especially if there are several things to be addressed. |
| When personal attention is not required |
| When phone systems are down or not working properly. When the contact person is on the phone and I need to speak with them. For general info. and for confirming orders/details. Do not prefer to use email for quoting however. |
| When phones are busy or I can't reach the guy I need to talk to or if I'm to busy to call everybody at once.. |
| When possible or to illustrate. |
| When purchasing large blocks I will e-mail spreadsheets to vendors containing info they need to quote. |
| When receiving bids for products and for requests from customers. |
| When replying to an e-mail |
| When requested |
| When requested by customer |
| When requested, for info or quotation. When involved with a time constraint or a written record is desired. |
| When requesting detailed information |
| When requesting quotes or information. |
| When schedules are unlikely to coincide |
| When sending pictures or dealing with another country |
| When sending price lists when responding to quote request as a way to communicate to the masses about market info |
| When several numbers and exact descriptions are involved. |
| When someone else initiates it. |
| When someone is hard to reach or the issue is not time sensitive |
| When specifically requested. |
| When subject matter is not of a serious nature. I prefer e-mail, but 70% of my contacts are not e-mail savvy still in this day and age. They prefer the telephone and a live person at the end of the line. |
| When talking to my boss. I speak personally to all customers on initial inquiry, but may send follow up info through email. |
| When the complexity - or simplicity - of the information dictates it, or if I want to broadcast quickly to a wide audience. |
| When the contact I'm trying to reach is out for lunch or away from their desk. |
| When the content of a message requires consideration in order to ensure that it is comprehensive and accurate and, to create a record of important messages. |
| When the customer desires it |
| When the customer is hard to get a hold of and has an automated phone answering service. |
| When the customer is unavailable |
| When the customer prefers e-mail |
| When the customer requests it. |
| When the customer requests so or if I can not reach the customer by phone. |
| When the customer requests that they receive updates on prices. |
| When the individual is out of the office and I want them to have the inquiry or quote. When I want a record of a document. Lastly, to eliminate confusion on the inquiry, quote, or information. |
| When the individual is rarely in the office (by nature of his/her job). |
| When the information includes several facts or figures. |
| When the market is really moving, or you need an answer quickly. or if the customer is angry with you for some reason, you don't have to talk to them |
| When the message being communicated is simple, and can't be misinterpreted through e-mail. |
| When the person I'm calling is out |
| When the person I'm trying to reach is away from their desk - at lunch or in a meeting. |
| When the person I'm trying to reach is unavailable by conventional phone. |
| When the person is more apt to respond by email instead of telephone. Periodic updates and market fluctuations. |
| When the person is on the phone, I know there email is open and they check it all the time. |
| When the person or company can't be reached |
| When the switchboard is automated |
| When there are action items that need detailed out and followed up on. When a person can not be reached by phone and have a good response history for quickly getting back to me. |
| When there is a great deal of data to transmit or regular reports like offerings. Also to verify telcon discussions. |
| When there is no need for a fast response. |
| When there is really nothing about an order that needs to be discussed with the vendor. |
| When there is something that really isn't important enough to require an immediate answer. |
| When there isn't an urgent answer required. |
| When time is an issue |
| When timing is not critical. When I'm already on the phone with someone else. When I want there to be NO misunderstanding. |
| When transmitting informational info that does not need human expression. |
| When trying to reach the other party by phone fails. |
| When unable to reach party within 5-10 mins. When complicated data needs to be exchanged. |
| When unable to talk with someone by phone |
| When we cannot get through via phone. When we need to have something in writing. |
| When we don't have to talk at length about a subject. |
| When working a limited offering at a reduced price and the customer is tied up. |
| When you are trying to get answer back to someone and you get reach them |
| When you can not get the person you have tried several times |
| Whenever I can basically, but mainly I use whichever one that I think will get an answer quicker. |
| Whenever I can, find it faster |
| Whenever I can. |
| Whenever I can. Problems. |
| Whenever I can. Quicker and more specific. |
| Whenever I cannot reach the person I am trying to reach by phone. When the person I need to contact has a history of not listening to voice mails or is extremely lax in returning phone calls. Also whenever the market is on an aggressive movement upward. |
| Whenever I don't need an answer that minute. |
| Whenever I feel it is appropriate, it is a time saver. |
| Whenever I feel it will save time |
| Whenever it can be used and the customer/supplier is receptive to it |
| Whenever it is available |
| Whenever it seems probable that there will be a prompt response |
| Whenever it would expedite the transaction |
| Whenever it's appropriate, when the contact is only for a short specific answer |
| Whenever possible |
| Whenever possible - can't stand the phone, mostly because it is a waste of time. |
| Whenever possible! Saves 'on hold' time. |
| Whenever possible!! use the phone mostly when an immediate response is needed |
| Whenever possible, unless personal contact is required w/ customer |
| Whenever possible. If someone had called for this survey it probably would not have happened. |
| Whenever possible. To check on a shipment, get a quote, send a PO #, etc. If I know that the other person is constantly monitoring email, I prefer to transact most of my business that way. I can conduct business via email while I am holding on the line for those who don't use email. |
| Whenever possible. All lumber/panel quotes are now e-mail generated. I only call when I feel an in person response is absolutely necessary or an order/question is to complicated to resolve via e-mail. |
| Whenever the message or concern is straightforward and can be communicated in a clear manner. If there is any give and take needed, I usually pick up the phone. |
| Where record of communication is important |
| Where the information being sent is used for information purposes, and/or no response is needed immediately. |
| Whichever my customer/vendor prefers ! |
| While on hold will email who I am holding for if I know what they are looking for or what info they need. |
| While on the phone |
| With any vendor that has email running all the time. I prefer email to phone since I get faster service while they wait on hold for someone else. There is also a record of what was said. Last, I can place orders @ 11:00PM and have a confirmation when I get in. |
| With every customer that has e-mail, I will prefer this way of communication |
| With my customers that use it! |
| With people that I have a relationship with. I use it to send them material lists. |
| With quick questions/responses. |
| With someone who I am sure will get it and respond. Someone who I have regular email contact with. Much of my contact is about checking status on po's, getting car numbers, and other communication that requires small bits of information. |
| Working after hours. When I need information which I know the person will have to research before answering. When transmitted detailed information. |
| Would prefer e-mail. |
| Would prefer to use the phone. E-mail is constantly full. |
