Q. IF YOU ARE DIALING OUT ON MORE LINES THAN YOU HAVE AGENTS, HOW DO YOU PREVENT HANGING UP ON PEOPLE?

A. Predictive dialers utilize a predictive algorithm that strikes a balance between the amount of time between calls and the number of dropped calls. Predictive levels can be set very low (call only when an agent is available), which will guarantee that no live contact gets dropped. Alternatively the predictive level can be high, (call whenever a line is available - whether or not an agent is available) which will result in a high number of drops. The ability to adjust calling campaigns to a level that will minimize both wait times and drops varies between dialer providers. When the predictive level is properly set, dropped calls should be minimized to well under 1% -- most of which will result in a ring at the contact phone with the connection terminating prior to the contact answering the phone.

Q. HOW ARE ANSWERING MACHINES HANDLED?

A. Most predictive dialers have answering machine detection options -- allowing you the choice of leaving a message on the machine or scheduling the record for later call back. The sophistication of the answering machine detection is another variant between different predictive dialing providers. Less sophisticated systems use voice cadence detection -- which assumes that a long burst of words (Hello, this is the Jones residence...) is an answering machine. Cadence detection alone is about 60% effective in correctly detecting an answering machine. The best systems use both cadence and frequency detection, which electronically measures voltage and line noise to more accurately detect an answering machine. This combined approach is proven to be more than 90% effective.

Q. HOW MUCH TIME DO AGENTS WAIT BETWEEN CALLS?

A. It depends on several factors -- primarily the predictive level setting, the quality of the calling list, the number of lines being used, and the time of day. A well-cultivated calling list set to a proper predictive level should pass calls on to agents in 20 seconds or less.

Q. WHAT DO PREDICTIVE DIALING SYSTEMS COST?

A. There is a wide variation of systems available. Our prices vary according to your specific configuration needs. Cost will depend on the quality of the system, features available, system architecture, and the number of seats you purchase. You can't compete in the telemarketing and collections world without them."

Q. WHAT FACTORS SHOULD BE CONSIDERED IN DECIDING WHICH PREDICTIVE DIALER TO PURCHASE?

1) The quality of the predictive algorithm. How well does it minimize the time between calls and the drop rate percentage?
2) The reputation of the company - based on comments from satisfied users. How well does the company respond to customer calls for assistance?
3) Is the system architecture open and able to easily accommodate expansion without incurring significant reinvestment or down time.
4) How well does the system fit your business needs? Will you need to run more than one type of campaign at a time? Will you need to change campaigns "on-the-fly?" How difficult is it to obtain replacement parts? Can the system adapt to your existing database? How easy is the system to learn for new agents? Will the system create the type of reports you need. Can they serve as a management tool for you to control your calling campaigns more effectively?

Predictive dialers use sophisticated algorithms that take into account a number of factors including the following:

• Number of call centre staff available
• Average number of line conversations per hour
• Average number of line conversations per person
• Call history to customers
• Customer preferences (e.g. time of day)
• Call priorities
By applying these algorithms in a given environment, the percentage of "talk time" can be increased and the amount of "wait time" can be reduced.