Web Hosting Talk : Web Hosting Main Forums : Running a Web Hosting Business : Skype Support

[thesimpsonsjohn]

Hey, i was wondeirng if anyone else uses Skype for support?

I was thinking about getting a Skypein number, would this be a better move? and would this get me more customers?

[David]

thesimpsonsjohn,

There are a few hosts that offer it: I've never personally used it for support myself.

Certainly not at a bad idea though, cheap method of voice contact!
Skypein would be outgoing, correct? So you would have to contact them.

It's really up to you! Certainly doesn't hurt to have more methods of contact available for the client to use but be VERY wary of dispersing your support too much.

It's easy enough to answer tickets as they fly in - but taking three skype calls at a time and still attempting to resolve issues might be a bit of a task!

[thesimpsonsjohn]

No skype in is a number, like a 0129746463 number and people can call you through a landline to mobile and be put through to your computer.

[ewhost]

if they had skypein for canada, i'd use it

[thesimpsonsjohn]

Skype in is for every where, but you would have to have an american number, but it would do the same job

I have spent months reading into it and i cant find no catches

[thomase]

Skype support should be treated the same as phone support! You need someone to man it all the time. You also need to be able to respond to things quickly and proffesionally. You'll also need to speak clearly, get a reasonable microphone, etc.

[thesimpsonsjohn]

I have a good mic very good, I'm on the internet almost all the time, my friend may be able to help the rest of the time.

Plus i'm using it for beta really, i dont know if it will work, if not i will not use it. But i offer better support than a hosting site with over 500 customers, he only has ticket and e-mail (which pipes to ticket)

[thesimpsonsjohn]

I have now opened the phone support for the UK, you may call from out side the UK but rates apply. I will be opening a USA number if this goes well.

Just wondering though, which is the best USA area to be a number for? and what is the area code for it?

[Servers4me]

Sipgate.co.uk is a very good. one.

anyone know any other ones with a free switchboard.

[innvativeweb]

Hello,

We use Skype for support. Other than it being a little hectic. Things work out well.

Aaron and Shara

[squawkBOX]

Remember though that you can use Skype not just for a call in number, but for free PC to PC communication.

With more people using Skype - its a good idea for you to allow them to contact you using the PC to PC communication aspect, as there is no cost to the caller and no cost to you.

[Dark_Coder]

mind you... by quality of support, it does not mean the methods you use. It does really mean about how you do it.

[HE-Heeren]

Does skype provide a VoIP solution? or is it primarily pc-based?

[thesimpsonsjohn]

Yes i belive it does :-)

[Valve Ben]

Seeing this has reminded me of an old thread about Asterisk and Skype

http://www.webhostingtalk.com/showth...ighlight=skype

IMO this would be an excellent solution, we ended up going along a different route in the end but I'm seriously considering exploring it further now the linux API has been released -- although how useful it is I dont know yet as I haven't looked at it properly.