Rant: Client's that don't set up their voicemail

[NECPA in NEBRASKA]

I can't believe how many people I've called and they haven't set up their voicemail. I do not want to continually call them, because it just ticks me off! Everything ticks me off right now, I guess.

Bonnie

[Lee B]

That's right up there with the clients who have a voicemail setup, but they never check it so the voice mailbox is full and won't accept any more messages :-(

That's why I mostly send texts.

[NECPA in NEBRASKA]

I should text more, but every time that I do, some Bozo calls me at 7 AM on my cell phone, just because they have the number. I only text my client's that aren't apt to abuse having my cell phone. I keep getting text to land line calls from the kids that don't understand that I actually have two land lines in my house. 

[FDNY]

Without a way to get a timely message to or response from them,  especially at this late in the game, it serves them right if we are unable to file anything.  I've got a few that just disappear and reappear like nothing is wrong.

[jklcpa]

15 minutes ago, NECPA in NEBRASKA said:

I should text more, but every time that I do, some Bozo calls me at 7 AM on my cell phone, just because they have the number. I only text my client's that aren't apt to abuse having my cell phone. I keep getting text to land line calls from the kids that don't understand that I actually have two land lines in my house. 

I don't want to give my cell number either and so I recently activated the texting function available through my Comcast service where I can send and receive that will come in directly to my computer instead.  I haven't had to resort to that yet.  

Maybe you have something similar that would work for you?

[ILLMAS]

I have clients that Sometimes call me nonstop, I only return their call if they leave a message, other that they can call all they want.  My office phone is not a cellphone, it doesn't receive texts nor tells me of the missed calls.

[NECPA in NEBRASKA]

40 minutes ago, jklcpa said:

I don't want to give my cell number either and so I recently activated the texting function available through my Comcast service where I can send and receive that will come in directly to my computer instead.  I haven't had to resort to that yet.  

Maybe you have something similar that would work for you?

I will have to check and see if Cox offers something like that. Thanks!

[Catherine]

Test any system on yourself first.  We supposedly had that (log in, send a text from online), but it never worked.  It would say the message went out, but it never went anywhere.

[Margaret CPA in OH]

And this is why  I choose email still.  I can print to pdf and save in the client file.  Only 2-3 clients even know my cell number because they are members of the same church.  I never have the sound on when I am working as there has been a recent inundation of spam calls here.  It's using the area code and first 3 digits of my number so I quit answering or calling back.  I was fooled once thinking it was a neighbor.  I just respond to left messages.

Technology can be very good, very useful and also a pain in the patooty.  I choose to use it for my convenience. 

Ms. Cranky Luddite now signing off.

[Richcpaman]

Yes... I hate that.   And, if you are not sure that you have the right number, you don't know if you got the right person as well.

Rich

[rfassett]

Starting at our cutoff - we tell folks coming in after that a number of things.  First, no guarantee that the return will be done.  Second, where can I reach you at a number or numbers that will be answered during the day, evenings and weekends.  Third, if you fail to answer our call, we will assume you do not want your return finished.  Fourth, we will not leave a voice mail - refer back to number 3.

We will go a long, long way to help those that want to help themselves - but won't move much off center for the other camp.

BTW - we have very few issues like the one described - maybe two out of all of the returns we did this year.

[Abby Normal]

19 hours ago, ILLMAS said:

nor tells me of the missed calls

No Caller ID?! We can see the last 50 incoming calls and dial those numbers with the push of a button. What I HATE is when they call me on one number but want me to call back on a different number. I always call them back on the number the called me from first, for MY convenience.

[ILLMAS]

1 hour ago, Abby Normal said:

No Caller ID?! We can see the last 50 incoming calls and dial those numbers with the push of a button. What I HATE is when they call me on one number but want me to call back on a different number. I always call them back on the number the called me from first, for MY convenience.

Caller ID yes, but sometimes only the number appears on missed calls, I have a million things to do, so if you don't leave a message you are not getting a callback.  I am a one person business, I tried answering ever single call that came in the past, but I notice I was getting no work done and leaving the office after 7pm for the last 8 years, missed my daughter's first 8 years of childhood for being married to my work/clients.  <- my biggest regret and saddens me everyday.