Just want to run something past you guys;
Recently I have been receiving many telephone enquiries for very high value av equipment. Fortunately this is not a rare occurance, however in the cases of these specific calls, the client has no real understanding of what they want, aren't bothered with costs, and makes me very suspicious.
Usually the caller asks whether I can supply, for example, 42" Plasma screens, however they dont specify a make. They then ask what models I can supply, and how much. I spend the time to question exactly what the screens will be used for, and take them through the options and give them ideas of prices (usually at this point I am a little suspicious so quote rrp's), plus quote them 3/4 days delivery.
They then request a price for 2 or even 3 off, to which I quote.
They then immediately want to proceed and pay by credit card - even though at this point you could even buy cheaper from Comet or Currys and collect the same day - which means I would be making obscene profit.
At this point I am still willing to proceed, however to protect my own interests aswel as asking the caller for their full name/address and credit card details, additional I inform them for customer not present transactions, for such high value purchases I require them to either photo copy their credit card (front and back) and fax it to me, or post a copy of a recent (no later than 3 months old) utility bill from the card holders address to my office. Once I can get this clear information, I can proceed with the order. Every time I make these requests, the caller says ok/no problem, however I never hear from them again.
Now my question - am I scaring these potential high value customers away, or is what I am doing reasonable to you?
I see this activity as two-fold. 1. It protects me, and 2. It protects the general public from credit card fraud.
Q. Would you be unhappy with what I ask for?
Thanks for any comments/feedback.
Kaine
Recently I have been receiving many telephone enquiries for very high value av equipment. Fortunately this is not a rare occurance, however in the cases of these specific calls, the client has no real understanding of what they want, aren't bothered with costs, and makes me very suspicious.
Usually the caller asks whether I can supply, for example, 42" Plasma screens, however they dont specify a make. They then ask what models I can supply, and how much. I spend the time to question exactly what the screens will be used for, and take them through the options and give them ideas of prices (usually at this point I am a little suspicious so quote rrp's), plus quote them 3/4 days delivery.
They then request a price for 2 or even 3 off, to which I quote.
They then immediately want to proceed and pay by credit card - even though at this point you could even buy cheaper from Comet or Currys and collect the same day - which means I would be making obscene profit.
At this point I am still willing to proceed, however to protect my own interests aswel as asking the caller for their full name/address and credit card details, additional I inform them for customer not present transactions, for such high value purchases I require them to either photo copy their credit card (front and back) and fax it to me, or post a copy of a recent (no later than 3 months old) utility bill from the card holders address to my office. Once I can get this clear information, I can proceed with the order. Every time I make these requests, the caller says ok/no problem, however I never hear from them again.
Now my question - am I scaring these potential high value customers away, or is what I am doing reasonable to you?
I see this activity as two-fold. 1. It protects me, and 2. It protects the general public from credit card fraud.
Q. Would you be unhappy with what I ask for?
Thanks for any comments/feedback.
Kaine