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2 CENT AUTO CALLS
2 CENT AUTO CALLS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When you offer a quality product there is no need to hide the price.
This is why our price is our name.
info@2centautocalls.com
This is why our price is our name.
info@2centautocalls.com
Copyright Constituent Calling, all rights reserved 2011 - Terms and Conditions
Is it really 2 cents, or are there any hidden costs or expenses?
There are no hardware or software costs, no long distance charges, no service or installation fees, and no phone lines required. The 2 cent per-call rate is the only expense you will incur for using 2 cent auto calls.
What is an AutoCall ?
An autocall (or robo-call) is a pre-recorded message usually 30 - 60 seconds in length. The message is coupled with a list of telephone numbers, programmed with voice broadcast technology to simultaneously send out that message to hundreds of people every minute. The message is recorded using sophisticated technology similar to that which you would use to record a voicemail message on your telephone.
What services do you offer?
Traditional Auto Calls
Automated polling
Allow respondents to "press 1” to speak with a live campaign operative
How fast can you get my calls out?
Once we have your list and recording we can send out your calls within 15 minutes. Our peak capacity is currently 1,000,000 calls per hour; however we're working hard to increase that capacity. We made millions of calls the Monday before Election Day in 2010.
Will I have to pay for every phone number I give you, whether or not the call was successful?
Yes. This way, there are no surprises! It also gives our clients incentive to keep their phone lists clean, and protects our system from users who want to call random phone numbers. After your auto call is complete, you will receive a report indicating which numbers are disconnected or invalid. This helps you maintain your phone list.
With an uncleansed phone list, 75% of our auto calls will go through to a live person or voicemail on average. With a cleansed phone list, our connect rate can be as high as 90%!
Are there any additional charges?
We charge a flat rate based on the length of the message, no setup fee. We don't charge extra to deliver messages to voicemail machines! Yes it costs us more to wait for the voicemail greeting to finish before playing your message, but we know that's what you want, so it's built into the price!
We don't charge extra to use a caller ID number that you provide. Again, it sometimes costs us more depending on the route, but our pricing covers it.
Do I need to supply my own phone list?
You can supply your own phone list, but if you do not have one we can provide you a customized list of registered voters. You pay just 3 cents per record and you own the list, we do not rent lists. We can build a list based on any data element – state, election district, age, gender, income, voter history, etc.
How will I know when you have finished calling everyone on my phone list?
When your auto call is finished, our account supervisor will send you a spreadsheet listing each phone number, the time that number was called, and the result of the call.
For automated polls, the spreadsheet will also include poll results.
Can you change the caller ID so it looks like the calls are coming from me?
Yes! But beware that you might get flooded with a lot of unwanted call-backs. Don't say we didn't warn you!
If you don't give us a callerID phone number to use, then we'll use a generic phone number.
Why are you so much cheaper than everyone else?
We're owned and operated by hardcore software engineers. That means we write our own software, so we don't pay any software licensing fees, and pass the savings on to you!
Who's voice will people hear? Can I use my own recording?
Of course you can! It's easy to make your recording. Just call our automated recording line as instructed in your welcome email.
If you would rather make your own recording, that's ok too. For best results, record your message on a fast computer with a good quality microphone or headset. A USB microphone will often be easier to setup than a standard microphone plugged into the back of the computer.
Remember, nobody likes distorted hard-to hear recordings. The better the recording, the more receptive people will be to your message.
For most people, our recording line will give better results, so that's what we recommend. Just follow the instructions on the Get Started page.
Will my constituents get angry with me if I send them an autocall?
Of course some people will get angry! Not everyone you call will be a supporter of yours. Some will be a supporter of your opponent and will complain about anything you do. If you're new to politics this can be disturbing, so you might want to talk with someone who has been in politics for a while and ask them how they handle angry voters.
Our advice is to take the same approach that a seasoned customer service rep would take: The customer is always right! If they want to be put on your do-not-call list, then apologize for inconveniencing them, honor their request, and ask them if there's anything else you can do for them. Then tell them to have a great day. We see this as an opportunity for you to speak with constituents.
Try to keep your message on point, because rambling auto calls are annoying.
Try to keep your message short -- less than 30 seconds is best.
Make at most one or two major points in your message, then direct constituents to your web site for details about your policy positions.
Don't whine about a negative attack! I can't stress this enough. Voters hate whining. Instead, go on the attack yourself, or talk about your strengths. Whatever you do, stay out of "defense" mode. The best defense is a good offense!
Consider doing an automated poll rather than a traditional auto call. A poll engages people and can help raise awareness about important issues. People want you to listen to them, not lecture them. A poll let's your constituents know that you care about their opinions.
What is the connect rate?
The connect rate is how many people actually picked up the phone or had their answering machine capture your message. That determines how many people actually listened to your message. The single biggest factor is the quality of your list of phone numbers.
A campaign voter data list will have an average connect rate of 90%. Lists from a qualified data provider such as 2 Cent Auto Calls will have an average connect rate of 80%, with a variance dependent on the district itself. Voter registration lists from the Registrar of Voters will average less than 70% connect rate. Lists taken from telephone directories have an average connect rate of 80%.
Is sound quality a factor in my message?
You will have the opportunity to experience the quality first hand when you playback your recorded message on our recording system.
What about answering machines?
Completed calls made between 9 AM and 5 PM typically run 45% live and 55% voice mail/answering machine. Completed calls made between 5 PM and 9 PM typically run 65% live and 35% voice mail/answering machine.
What about turnaround time?
Automated telephone technology is capable of the swiftest turnaround in disseminating a campaign message of all the available mass media, respond to an attacks instantly.
Do people complain about being bothered by automated calls?
This is a common question from potential clients who are unfamiliar with this technology. Complaints have been very minimal. People are inclined to listen to a 30 second message if the caller identifies as the candidate or as a celebrity. People are typically less irritated by this technology than by live calling, since the interruption in their lives is very brief and does not involve having to end an unwelcome conversation with a sales person.
What about confidentiality?
We adhere to strict client confidentiality, and will handle only one client in a given political race.
What are legal calling times? Best calling times?
In most states you can call from 8am to 9pm. We would suggest your calling times be from 9am to 7pm.
Are there any restrictions about sending out messages?
Yes. 2 cent auto calls is not intended to be used for unwanted calls. Each user is responsible for ensuring that their use of the system complies with all applicable laws and all other provisions within our Terms of Use. Please read our Terms of Use thoroughly before completing the checkout process.
Will my contact/member list(s) be sold?
Never. Please see our Privacy Policy for details of our commitment to you.
Can I import a file with all my contacts?
Yes. We can accept Excel spreadsheets, text, pdf and CSV files. Just email us the list. There is never an extra charge for de-duping and sponging lists.
Are there limits on the size of my lists?
There are no limits on the size of groups with our 2 cent plans.
What happens if the person doesn’t answer when my call is made?
If someone is not available to answer, 2 cent auto calls will also deliver to an answering machine. If a phone line is busy or someone doesn’t have an answering machine we will attempt to deliver your message 3 additional times (5 minutes later, then 15 minutes later, and again 15 minutes later).
Will I be able to see the results of my broadcasts?
Yes. When your auto call project is complete, you will receive an email with a summary of the results.
Does 2 cent auto calls integrate with State and National “Do Not Call” lists?
Auto Calls are still legal under US federal law and in most states for political organizations, labor unions, and other non-profits.
There are no hardware or software costs, no long distance charges, no service or installation fees, and no phone lines required. The 2 cent per-call rate is the only expense you will incur for using 2 cent auto calls.
What is an AutoCall ?
An autocall (or robo-call) is a pre-recorded message usually 30 - 60 seconds in length. The message is coupled with a list of telephone numbers, programmed with voice broadcast technology to simultaneously send out that message to hundreds of people every minute. The message is recorded using sophisticated technology similar to that which you would use to record a voicemail message on your telephone.
What services do you offer?
Traditional Auto Calls
Automated polling
Allow respondents to "press 1” to speak with a live campaign operative
How fast can you get my calls out?
Once we have your list and recording we can send out your calls within 15 minutes. Our peak capacity is currently 1,000,000 calls per hour; however we're working hard to increase that capacity. We made millions of calls the Monday before Election Day in 2010.
Will I have to pay for every phone number I give you, whether or not the call was successful?
Yes. This way, there are no surprises! It also gives our clients incentive to keep their phone lists clean, and protects our system from users who want to call random phone numbers. After your auto call is complete, you will receive a report indicating which numbers are disconnected or invalid. This helps you maintain your phone list.
With an uncleansed phone list, 75% of our auto calls will go through to a live person or voicemail on average. With a cleansed phone list, our connect rate can be as high as 90%!
Are there any additional charges?
We charge a flat rate based on the length of the message, no setup fee. We don't charge extra to deliver messages to voicemail machines! Yes it costs us more to wait for the voicemail greeting to finish before playing your message, but we know that's what you want, so it's built into the price!
We don't charge extra to use a caller ID number that you provide. Again, it sometimes costs us more depending on the route, but our pricing covers it.
Do I need to supply my own phone list?
You can supply your own phone list, but if you do not have one we can provide you a customized list of registered voters. You pay just 3 cents per record and you own the list, we do not rent lists. We can build a list based on any data element – state, election district, age, gender, income, voter history, etc.
How will I know when you have finished calling everyone on my phone list?
When your auto call is finished, our account supervisor will send you a spreadsheet listing each phone number, the time that number was called, and the result of the call.
For automated polls, the spreadsheet will also include poll results.
Can you change the caller ID so it looks like the calls are coming from me?
Yes! But beware that you might get flooded with a lot of unwanted call-backs. Don't say we didn't warn you!
If you don't give us a callerID phone number to use, then we'll use a generic phone number.
Why are you so much cheaper than everyone else?
We're owned and operated by hardcore software engineers. That means we write our own software, so we don't pay any software licensing fees, and pass the savings on to you!
Who's voice will people hear? Can I use my own recording?
Of course you can! It's easy to make your recording. Just call our automated recording line as instructed in your welcome email.
If you would rather make your own recording, that's ok too. For best results, record your message on a fast computer with a good quality microphone or headset. A USB microphone will often be easier to setup than a standard microphone plugged into the back of the computer.
Remember, nobody likes distorted hard-to hear recordings. The better the recording, the more receptive people will be to your message.
For most people, our recording line will give better results, so that's what we recommend. Just follow the instructions on the Get Started page.
Will my constituents get angry with me if I send them an autocall?
Of course some people will get angry! Not everyone you call will be a supporter of yours. Some will be a supporter of your opponent and will complain about anything you do. If you're new to politics this can be disturbing, so you might want to talk with someone who has been in politics for a while and ask them how they handle angry voters.
Our advice is to take the same approach that a seasoned customer service rep would take: The customer is always right! If they want to be put on your do-not-call list, then apologize for inconveniencing them, honor their request, and ask them if there's anything else you can do for them. Then tell them to have a great day. We see this as an opportunity for you to speak with constituents.
Try to keep your message on point, because rambling auto calls are annoying.
Try to keep your message short -- less than 30 seconds is best.
Make at most one or two major points in your message, then direct constituents to your web site for details about your policy positions.
Don't whine about a negative attack! I can't stress this enough. Voters hate whining. Instead, go on the attack yourself, or talk about your strengths. Whatever you do, stay out of "defense" mode. The best defense is a good offense!
Consider doing an automated poll rather than a traditional auto call. A poll engages people and can help raise awareness about important issues. People want you to listen to them, not lecture them. A poll let's your constituents know that you care about their opinions.
What is the connect rate?
The connect rate is how many people actually picked up the phone or had their answering machine capture your message. That determines how many people actually listened to your message. The single biggest factor is the quality of your list of phone numbers.
A campaign voter data list will have an average connect rate of 90%. Lists from a qualified data provider such as 2 Cent Auto Calls will have an average connect rate of 80%, with a variance dependent on the district itself. Voter registration lists from the Registrar of Voters will average less than 70% connect rate. Lists taken from telephone directories have an average connect rate of 80%.
Is sound quality a factor in my message?
You will have the opportunity to experience the quality first hand when you playback your recorded message on our recording system.
What about answering machines?
Completed calls made between 9 AM and 5 PM typically run 45% live and 55% voice mail/answering machine. Completed calls made between 5 PM and 9 PM typically run 65% live and 35% voice mail/answering machine.
What about turnaround time?
Automated telephone technology is capable of the swiftest turnaround in disseminating a campaign message of all the available mass media, respond to an attacks instantly.
Do people complain about being bothered by automated calls?
This is a common question from potential clients who are unfamiliar with this technology. Complaints have been very minimal. People are inclined to listen to a 30 second message if the caller identifies as the candidate or as a celebrity. People are typically less irritated by this technology than by live calling, since the interruption in their lives is very brief and does not involve having to end an unwelcome conversation with a sales person.
What about confidentiality?
We adhere to strict client confidentiality, and will handle only one client in a given political race.
What are legal calling times? Best calling times?
In most states you can call from 8am to 9pm. We would suggest your calling times be from 9am to 7pm.
Are there any restrictions about sending out messages?
Yes. 2 cent auto calls is not intended to be used for unwanted calls. Each user is responsible for ensuring that their use of the system complies with all applicable laws and all other provisions within our Terms of Use. Please read our Terms of Use thoroughly before completing the checkout process.
Will my contact/member list(s) be sold?
Never. Please see our Privacy Policy for details of our commitment to you.
Can I import a file with all my contacts?
Yes. We can accept Excel spreadsheets, text, pdf and CSV files. Just email us the list. There is never an extra charge for de-duping and sponging lists.
Are there limits on the size of my lists?
There are no limits on the size of groups with our 2 cent plans.
What happens if the person doesn’t answer when my call is made?
If someone is not available to answer, 2 cent auto calls will also deliver to an answering machine. If a phone line is busy or someone doesn’t have an answering machine we will attempt to deliver your message 3 additional times (5 minutes later, then 15 minutes later, and again 15 minutes later).
Will I be able to see the results of my broadcasts?
Yes. When your auto call project is complete, you will receive an email with a summary of the results.
Does 2 cent auto calls integrate with State and National “Do Not Call” lists?
Auto Calls are still legal under US federal law and in most states for political organizations, labor unions, and other non-profits.
