You might see a few companies (especially BT!) offering deals in return for a “Rolling one year contract”, but what does this mean, and how it it different from an ordinary “One year contract”.
Well, in simple terms it’s a lock-in from the supplier of one year, (just line any other one year contract), then at the end of that year, it’s a another lock-in for another whole year, and so on.
Traditionally, we’re used to taking out a contract with a telephone company for one year, then after that it’s on a monthly (or sometimes quarterly) basis after that. Not so with the latest deal from BT…
But is it worth it? That’s for you to decide - there’s usually an incentive from the supplier (but not always - check the small print!) In BT’s case, the current incentive is free evenings and weekend calls if you sign up for a rolling contract.
So always read the small print and make sure this is what you really want to do before signing up for one.
Further to my recent post about call recording, I’ve been looking about for places where you may have to record calls.
The Financial Services Authority (FSA) looks after the general rules and regulations for running any sort of money services companies such as money lenders, banks, mortgage companies, insurance brokers and so on, and they have produced a code of conduct in which they make recommendations about call recording. You can download consultation paper here, and the section we are most interested in is chapter 19: “Telephone Recording – recording of voice conversations and electronic communications”.
A relevant extract is 19.4:
19.4 We propose firms be required to record telephone lines used for voice conversations that involve the receipt of client orders and the negotiating, agreeing and arranging of transactions across the equity, bond and financial commodity and derivatives markets, and to retain electronic communications relevant to these activities. The term electronic communications has wide application and includes fax, e-mail, chat and instant messaging – but, obviously, is not limited to those.
So if you’re in the financial business then make-sure your current or next telephone system has the capability to take call recordings. Drogon Systems would recommend that you take call recordings in any business where you take orders, or deal with clients over the telephone.