The One Who Takes the New Name Enters It

Several times recent customers have come into the store and, when asked, have said, “yes, they called and got on the mailing list already.” But when they are searched for in the computer they aren’t there! Then the salesperson has two options: 1) annoy the customer by taking all the info again, or 2) try to keep notes about what they talked about until the name gets in there and can be updated. Of course, he can’t be sure the name really was received by anyone!

Not putting a new name into the computer immediately causes the following problems:

1. The original person who took the name over the phone uses time to write it on paper instead of putting it directly into the computer.
2. Then he or someone else has to spend time putting it into the computer.
3. They risk loosing the paper with the name on it, or forgetting to put it in.
4. The person who handles the customer if they come in right away has to do it all over again because it isn’t in the computer.
5. If the person who handles them enters them into the computer, and then the person who took the name over the phone enters them later too, they are in twice.

So firm policy is:

1. Enter people directly into the computer, not on a piece of paper and then into the computer.
2. If you can’t do that because the computer is down, then enter it the minute you can. Note that if YOUR terminal is tied up, there are several others available in the store – go over to another one and add the name.
3. If you are not a salesperson, you still have to enter the name immediately. THEN route it to a salesperson, letting them know it has already been entered.

This means exactly what it says.

PUT NEW NAMES INTO THE COMPUTER IMMEDIATELY, WITH ALL DATA!

If you are a salesperson, you would also write the first letter, and fill in the contact log right away so you won’t forget.