alternative to Google Voice?

I've been thinking about the google phone and do not really like it.

I am going to check how much a second cell phone would cost. You can then put your own message on the phone and still answer/screen calls.

Considering that google voice is free it works just fine. Of course there are other alternatives but they aren't free. I haven't had issues with google voice. I did have to get used to the ringing and having me push 1 to answer. But it's been working for me.

I believe you can turn on Do Not Disturb mode on your Google voice which should make it go straight to voicemail. I know ours does.

Some investors would tell you not to even let it go to voicemail. You lose 20% of leads by letting it go to voice mail rather than answering the phone. But it's up to you if you can afford that loss.

Coast to Coast,

You CAN put custom voicemail messages on google voice numbers. Buying a second cell phone is a huge waste of money. Why not use something thats free?

I just think you all don't know how to use it properly. Look more into it or look for help on Google Voice's website. Google usually provides pretty good Support Articles.

It's an AMAZING product for the price

To anyone in doubt, check out our Google Voice number by going to our website (in my signature) and calling one of our lines, preferably the Northwest Indiana phone number. Both of our numbers are on Google Voice and go directly to voicemail. I then have those transscripted emails automatically forwarded to everyone in our company.

Make sure you leave a message letting us know that you saw this post and you were just testing it out, so no one calls you back

It is not free but I am happy with this service. I have YouMail for my voicemail transcription. If you are a paid member (they offer free), you can request direct number. I post my Youmail direct number which will always go directly to voice mail and I still get a transcribed message that shows up on my phone.

I have always liked my Youmail because I record a custom message for every person that I regularly talk with. They are regularly impressed.

www youmail com

Jim

I have used a few options, google voice is still one of my favorites. Typically I don't give out my cell phone # unless someone has been pre-screened. I set my google voice to do not disturb and let it go to voice mail. If someone doesn't want to leave a voice mail, then they are probably not motivated anyways. In general, I think most people are used to voicemail.

So I use my google voice # for potential buyers (lease option buyers), I have have a Skype #, also with a voice mail that I use for sellers with instructions to leave and address, that way you can do a little research before I call back.

I also had an 800# with extension, that was voicemail only. I also have a maxe-mail account that I am just using for fax, but can also be set up as a voicemail.

Again, I prefer letting calls go to voicemail for a few reasons. One, I work a day job, so I can't answer my phone all day. Two, it pre-screens the calls, you don't want to waste your time talking with someone who is not motivated (your time is limited). Three, it always me to make calls when it is convenient for me and I can focus on the calls.

Hope this helps!

A prepaid cell phone is another option. You can get one at Target or Wall Mart. They also come with double and triple minutes. This means for every minute you buy you get one or two free. It is an untraceable number you can use to receive and return calls. Just make sure you get one with good coverage areas.

Google voice is the best out there, and it's free. If you really don't like it, Republic Wireless has an unlimited Wi-Fi cell phone plan for $19.00 a month. It has a few bugs of its own, but it's great at that price.

I use KALL8 (was one of the accounts recommended a long time ago from Dean's education) and I'm really happy with it. I have an 800# and it forwards to my cell phone. I can also set it up NOT to forward late in the evening, then it goes to VM. The cost is under $10 a month, which might vary depending on how many calls you get.

I also signed up for an e-fax. I don't use fax very often. Even RE documents I usually get by email, but figured I needed a fax number to look professional.