Advice needed...

[Louis.]

I am starting up my own company shortly. I am based in Italy (I am an Ex-pat that only gets back to the UK a few times a year). My company is marine based. I am having a difficult time however in deciding whether to include my direct line number, fax number and address on business cards and letterheads.

I feel that if I include the direct line, fax number and address on business cards and letterheads it will put people off from doing business with somebody based overseas. I also feel that if I do include the relevant details it will give a sense of honesty to the company ?

What are your views on this ?

For an example ebay and amazon do not include contact numbers on their website so in the internet age that we are now in, does this mean it is acceptable business wise ?

Any help would be much appreciated

Regards,

Louis

[randlemarcus]

Depends whether the business is one where you would like to talk to customers, or whether its really like Amazon, where talking to customers isnt really what its all about.
If your customers would feel better about doing business with you if they can chat about something, then have a contact number. If its, for example, an online chandlers, where they dont need to talk to you in order to buy a no 8 knot, then fine, stay online only, but consider IM channels as an alternative.

The overseas thing may well put buyers off. The only way around that is to get big enough to have country based subsidiaries, (employing PHers), then problem solved. Mind you, if you are that bug, you've probably outsourced the call centre to Bangalore anyway

[Louis.]

We will be soley internet based.

Thanks for your feedback

[thepeoplespal]

I'd be inclined to include an about you page if you are worried about being in Italy. Mention that you are an expat if you think this is relevant and that should a customer have a problem you will be able to deal with it in an efficient manner and in English.

You might also mention details about why dealing with you in Italy is a good idea etc. etc. Home of Aquarama etc.

[Ex-biker]

Can you do something with BT where you can offer an 0870 number?

At least this way, people think that if there is a problem, at least they have a number to call.

[Louis.]

Anybody here who maybe works for 'BT' that can tell me more about this ?

[rushdriver]

Can't you just get a VOiP phone and some fax software?

John

[Louis.]

I have also been thinking that on the actual letterheads and business cards, I could put the following...

Europe Office
Address line 1
Address line 2
Address line 3
Address line 4

I do plan on making the business international in the future so I think that by stating 'Europe Office' it would seem a lot better.