FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions Answered About On Hold Advertising and Messages On Hold
Will your on-hold player work with my telephone system for messages on hold?
In order to connect a messages on hold system, your phone system must have a control box with a “MOH” (music on hold) port. Most larger phone systems, manufactured after 1985, have this port. If you have a 1 or 2 line phone system an adapter may be necessary. For the most reliable information please contact a HOLD IT SYSTEMS representative with your phone system make and model and we will be happy to assist you in assessing your message on hold capabilities and needs.
Why 6 minutes for on hold advertising? I never keep people on hold that long?
The length of on hold messages is determined by how much information you want to relay to your customers, not how long you keep them on hold. Our message on hold advertising system continuously plays 24/7 allowing you to advertise all the various aspects of your business and giving your repeat callers a chance to hear different information every time he/she is placed on-hold.
Will it answer my phone?
No, the sole function of our on hold advertising system is to provide information when a caller is placed on-hold.
Do you record automated attendant messages?
It depends on the medium required for the recording to be put on the customer’s phone system. Please consult with a Hold It Systems Representative for details.
Why a HOLD IT SYSTEMS system over a CD or cassette player for messages on hold?
First, our fully digital on hold messages player was specifically designed for continuous play of messages on hold in an industrial application. Second, it’s solid state with “zero” moving parts. This means there is nothing to wear out or break.
Third, there is no programming or downloading necessary. You simply insert the cartridge, adjust the volume and your HOLD IT SYSTEMS Player will do the rest. Fourth, our cartridges can not be scratched and are enclosed so that dust can not distort the quality of the production.
Is there a guarantee or warranty for your on hold advertising system?
Our on-hold player is backed by an industry best 3 Year Limited Warranty and we offer a 30 day satisfaction guarantee on all of our work. If you have questions there is only one phone number to remember 800.236.4058.
Are the cartridges the same as a cassette?
No, if you could look inside our cartridge you would see circuit boards and memory chips. This format allows us to save your “message on hold” production with exceptional sound quality and eliminates the need for downloading, programming, and maintenance. Also, this protects the finished production from scratches, dust, and humidity and makes it virtually tamper proof.
Do I have to write my own script for my messages on hold?
HOLD IT SYSTEMS employs full time scriptwriters with over 15 years of experience writing on hold messages.
They realize that you are the experts at your business and will request that you send them information highlighting your business. This can include brochures, website information, and more. From there they will create a polished advertisement of exceptional quality for your approval. Please remember that nothing is ever recorded without your signed approval.
Will a representative come out to our office to work on our script?
Because we provide messages for customers across the country and around the world face-to-face consultations are not available. You can communicate with our scriptwriters via the telephone, fax or email.
Can I record my own message and/or use my own voice for an on hold advertising campaign?
The general idea behind an on-hold message is to portray your company as a successful, professional business. By using professional voice talents and our own in-house recording studio, HOLD IT SYSTEMS provides that image. If you do choose to record your own message please have it produced in a professional studio and sent to us on a CD to be downloaded onto our cartridge. It is important to remember that the quality of the recording your customer will hear depends on the quality of the recording you send us.
What is the turnaround time on productions?
Normally, it takes 14 business days from the time the customer sends us the initial information until we have it recorded and on its way to the customer.
Can you record in Spanish?
Yes, we can record a production in Spanish using either male or female voice talent. Please note that there is an additional charge per production and for translation, if needed. Please allow additional recording time for these productions.
Do I need to send back the player to change the message?
No, the message that plays on-hold is stored on the cartridge that is inserted into your on-hold player. Once your message has been recorded a new cartridge will be sent to you. When you receive the new cartridge simply pull out the old cartridge, insert the new one, and return the old one to us in the postage paid envelope that we provide.
What does the term “exchange” mean? Can I build a library of messages?
HOLD IT SYSTEMS cartridges contain circuit boards and memory chips that are not only more reliable than cassettes but also more expensive. In order to keep the cost of new messages as low as possible we recycle the old cartridges and ship new messages with a postage paid envelope to return the old cartridge. If you wish to keep your cartridges they can be purchased for an additional $65.00 per cartridge.
How do I choose my background music? Who pays licensing fees?
Please go to the Services section of our web site and click on Music Samples. From there you can make your music selection. We currently offer 6 categories of music with 5 or 6 selections in each category. All of our music is royalty-free which means there are no monthly or yearly licensing fees.
Can I use my own music?
Any music used in an on-hold application is subject to licensing fees. By using the royalty-free music supplied by HOLD IT SYSTEMS these fees have already been paid. If you choose to supply your own music you MUST have documented proof that these fees have been have been paid through ASCAP or BMI.
How often can I change my messages on hold?
As often as needed. However, over the past 10 years we have noticed that the average business makes 2-4 changes per year.
Are there special messages for the holidays?
Yes, contact your HOLD IT SYSTEMS representative for details.
Do I need to sign a contract or lease?
Yes, Hold It Systems is an annual renewable lease program.
Is there any maintenance involved?
No, we designed and developed our fully digital system from the customer’s perspective. Once the cartridge is inserted into the player, adjust the volume, and leave it alone.
Can you record messages on CD’s or cassettes?
Yes, if you have an existing on-hold player and only need a message at this time, our production studio is equipped to record messages in the following formats, cassettes, CD’s, wav files, Mp3 files or cartridges, as well as the AOH-200 cartridges.
Can you download messages over the telephone?
Yes, we do offer a download unit that can be downloaded with your custom messages right from our studio.
Do I need special software for on hold advertising and marketing?
No, our fully digital player is self-contained.
What are the advantages of a fully digital system?
Our fully digital system provides superior sound quality and hassle free service. We understand that our customer’s have a business to run and they don’t want to take the time to fiddle with their on-hold player. Our system was developed to prevail in an industrial application. It has no moving parts to wear out or break, we offer an unconditional equipment replacement guarantee for the life of your lease, and exceptional sound quality. And, since there are no laser beams to get out of alignment, tape heads to adjust, tapes to stretch or break with heat, your production will not deteriorate over time.
What is the difference between our fully-digital systems and other fully-digital players?
With a HOLD IT SYSTEMS system the recording is saved onto digital memory from our recording studio and shipped to your office. Other digital systems require you to save production onto a cassette or CD and then loaded onto digital memory.
On hold marketing provides the opportunity to let clients know about specialized medical or optometry services that they might not have known about along with business hours and locations.
Use custom on hold marketing messages for your clients to tell them about new listings, your personalized services and your areas of specialty. On hold messages are an opportunity to create a call to action.
On hold messages for banks and other financial services businesses can inform customers about services for businesses and individuals and the benefits of using your services.
Use on hold messages to promote your dental services, customize your message with information about your location, hours and policies.
Custom on hold messages can let customers know about holiday room specials or rates, the reservation process, describe amenities and accommodations and encourage customers to ask about room upgrades or other specials. 
On hold advertising for veterinary offices let customers know about pet care information and vet services for specific animals. Tell customers you appreciate them and would love their referrals to friends and family.