As part of our Sept 12 release, we added a new Elance "Call" (click-to-call) feature, which lets Elance buyers call service providers for free directly from their provider profile page. Just click the Contact Me button and access the "Call" tab to get started.
We added the feature so that buyers on Elance can get instant access to providers, which is helpful to the hiring process on our site. With instant access, buyers can conduct interviews, determine a provider's availability and discuss project needs in more detail. After that, buyers and providers can determine together whether or not to move forward with a project. Also, buyer phone numbers remain private, so sharing contact information is a choice.
Elance worked with RingCentral to incorporate the "click-to-call" feature on Elance because we felt they offered the best virtual phone system for small business and mobile professionals. RingCentral lets you unify and intelligently manage all your phone, mobile, fax and email communications - with no phone system hardware. You get a single phone number (even a toll-free number) and an easy-to-use, online control center. Almost instantly, you are enjoying advanced voice communications capabilities that were only available to large corporations until recently.
How It Works:
With RingCentral, your customers only need one number to reach you. Inbound calls are handled by customizable business rules and call screening features - so you'll never miss an important call, or waste time on an unwanted call. Multiple extensions, dial-by-name directory and auto attendant features ensure that calls are instantly routed to the right person - across the office or across the country. An easy-to-use web interface lets you manage and monitor all your calling activity, both incoming and outbound, from any browser.
Click here if you want to read more details or to sign up for a free 30-day trial of one of their 3 virtual phone system offerings – they start at $9.99 per month – good deal!
If you haven't tried the Elance Call feature yet, check it out and let us know what you think. There are more exciting communication features coming soon to Elance, so stay tuned.
