How Often Do Your Customers Call? – Industry Statistics

man fixing a car
Table of Contents
The most valuable Leads a Business receives is when a Customer Calls in.

As a business owner or manager, you may wonder how likely your consumers are to call you after finding you through an online search. According to recent data, the answer may surprise you.

man working in automotive industry

On average, 43% of consumers who find local businesses through online searches end up calling them. (Locology)

That’s a significant number! It underscores the importance of having a solid phone presence as a business.

But not all industries are created equal when it comes to phone calls…

 

Auto Dealers: 61%

If you’re in the auto industry, you’re in luck – 61% of consumers who find auto dealerships through online searches end up calling them. Due to the high-ticket nature of cars, more people want to talk to a real person. Consumers want to ask questions and get more information before purchasing or going into a dealership.

Consumer Call Statistics - auto dealers
Pizza: 66%

Pizza is one of the few industries where more than half of consumers who find businesses through online searches call. Online ordering has taken a piece (pun intended) of the market share, but a strong phone-number presence is still very important. For many people, calling is often the fastest and most convenient option.

 

Farm Equipment: 76%

Another industry with a high percentage of phone calls is farm equipment. Consumers in this industry often have particular needs and want to ensure they’re getting the right product. This means if you are in the equipment industry, you NEED a good phone presence with reps who know how to help your clients.

Farm Equipment
Clothing: 21%

If you’re in the clothing industry, you may be disappointed to learn that only 21% of consumers who find businesses through online searches end up calling. With clothing, consumers can often find what they need through online browsing. This leads to a much lower percentage who need to talk to a salesperson to make a purchase.

 

Pet Supplies: 23%

Pet supplies is another industry with a relatively low percentage of phone calls. This is likely because consumers in this industry often know what they need and can find it easily online without the need for a phone call.

 

Housewares: 18%

Finally, the housewares industry has the lowest percentage of phone calls after online searches, at just 18%. Most searches can easily find what they need online and don’t need to speak with a salesperson.

 

Appliance Dealers: 38%

While appliance dealerships have a lower percentage of consumers who call after finding them online, at 38%, this is still a significant number. Consumers in this industry often have specific questions about the appliances they’re interested in and may need to talk to a salesperson to get the information they need.

Consumer Call Statistics - Appliance Dealers
Bicycle Dealers: 51%

While not as high as some other industries, bicycle dealers still have a reasonably high percentage of consumers who call them after finding them online, at 51%. Many purchasers look for specific styles of bikes, such as race or mountain bikes with unique specifications.

 

Auto Parts: 58%

Like auto dealerships, auto parts stores have a relatively high percentage of consumers who call them after finding them online, at 58%. This is likely because consumers in this industry often need specific parts for their vehicles and want to ensure they’re getting the right thing.

man holding Auto Parts in a store
Department Stores: 29%

Department stores have a relatively low percentage of consumers who call them after finding them online, at just 29%.

 

Electronic: 30%

The electronics industry has a relatively low percentage of consumers who call after finding businesses online, at just 30%. Most electronic purchasers research online, and don’t need an agent to help guide them. Larger purchases (ie the ones that are the most lucrative for business) typically lead to calls. So although total call volume is low, the incoming calls are incredibly valuable!

 

Florists: 55%

Florists have a relatively high percentage of consumers who call them after finding them online, at 55%. Consumers in this industry often have specific floral needs and want to make sure they’re getting the right product for their occasion. (Think Valentines, Anniversaries, Holidays etc.)

florist making a bouquet
Formal Wear: 27%

Formal wear has a lower percentage of consumers who call after finding businesses online, at 27%. Those searching for formal wear often know what they’re looking for and can find it easily through online research.

 

Furniture: 33%

Furniture has a moderate percentage of consumers who call after finding businesses online, at 33%. Consumers in this industry often have questions about furniture dimensions and materials, as well as looking for sales.

 

Garden/Lawn Equipment: 43%

The garden and lawn equipment industry has an average percentage of consumers who call after finding businesses online, at 43%. Consumers in this industry tend to have have questions about the equipment they need and making sure they get the right product.

Lawn Equipment
Golf Equipment: 27%

The golf equipment industry has a low percentage of callers, at just 27%. Most golf equipment is heavily researched, and often purchased in-store. It is essential to have someone to answer calls when they come through, as well as meet them in the door.

Hardware: 33%

33% of Hardware searchers call after finding businesses online. This usually is to find unique use cases, or to identify which hardware they need.

Jewelers: 24%

24% of consumers who find jewelers through online searches call in. Jewelry is a big investment, and consumers may want to ask questions or get advice before purchasing. Jewelry, especially high-end jewlery, is purchased in-person more often than online.

Lumber: 53%

Over half of the consumers who find lumber stores through online searches call to have questions answered. Lumber is a technical product where unique and bulk orders are commonplace.

 

Medical Supplies: 60%

Medical supplies are essential for health and are highly individual. As a result, 60% of consumers will call a store or website. Not only is a high volume of calls coming in, but medical supplies are also, for many, a necessary purchase that requires increased investment.

 

Motorcycles: 56%

Over half of the consumers who find motorcycle dealerships through online searches will call the dealership. Motorcycles are high-ticket, and many purchasers check inventory before coming in. Having a knowledgeable representative to help with the process, and facilitate more deals.

 

Optical Goods: 46%

46% of consumers who find optical goods stores through online searches call them. Optical goods vary from person to person, so speaking with an agent can help refine the search process.

 

Pharmacies: 51%

51% of consumers who find pharmacies through online searches call them. This may be because consumers may have questions about specific medications or need help finding a product in-store.

 

pharmacist answering a phone call in a pharmacy
Restaurants: 52%

Over half of the consumers who find restaurants through online searches call them. This is commonly to make a reservation, ask about the menu or inquiring about special accommodations.

 

Sporting Goods: 33%

33% of consumers who find sporting goods stores through online searches call. This is normally to find the right product, or check which items are in stock.

 

Tire Dealers: 56%

Over half of the consumers who find tire dealerships through online searches will call in. As tire dealers are clients, we know from data that those who call in are significantly more likely to purchase. Tires are technical, different for each vehicle and necessary purchase. Most consumers don’t know much about tires, besides that cars don’t go far without them. Having an expert to answer their questions, schedule appointments and bring in deals is paramount!

Consumer Call Statistics - tire dealers
Water Heaters: 89%

An overwhelming majority of consumers who search for water heater phone in. Due to the competitive nature of water heaters, softeners, and the like, these calls are valuable and can be lucrative! Make sure you make it easy for a caller to reach a knowledgeable representative who can guide them in the right direction.

 

man fixing a Water Heater
Windows: 78%

78% of consumers who search for window installation will make a call. Windows are a big investment and a different one for every building. These leads are valuable, so make sure a trained rep can help with any caller request.

customers call percentage
Industry Statistics

38% of Consumers Call In – Appliance Dealers
61% of Consumers Call In – Auto Dealers
58% of Consumers Call In – Auto Parts
51% of Consumers Call In – Bicycle Dealers
21% of Consumers Call In – Clothing
29% of Consumers Call In – Department Stores
30% of Consumers Call In – Electronic
76% of Consumers Call In – Farm Equipment
55% of Consumers Call In – Florists
27% of Consumers Call In – Formal Wear
33% of Consumers Call In – Furniture
43% of Consumers Call In – Garden/Lawn Equipment
27% of Consumers Call In – Golf Equipment
33% of Consumers Call In – Hardware
18% of Consumers Call In – Housewares
24% of Consumers Call In – Jewelers
53% of Consumers Call In – Lumber
60% of Consumers Call In – Medical Supplies
56% of Consumers Call In – Motorcycles
46% of Consumers Call In – Optical Goods
23% of Consumers Call In – Pet Supplies
51% of Consumers Call In – Pharmacies
66% of Consumers Call In – Pizza
52% of Consumers Call In – Restaurants
33% of Consumers Call In – Sporting Goods
56% of Consumers Call In – Tire Dealers
89% of Consumers Call In – Water Heaters
78% of Consumers Call In- Windows

How do I make money with this information?

First and foremost, regardless of industry your business must have has a strong phone presence.

Our data shows that callers are the best sources of revenue for every industry.

Consumers are willing to call businesses they find online, and if you need to be equipped to handle those calls, you could be missing out on potential customers.

Additionally, you can use this information to optimize your online marketing efforts with services such as Call Tracking.

For example, if you’re in the auto industry, you should focus on search engine optimization and other tactics to help you rank higher in search results since consumers are more likely to call auto dealerships than other industries.

By understanding the likelihood of phone calls in your industry, you can make more informed decisions about your marketing and sales strategies.

If you want help establishing your phone presence with numbers such as 1-800-GET-TIRE or 1-888-FLORIST, you can get started today (For Free!).

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