Press Release

TextUs.Biz Focuses on First Impressions

The people at TextUs.biz, a technology company that produces text message-powered business apps, have been caught in that scenario so many times that they decided to create an app that would eliminate those uncomfortable situations.

December 4, 2014

Everyone has been caught in that awkward moment when you walk into an office and there’s no one at the receptionist desk to help you. After staring at the wall for a few moments, you start gingerly peeking around for someone — anyone — to assist you. It’s not the best first impression and practically guarantees an uncomfortable exchange with the person who catches you poking around for some help.
 
The people at TextUs.biz, a technology company that produces text message-powered business apps, have been caught in that scenario so many times that they decided to create an app that would eliminate those uncomfortable situations. The company’s Receptionist app performs the role of a virtual receptionist by instantly connecting office visitors with the person they are visiting via text message.
 
Receptionist greets people from an iPad kiosk when they arrive and visitors select the person they are visiting from the list of contacts, enter their name and a text message and email are immediately sent to the selected contact. The contact can instantly engage in a two-way, text conversation with the visitor through the app, even when that person is not physically in the office. If the visitor does not receive a response within a set period of time, Receptionist sends the message to the next pre-selected contact. The app can perform the major tasks needed at the front end, including check in visitors, handle deliveries and distribute visitor ID badges.
 
Receptionist is completely customizable and includes the ability to change button options and functionality, upload company logos and colors and import contacts. In addition, a visitor log allows the business to easily search, view and monitor traffic flow. The business can search the visitor log by name, company, person they were visiting or date range, all of which can be printed for reference.
 

Star Micronics Success Story [Rss for Star Success Story]

TextUs.Biz Focuses on First Impressions
Everyone has been caught in that awkward moment when you walk into an office and there’s no one at the receptionist desk to help you. After staring at the wall for a few moments, you start gingerly peeking around for someone — anyone — to assist you. It’s not the best first impression and practically guarantees an uncomfortable exchange with the person who catches you poking around for some help.
 
The people at TextUs.biz, a technology company that produces text message-powered business apps, have been caught in that scenario so many times that they decided to create an app that would eliminate those uncomfortable situations. The company’s Receptionist app performs the role of a virtual receptionist by instantly connecting office visitors with the person they are visiting via text message.
 
Receptionist greets people from an iPad kiosk when they arrive and visitors select the person they are visiting from the list of contacts, enter their name and a text message and email are immediately sent to the selected contact. The contact can instantly engage in a two-way, text conversation with the visitor through the app, even when that person is not physically in the office. If the visitor does not receive a response within a set period of time, Receptionist sends the message to the next pre-selected contact. The app can perform the major tasks needed at the front end, including check in visitors, handle deliveries and distribute visitor ID badges.
 
Receptionist is completely customizable and includes the ability to change button options and functionality, upload company logos and colors and import contacts. In addition, a visitor log allows the business to easily search, view and monitor traffic flow. The business can search the visitor log by name, company, person they were visiting or date range, all of which can be printed for reference.
 
“Receptionist is an ideal use for a small company that doesn’t have a designated receptionist to greet visitors or delivery personnel,” said Ted Guggenheim, president of TextUs.Biz. “We’ve also seen it successfully implemented at larger companies dealing with staff shortages, vacation absences or covering everyday tasks like lunch breaks.”
 
Receptionist’s badge printing capability prints customized visitor badges for the people who check in at the kiosk. Badges typically include the person’s name but companies can set Receptionist to also print the name of the person they are visiting, the date and time and the company logo.
 
“Printing the ID badges was a challenge for us because we needed a printer that was flexible enough to perform all of the options our clients wanted, including logo options, color printing and the capability to print on different thicknesses of paper stock,” said Mr. Guggenheim.
 
TextUs.Biz evaluated several options and ultimately selected the Star Micronics TSP700II. The printer’s small footprint makes it an easy fit in tight spaces and it doesn’t look bulky sitting next to the slim iPad display, so the duo makes an attractive first impression.
 
“TextUs.Biz needed a printer that was basically a jack-of-all trades and there are very few options on the market that can take care of all of their needs at the price point that Star Micronics can,” said Christophe Naasz, director of business development, Star Micronics. “Our company offers best-in-class hardware for prices that will fit every budget, which was important for TextUs.Biz because their clients include companies that employ anywhere from 10 to 1,000 people.”
 
Star Micronics’ TSP700II is a high-speed, feature-packed thermal receipt printer that can print barcodes, labels, tickets, vouchers and coupons. It also has a unique auto logo capability for printing promotional images, logos and graphics. The TSP700II is compatible with different paper widths ranging from 80mm for standard three-inch receipt printing to 58mm for labels and tickets.

The Star Micronics printer features an easy-to-change cartridge-type interface and is compatible with popular user platforms such as iOS, Android, Windows, etc. Wall- and shelf-mount brackets are also available.
 
“Everyone that has used it so far seems really pleased with the TSP700II,” Guggenheim said. “Using Star iOS SDK has made wireless badge printing easy and effective. Once integrated and configured, it works like a charm.”
 
Receptionist is now available in a dozen countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and several other European countries. TextUs.Biz’s clients include Hyundai, 24 Hour Fitness, Yokohama Tires, Pepsi, and MGM Studios.
 

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