Ringless voicemail, as the term implies, is a system that allows voicemail messages to be received without causing the phone to ring or leaving a notification. Businesses use this technology to reach out to their customers without intruding on their daily routines. It’s also known as direct-to-voicemail or ringless voicemail drop.

While the lack of a notification might seem counterintuitive, the “ringless” part is mainly because of legal restrictions. The technology was seen as a way to circumvent laws that regulate phone calls by eliminating the need for the recipient’s phone to ring. However, U.S. and Canadian law stress that ringless voicemail is still regulated like any regular call.

Nevertheless, ringless voicemail remains a widely used marketing tool. It can be effective when used alongside other marketing mediums like inbound calls and, of course, within the confines of consumer laws like the Telephone Consumer Protection Act. Some industries that significantly benefit from the technology include the following.

1. Real Estate

A Zillow survey last year found that 9 out of 10 sellers enlist the services of a real estate agent or broker. Reasons for this include helping them promote their house to potential buyers and eventually close the deal.

Sellers will need a strong hand, given that rising mortgage rates (up to 7% in early 2025, following a 6.2% drop in late 2024) are discouraging buyers. Agents and brokers usually search for sellers via cold calling, which involves asking everyone in the area if they need an agent or broker’s services.

Calling every household can take an agent their entire waking day, leaving little to no time for other key tasks. That’s why ringless voicemail was a godsend for the industry. Between its call and SMS-based campaign automation and personalized interactive voice response, the technology lets agents send out hundreds of voicemail messages in one sitting.

2. Debt Collection

Despite the bad rep it has gained over recent years, debt collection remains a legitimate business provided it abides by the law. In this case, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act imposes rules that debt collection agencies must follow, such as:

  • Observing no-contact times (between 9:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.).
  • Respecting the individual’s workplace rules regarding personal calls.
  • Refraining from publicly posting the individual’s debt on social media.
  • Refraining from further communication if the individual wishes it.

Ringless voicemail drops aren’t necessarily prohibited for use in collecting people’s dues. With an estimated USD$18.2 trillion in household debt, 70% of which is mortgages, debt collection agencies have a responsibility to help creditors get their money back. That said, the debt total translates to hundreds of millions of Americans owing money.

Sending ringless voicemail messages is an effective way to reach out to hundreds of debtors at once. When done with the proper language and tone (i.e., no threatening, no swearing), the voicemail recordings can notify debtors of their outstanding dues. Proper use of a ringless voicemail provider sets apart legitimate debt collectors from outright fraudsters.

3. Healthcare

Not showing up for a doctor’s appointment carries a steep cost. Depending on the doctor, the price can range from USD$100 to USD$150 or more. Proponents argue that a no-show wastes a slot that could’ve been given to another patient. Meanwhile, patient advocates say patients must be given options, especially when they can’t make it.

In 2019, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that there are at least 28.2 physicians for every 10,000 people in the U.S. That’s one physician for every 355 patients, and most only have time for up to 20 at a given day. Only a small fraction sees as many as 60 patients a day.

When doctors deal with this many patients, the need for an efficient way to remind them of their upcoming appointments is clear. A ringless voicemail system helps clinics reach out to patients with relative ease, allowing them to create a smooth schedule for each patient. It can also be set up for internal use, informing doctors of conference events and others.

4. Nonprofits

Nonprofit organizations rely on the goodwill of scores of people to stay alive and fulfill their advocacies. While funding can come from selling products or services, donations (cash or in-kind) are often the primary source.

A convincing message forms the core of a nonprofit’s strategy to solicit donations. In his study of over 700 nonprofits, nonprofit management professor Abishek Bhati discovered that using varying messages on Facebook raised more money. Aside from solicitation, other messages include explaining the beneficiaries and thanking donors.

The effects of offline fundraising have yet to be explored. However, since larger nonprofits use both online and offline methods, it wouldn’t be surprising if they use such an approach for sending out ringless voicemail messages. Using various tones makes for messages that inspire people to take action for the common good.

Conclusion

Ringless voicemail is worth its weight in gold when used properly and within the bounds of consumer privacy law. Amid other methods of customer communication, the continued use of ringless voicemail drops in many industries is proof that sending pre-recorded messages remains an effective way. Just as blockchain has shown the value of transparent, compliant systems in finance, ringless voicemail’s effectiveness depends on using the technology responsibly within regulatory limits.

This industry announcement article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice.