Frequently Asked Questions

After hundreds of installations and thousands of music on hold productions, we've got this figured out. We bet you'll find your answers here:

1. Do you have equipment for small consumer-grade phone systems?
2. I've got the script, I just need someone to record it.
3. Do you do voice messages and auto-attendant announcements?
4. I'd like to change my messages at least every six months. Can you give me a discount?
5. I want a popular song on my music on hold. Can I use the Beatles?

Do you have equipment for small consumer-grade phone systems?

If your phone system

• was purchased at an office supply store
• has four lines or less
• is plug n' play right into the phone jack
• OR, has no brain on the back wall...

..then there is probably no "port" provided for Music on Hold. Installation is doable, but not as easy. You can get the player from us, but you'll also need a third party adapter and a person who understands phone systems to install it. We'd be happy to arrange it for you.

These adapters are customized to sense the voltage change in the line when a caller is put on hold. Once they're installed to systems like Panasonic KX series, AT&T, or RCA phones these adapters work well, but we recommend you use a telephone tech to install them. Call us up, and we'll guide you to the right equipment.

To read more, see our blog

I've got the script, I just need someone to record it.

If you think you've got a script nailed down and want us to produce exactly as shown – no problem. Remember, no more than nine paragraphs for an on-hold messaging production. contact us by phone 800-521-5570 or email if your needs don't fit what in our store.

Do you do voice messages and auto-attendant announcements?

Yes. Many customers want to use the same voice for their entire phone system (music on hold, auto attendant, directory, and voice mail). To do these ancillary phone recordings, you'll need to

1. Tell us what to say.
2. Tell us how to load it your phone system. Typically, we see...
   1. Dial-in access number and password.
   2. Music file type for VOIP and drag n’ drop software platform systems (ie. .wav, .mp3...)
   3. For systems that can’t be accessed remotely, we’ll send a CD or email it to you.

I'd like to change my messages at least every six months. Can you give me a discount?

You bet, that's a called a "package" of productions. Companies can purchase two to twelve productios per year. Call us for details on subscriptions packages at 800-521-5570.

Too read more about the advantages of harmonizing your phone system, see our blog.

I want a popular song on my music on hold. Can I use U2?

Using copyrighted music for music on hold productions can be prohibitively expensive, because the composers and producers have organized to get paid for making your business look good with their song. Their unions, ASCAP and BMI, are aggressive about policing this – read our blog about it here.

Honestly, Hold Time would have to charge much more than we do if we include popular music in our repertoire. Our solution is to provide popular genres of instrumental music in our productions (performed, in many cases, by the same studio cats that do the popular music.) You can see our wide selection here.

Who Knew?

Interesting Fact #10: Don’t install music on hold in a chocolate factory when you’re hungry. www.jacivas.com

Interesting Fact #5: The "#" is called the number sign, pound, or hash key; but its real patented name is the "octothorpe".