Headsets.com
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Ecommerce, Consumer electronics |
| Founded | 1997 |
| Founder | Mike Faith |
| Headquarters | San Francisco , United States |
| Products | Wireless and corded office headsets |
| Website | headsets |
Headsets.com is an ecommerce company headquartered in San Francisco, established by Mike Faith in 1997. The business focuses on providing both wireless and corded office headsets and has maintained a position on the Inc. 5000 list since 2004.
History
The inception of Headsets.com dates back to 1997 when Mike Faith, encountering difficulties sourcing headsets for his then-employer, decided to launch the company. By the year 2000, the enterprise achieved $3 million in revenue, which expanded to $11 million by 2003 and reached $32 million in 2005. During this period, the company acquired the domain Headsets.com along with the toll-free number 1(800) HEADSETS. Presently, Headsets.com reports annual sales exceeding $30 million and has served over one million customers.
Culture and daily operations
In an industry where employee turnover typically surpasses 50%, Headsets.com experiences a significantly lower rate of 15%. Mike Faith credits this retention success to initiatives such as a $1,500 yearly training allowance, a fully paid one-month sabbatical after three years of employment, and complimentary trips to Sydney for employees to work with voice coaches. Staff members also regularly visit pioneering online firms like Zappos and StubHub to gain fresh insights.
The company’s competitive edge lies in its emphasis on exceptional customer service. To support this, Headsets.com employs voice coaches and psychologists who train call center staff. In recognition of their efforts, the company received the Stevie Award for "Best Customer Service Team" in 2006. Representatives are encouraged to engage in authentic conversations rather than rely on scripted dialogues.
Headsets.com has also been recognized as one of the San Francisco Business Times' "100 Best Companies to Work for in the Bay Area."
Marketing
Headsets.com has attracted media coverage at various times through distinctive marketing strategies and promotional stunts. In 2009, reacting to California's introduction of a hands-free cell phone law, the company initiated a campaign offering free headsets to individuals who received citations under this legislation. Customers who provided proof of their ticket were eligible to receive a complimentary cellular headset. That same year, the firm also launched an unusual promotion granting free headsets for life to anyone willing to tattoo the company's name on their body.
In 2012, Headsets.com gained publicity by sponsoring entrepreneur Jason Sadler to legally change his surname to "Jason HeadsetsDotCom." This marketing move resulted in $250,000 in additional sales and generated media exposure valued at over $6 million.