When to re-skip trace a mobile number after you get no reply

Why you might not have received a reply

A mobile number from your skip trace might not reply for several reasons. The data could be old, meaning the number changed owners or was disconnected. The homeowner might also be on a do-not-call list, or simply not interested in selling, even if the number is current.

It is also possible the number belongs to someone other than the owner, like a family member who does not live there. When you buy a lead from Speed to Seller, you are getting replies directly from the homeowners, so this particular problem is less common.

Check your initial skip trace data first

Before considering a re-skip, review the original skip trace results. Did it provide multiple mobile numbers, or any landlines? Sometimes, a landline might be a more stable contact for an older owner, even if it is not used for texting.

Verify if there were any business lines returned; these are rarely useful for reaching a homeowner about selling a personal property. Your initial data might hold another viable contact that you haven't exhausted yet.

When a full re-skip trace makes sense

A full re-skip trace of the property owner makes sense if your initial data is quite old, perhaps over six months. Property ownership and contact information can change over time due to sales, inheritance, or divorces. A new skip trace could uncover fresh contact details.

Another reason to re-skip is if you know there has been a significant life event related to the property, like a recent probate filing. This indicates potential new decision-makers or contact information becoming available. Otherwise, focusing on new leads is often more productive.

You can also reconsider a re-skip if you acquire the lead from a new source that claims more recent data, which might justify a fresh pull on a stale property. This can sometimes yield a different set of numbers.

What to do instead of re-skip tracing the same number

Instead of trying to re-skip a non-responsive mobile number, focus on exhausting other contact methods from your existing data. If you have a different mobile number or a landline, try those. Consider alternative outreach like direct mail, if that is part of your strategy.

The goal is to move forward efficiently. If a number has not replied after an initial attempt, spending more money immediately on the same data point might not be the best use of your resources. Focus on working through your existing leads. Here is more on how to work your leads.

Integrating re-skip logic into your lead management

In your CRM, flag leads where the primary mobile number did not reply. This helps you track which leads might benefit from a re-skip later, rather than immediately. You might set a policy to re-skip only after six to twelve months, or if the property enters a new distressed status.

Automate a task to review these flagged leads periodically. This systematic approach ensures you are not wasting time and money on immediate re-skips that are unlikely to yield different results. It is about strategic patience, not instant gratification.