When we created Gigant, we wanted to offer something you can’t get from a simple search engine: personal, one-on-one help from a real person. While search engines can give you information, a video call lets you ask questions, explain your situation, and get guidance tailored to your specific needs. That personal interaction is what makes each Gigant.com.ph session different.
Offering online consultations can be incredibly rewarding, but it also comes with its own challenges—especially when it comes to preparation. Whether you’re a Gigant-registered professional or a client, being prepared for a video call can help make the session smoother, more productive, and more valuable for everyone involved.
In this article, we’ll walk you through what to expect during a video call on Gigant, along with some practical tips to help you get ready for your appointment.
Table of Contents
Why Preparing in Advance Matters
- Clients Have Secured Their Appointment: Clients pay in advance when booking, with their payment held by the system until the appointment is completed. They’re making that commitment because they expect you to be ready to provide the service they booked.
- It Impacts Your Reviews: Your preparation directly affects the reviews you receive for your Gigant listing. Clients rate you across proficiency, preparedness, client care, and communication. Being prepared helps you make the most of the session and gives clients a better experience.
- It Shows Professionalism: Preparing in advance shows that you respect your client’s time and are committed to making the session worthwhile. Poor preparation can lead to wasted time, missed opportunities, and a less satisfying experience for both of you.
What Does a Video Call Session Look Like on Gigant?
A typical Gigant video call session follows a straightforward process that ensures both the professional and the client get the most out of their time.
a) 24-Hour Reminder
Before a video call begins, both the pro and the client will receive a reminder through their email that contains all the details about their scheduled appointment, which also includes a link to where they can join the video call on Gigant.
b) Joining the Video Call on Gigant
Video calls on Gigant are powered by Zoom – we chose Zoom for its stability, reliability, and security, ensuring that all calls are seamless and protected. You don’t have to download Zoom or any additional software though; the call can be accessed directly through Gigant’s platform.
The pro can access the meeting room through their ‘My Bookings (Pro Version) page’ while the client can access the meeting room through the ‘My Bookings (Client Version) page’.
You can join your appointment in either of two ways:
- Join Now pop-up: A pop-up with a “Join Now” button will appear 5 minutes before your appointment.
- My Bookings: Go to My Bookings, find the specific appointment, and click the “Join” button there.
c) In the Video Call Room
Once you enter the room and the other party joins, their video will appear prominently in the centre, while your video appears as a smaller box in the lower-right corner. You can drag your video box to reposition it.
You’ll also have access to standard video call features, including chat, file sharing, and screen sharing.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Your microphone and camera are currently always on for professionals.
- System audio and microphone cannot currently be used at the same time.
- Screen sharing is not supported on mobile devices. If screen sharing is essential, use a desktop or laptop. If you’re on mobile, you can still share files directly through the call.
Finally, keep an eye on the time remaining indicator in the lower-right corner of the video interface. As the professional, you’re responsible for leading the conversation and managing your time effectively. A notification will also appear when 10 minutes remain in the appointment.
d) Ending the Call
Your video call will automatically end when the scheduled appointment time is reached. You don’t need to manually end the appointment.
If you’ve covered everything before the scheduled time, you and the client can leave the call early. The appointment will be automatically completed some time after the session.
- Try to use the scheduled time wisely: Even if the client’s main concern is addressed early, you can use the remaining time for questions, additional guidance, or a quick recap.
Once the appointment is completed, your payment, less Gigant’s fee, will be automatically credited to your Gigant wallet.
e) Regarding ‘No Shows’
If you enter the video call and the client hasn’t joined, a No Show timer will appear alongside the other call controls. A 10-minute grace period gives the client time to join.
If the client still hasn’t arrived after 10 minutes, you can use the No Show option. You’ll receive your professional fee, less Gigant’s fee.
This applies to both parties. If you, as the professional, do not show up for the meeting, the client will have the option to click ‘No Show’ after 10 minutes have passed. In this case, the client will automatically receive a refund.
f) Regarding ‘Disputes’
In rare cases of disputes, such as impersonation, time abuse, or violations of Gigant’s terms and conditions, clients have the option to gather evidence, file a dispute, and request a refund. Each refund request is reviewed on a case-by-case basis, considering the provided evidence to ensure that both professionals and clients are treated fairly and securely.
How to Prepare for Video Calls on Gigant as a Professional
Preparation is crucial for delivering high-quality consultations and video call services. Here’s how you can ensure you’re ready:
1. Check Your Equipment: Ensure your internet connection is stable and that your webcam, microphone, and lighting are set up correctly. Having a backup internet connection (like a mobile hotspot) can be useful in case of technical issues.
2. Test Your Setup: Perform a quick audio and video test before the call starts. Most issues can be avoided with a simple test run.
3. Professional Environment: Choose a quiet, distraction-free space to conduct your call. Your background should look professional, with minimal noise or interruptions.
Currently, Gigant does not have built-in background blur or virtual background features. However, you can use third-party software such as Camo to improve your video background.
4. Prepare Materials: If you need documents, presentations, or other resources for the call, have them ready to go. This will allow you to seamlessly share information during the session.
5. Review Client Info: Look over the client’s submitted information to ensure you’re prepared to address their specific needs.
6. Time Management: Make sure you’re ready for the entire duration of the session. Being interrupted by other commitments or running late can leave a negative impression on the client.
How to Make the Most of Your Booked Video Calls as a Client
Clients should also come prepared to ensure they get the best value out of their session. Here are some tips for clients:
- Communicate Your Goals in Advance: Before the call, clearly outline what you aim to achieve and share these goals through Gigant’s booking details form. This helps the professional prepare and focus the session on your specific needs.
- Test Your Equipment: Ensure your technology is functioning correctly. Verify your internet connection, webcam, and microphone ahead of time to avoid technical disruptions during the call.
- Set a Distraction-Free Environment: Choose a quiet, distraction-free location for the call. This will help you stay engaged and make the most of the appointment.
- Be On Time: Get ready a few minutes early to ensure a prompt start. While the call button only activates at the exact start time, being ready early allows you to get settled and maximizes the time you’ve booked.
- Take Notes: Prepare to jot down key points or action items during the call. This will help you remember important details and act on the advice given.
- Provide Fair Feedback: After the session, if your expectations were met, please rate the professional fairly. Your honest review is crucial for maintaining the quality of the service and helps the professional continue to provide excellent consultations.
FAQ Section
1. What equipment do I need for a successful video call?
You’ll need a stable internet connection, a working webcam, microphone, and a quiet environment for the best experience. These basic tools ensure that your video calls run smoothly and without interruptions.
While there are no specific requirements for video calls, it’s ideal to have an internet connection with at least 10 Mbps download speed and 1 Mbps upload speed. A webcam with 720p resolution or higher is also recommended. These are suggestions to help provide the best possible experience for both you and your client.
2. How can I blur or set a background on Gigant video calls?
While Gigant doesn’t currently offer built-in background effects, you can use third-party software such as Camo before joining your call.
Using Camo with Gigant:
- Open Camo and choose a background or visual preset you like.
- If available, choose a preset without a Camo watermark for a cleaner look.
- Join your Gigant video call 5 minutes early and select Camo Camera as your video source.
- Your Camo video feed will then appear in the Gigant call.
Tip: Set up Camo before your appointment so you can confirm that your background and camera feed look the way you want before the client joins.
3. Can I use my phone for video calls on Gigant?
Yes, you can use your phone for video calls on Gigant. However, some features, such as screen sharing, is not supported on mobile devices. So, plan your appointments accordingly.
As the platform is still evolving, you might also encounter some display issues on mobile. If you experience any problems, please report them to our support email, [email protected], so we can address them promptly.
For professionals, consider using a phone stand for your mobile phone so you can keep it steady during the appointment. This might also be an essential tool for showcasing demonstrations or visual aids, ensuring a clearer and more professional presentation.
4. How early should I log in before the video call on Gigant starts?
It’s a good idea to log in about 5 minutes before the scheduled time to ensure your setup is working correctly and to be ready when the session starts.
5. What should I do if I experience technical difficulties during the call?
If you encounter technical issues during your video call, try the following steps:
- Refresh the page.
- Return to your dashboard and re-enter the video call room.
- Reconnect to your internet.
If the problem continues, please contact Gigant support for assistance through the platform’s ‘Contact Us’ page or emailing us at [email protected].
6. What if a client doesn’t show up for the video call on Gigant?
If you show up to the appointment but the client isn’t there, Gigant’s cancellation policies ensure that you’re still compensated. You just have to wait 10 minutes and click on the ‘End Appointment’ button that will show up. Your professional fee will then be credited to your Gigant wallet (minus the Gigant fee.)
From the client’s perspective, if they miss the scheduled call, they forfeit the amount paid for the session.
You can view the full details of Gigant’s cancellation policies here.
7. What happens if I need to cancel a booked call?
For Professionals
To cancel an appointment, go to your My Bookings page and open the three-dot menu for the appointment you want to cancel. Select Cancel.
You’ll be asked to provide a reason for the cancellation, which will be shared with the client. The client will receive a full refund.
For Clients
If you need to cancel an appointment, the refund you receive depends on the cancellation policy selected by the professional and how much time remains before the appointment. Depending on the timing, you may receive a full refund, 50% refund, or no refund.
To cancel, go to My Bookings, open the appointment, and select Cancel at the bottom of the appointment details.
Need to reschedule? You’ll need to cancel your original booking first, then book the professional again for your preferred time. The professional will then decide whether to accept the new appointment.
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