When it comes to a call answering service, there are many different types to choose from. The services range from virtual receptionists who answer calls for you with your business name, a custom greeting and the information your clients would expect to find on your website, to advanced services that allow you to schedule appointments, take orders online, integrate with CRMs and more. Whichever you choose, be sure to do your research. Compare prices and services from several companies before you settle on one. A bargain may not be a good deal, or the lowest price could mean you don’t get all the services you need.
If you have a small to medium-sized business, consulting firm or other agency with a steady stream of calls that need to be answered outside of regular business hours, then an answering service can provide the extra support you need. They can help you manage the high volume of out-of-hours phone enquiries and ensure your clients are always provided with first-rate customer service.
An answering service can save you time, money and resources, as well as a great deal of stress. By providing first-rate customer service around the clock, an answering service can help you retain customers, increase revenue and improve client satisfaction.
Depending on the type of phone answering service you choose, it can also be an excellent way to build your brand image. By choosing a company that offers customized voicemail and scripts, you can give your business a professional image that will make it stand out from the competition.
While you may not have the staff available to handle a large volume of after-hours enquiries, call overflow allows you to forward calls that your people can’t take to an answering service. The answering service can then either record a message that will be sent to you in an email or SMS, or can transfer the caller straight through to someone in your organisation.
A virtual answering service provides a cost-effective solution for small to midsize businesses, as well as larger corporations and agencies. It is a highly flexible option, and can scale up or down to accommodate busy times, such as seasonal trading periods or public holidays, where calls can double or even triple in volume.
While a live answering service can be more expensive, it is still worth considering if you have the budget to afford one. It can reduce the number of calls that are missed, which leads to lost sales and a bad impression of your company. It can also free up your people to focus on more important tasks, which can increase productivity and profits. A live answering service can also give your callers a more personal experience, which is important for some businesses that want to keep their customers happy. It can also be a lot quicker than leaving a voicemail message, and will decrease the amount of time your clients spend on hold. Research shows that businesses lose 2 hours a day to interruptions, so the faster you can refocus on the task at hand, the better for your bottom line.
