Effective, personal, and consistent customer service is the key to establishing lasting client relationships and building a successful business. So how do you stand apart from the rest of the competition? By continuing to make sure your customers feel valued and important. That’s where a telephone answering service can help. Not only is it efficient and cost effective for businesses large and small, but it also gives your customers better service – which then reflects positively on your business.
Why Should You Use an Answering Service?
The joy of a live person answering the phone.
Many companies use automated systems to route their calls. But the moment customers hear that recorded voice on the other line, their patience lessens and their mood worsens. And who hasn’t had to wrangle their way through a phone tree, only to find that your call got routed to the wrong person and you have to start the process all over again? People enjoy being able to speak to a real person right away. With an answering service, your customers will get their calls answered quickly.
Free you to focus on your business.
Instead of getting bogged down answering phones and routing through telemarketers and other unwanted calls, let an answering service handle that task. An answering service can weed though those calls so you can spend more time focusing on your business and getting your work done. If you’re out on a job site and don’t want to be disturbed, but don’t want to miss customers either, an answering service can take messages so you can focus on the task at hand.
Provide after-hours and emergency service.
You can’t be expected to be available at your office phone 24/7, but an answering service allows you to provide 24-hour support to your customers. Call takers can relay emergency messages, while taking routine messages for the calls that can wait until the next business day. That way, during emergencies, your customers know they can rely on your business and service.
Increase your level of availability.
Impress your customers with your level of availability. This is especially great for small businesses who may not have the resources to provide lots of staff to answer calls or be available on weekends and holidays. Your customers will be impressed that they aren't sent to voice mail.
Cost effective.
An answering service can help screen calls, schedule appointments, take and process orders, and more – and all for a fraction of the cost of hiring an employee and having to pay wages and benefits. You can have an answering service plan for just $114.85 per month. (Base price subject to change.)
Help manage calls for your busy office.
Do you have times during the day when the phone rings so much you can't answer every call? Did your receptionist or office manager call in sick and now you’re short-staffed? Those unanswered calls could mean lost business. An answering service can pick up those overflow calls, take messages, and forward calls as needed, ensuring your customers still receive quality service.
Great for any kind of business.
All kinds of businesses can benefit from using an answering service. Businesses who provide after-hours emergency service – such as doctors, vets, tow truck companies, lawyers, property managers, electricians, and plumbers – are often associated with using answering services. However, anyone who needs a little help with their call volume can use an answering service. This service is especially helpful when you have staff on vacation or out sick, or if you are the sole person running your business. An answering service is more cost effective than hiring a temporary or part-time employee to help out.
Relax from your busy life.
Answering services aren’t just for businesses. Even in our personal lives we can get overwhelmed with calls. Busy professionals and frequent travelers can also benefit from an answering service, allowing you a little privacy and breathing room.