If you’re running a small business, you can no longer afford to let your customers slip through the cracks by leaving them to your voicemail or answering service. The truth is that 7 out of 10 callers will hang up when they reach a machine, and 80% of those callers are not likely to return based on a poor customer experience.
In short, an answering service is an off-site company that you pay to manage your inbound phone calls. They answer your clients’ questions, schedule appointments, send messages, take orders, and even make sales if needed. They also work with you to provide top-notch customer support by understanding your brand, goals, and target audience.
Most answering services operate on a month to month subscription model and offer varying features. Many are able to customize their offerings to meet your specific needs and can even provide a dedicated virtual receptionist, depending on your budget. Some will even give you a second number that you can publish so that your callers can reach you without calling your personal line (which can be a great feature for telecommuters or solo entrepreneurs!).
Many answering service providers will work with you to understand your business and brand and will create a script for their agents to follow so that they can answer calls on your behalf with professionalism and consistency. This will help to build a positive image for your brand and will increase the likelihood of returning customers. answering service
