4 May 2023

How Does a Phone Answering Service Work?

How Does a PhoneAnswering Service Work?

What is a Phone Answering Service?

Types of Answering Services

How Does an Answering Service Work?

Industries That Utilise Phone Answering Service

Benefits of an Answering Service for Your Business

Features and Services Offered by Answering Services

Customised Scripting

Choosing an Answering Service

How Much Does a Phone Answering Service Cost at Mobo Co?

Conclusion

Phone Answering services have become increasingly popular among businesses of all sizes, as they provide a reliable and cost-effective way to manage incoming calls and provide prompt customer service. According to BIA/Kelsey’s Local Commerce MonitorTM survey, small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) named calls as the most valued source of incoming leads, which fits nicely with the emotion that local businesses have toward calls. Bia/Kelsey also says that $64.6 billion is spent yearly on localized advertisements across all media to encourage calls to businesses. 

In today’s fast-paced business environment, customers expect a quick response, and having a phone answering service can help businesses meet these expectations.

Let us explore the basics of answering services, how they work, the benefits they offer, and what to look for when choosing an answering service for your business.

What is a Phone Answering Service?

Phone Answering Service Work

A telephone answering service is a type of service that specifically manages incoming telephone calls on behalf of another company or organisation. The service can be provided either by a live operator or an automated system, depending on the needs of the business.

A phone answering service typically provides a range of services, including answering calls, taking messages, providing information to callers, and forwarding calls to the appropriate department or person. Some phone answering services also offer appointment setting, order processing, and emergency dispatching.

Having a phone answering service can be especially important for small businesses or those without a dedicated receptionist. It ensures that calls are answered promptly and professionally, giving customers a positive impression of the business. Additionally, a phone answering service can free up staff to focus on other important tasks, ultimately improving productivity and profitability.

Types of Answering Services

There are several types of services available, including:

Interactive Voice Response Systems (IVR)

IVR is an automated system that uses pre-recorded voice prompts and touch-tone keypad inputs to interact with callers. IVR can provide basic information, route calls to the appropriate department, or perform simple tasks such as appointment setting or order processing.

Call Centers

Call centers are staffed by live operators who can answer inbound calls, take messages, provide information to callers, and handle more complex tasks such as technical support or customer service. Call centers can be outsourced or operated in-house.

Virtual Receptionists

Virtual receptionists are live operators who answer calls on behalf of business owners from remote locations. They can provide basic information, take messages, and forward calls to the appropriate department or person. Virtual receptionists are often used by small businesses or those without a dedicated receptionist. Mobo Co’s virtual office service package includes virtual receptionist services wherein our staff can professionally answer calls in your company name, take messages and forward them to you. The Virtual Office plan also comes with a mail forwarding service for emails and physical mail.

Each type of professional answering service has its own advantages and disadvantages, and businesses should carefully consider their needs before choosing a service provider. Factors such as call volume, the complexity of tasks, and budget should be taken into account when selecting a phone answering service.

Suggested Reading: What is a Virtual Office? Who it’s for & Top Benefits

How Does a Phone Answering Service Work?

How Does a Phone Answering Service Work?

A phone answering service works by providing live or automated assistance to callers who reach a business’s phone line. The process typically involves the following steps:

Consultation and Setup

Before the service can begin, the business and answering service provider will have a consultation to determine the specific needs and requirements of the business. This includes discussing call volume, the types of calls expected, and any special instructions or protocols. The service will then be set up and configured to meet these needs.

Professional, Prompt Answering Services

When a call is received, it is answered by a live operator or an automated system. Live operators can handle a range of tasks such as providing information, taking messages, and forwarding calls to the appropriate person or department. Automated systems use pre-recorded messages and prompts to interact with callers and can perform basic tasks such as scheduling appointments or processing orders.

Increased Profitability for Your Small Business

An answering service can help increase profitability for a small business by improving customer service, capturing leads, and reducing missed calls. By providing prompt and professional assistance to callers, businesses can enhance their reputation and build customer loyalty. They can also ensure that calls are answered during business hours and capture leads that might otherwise be lost.

Overall, an answering service provides a valuable service for businesses of all sizes, helping to improve customer satisfaction, increase efficiency, and boost profitability.

Industries That Utilise Phone Answering Services

Phone answering services can be utilised by a wide range of industries and businesses. Here are some examples of who uses phone answering services:

Medical offices and healthcare

Doctors, hospitals, and clinics can use medical answering services to handle patient inquiries, schedule appointments, and provide calls after hours support.

Law firms can use an answering service to manage incoming calls and schedule appointments, as well as handle client inquiries and provide basic legal information.

Real Estate 

Real estate agents and brokers can use an answering service to manage inquiries from potential buyers and sellers, schedule appointments, and provide property information.

Home Services 

Home service providers such as plumbers, electricians, and HVAC technicians can use an answering service to handle customer inquiries and dispatch technicians to job sites.

E-commerce 

Online retailers can use an answering service to handle customer inquiries, process orders, and provide customer support.

Financial services and accounting firms

Banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions can use an answering service to provide customer support, process transactions, and handle inquiries.

Marketing and advertising 

Marketing and advertising agencies can use an answering service to manage incoming calls and provide customer support, as well as handle inquiries from potential clients.

Transportation and logistics

Shipping and logistics companies can use an answering service to manage customer inquiries and provide shipment tracking information.

Education and tutoring 

Schools, universities, and tutoring centers can use an answering service to manage incoming calls, schedule appointments, and provide basic information to students and parents.

Non-profit organisations 

Non-profit organisations can use an answering service to handle donations, manage incoming calls, and provide customer support to donors and volunteers.

Government agencies 

Government agencies can use an answering service to manage inquiries from citizens, process applications, and provide basic information about government services.

IT and technology 

IT and technology companies can use an answering service to provide technical support, manage inquiries from customers, and schedule appointments with technicians.

Hospitality and tourism 

Hotels, resorts, and tourism companies can use an answering service to manage reservations, handle customer inquiries, and provide after-hours support.

Retail and e-commerce 

Retail stores and online retailers can use an answering service to handle customer inquiries, process orders, and provide customer support.

Consulting and professional services 

Consulting firms and other professional services companies can use an answering service to manage incoming calls, schedule appointments, and provide customer support to clients.

Small businesses

Small businesses that may not have the resources to hire a full-time receptionist can benefit from phone answering services. They can ensure that calls are answered promptly and professionally without having to hire additional full-time employees.

 

Suggested Reading: Who Uses Coworking Spaces? Top Professionals and Industries Revealed

Benefits of a Phone Answering Service for Your Business

There are numerous benefits to having an answering service for your business, including:

Saving money

Hiring a full-time receptionist can be costly, especially for small businesses. An answering service can provide the same level of coverage at a fraction of the cost.

Increase reliability

A phone answering service provider can give 24-hour support, including after-hours, weekends, and holidays. This ensures that your customers can always reach someone when they need assistance.

Boost productivity

With a phone answering service, you and your staff can focus on the core aspects of your business without being distracted by phone calls. This can increase productivity and efficiency.

Improve lead capture

An answering service can help capture potential leads by answering calls promptly and professionally. They can also assist with appointment scheduling and other customer inquiries, ensuring that leads are not missed.

Phone Number

Phone answering services can also provide businesses with a dedicated phone number that can be used for specific purposes such as customer support or sales inquiries. This allows businesses to separate these calls from their main phone line and ensure that they are handled appropriately.

 

A phone answering service can provide your business with a professional image and ensure that customer inquiries are handled promptly and efficiently, leading to increased customer satisfaction and potentially increase revenue.

Features and Services of a Phone Answering Service

24-Hour Answering Services

This service ensures that all calls to a business or organisation are answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week, regardless of the time or day. This ensures that customers or clients can always get in touch with the business, even outside of regular business hours.

Dispatching Services

Dispatching services are used to handle calls that require immediate attention or dispatching of personnel, such as emergency services or maintenance requests. The answering service can receive the call, gather relevant information, and then dispatch the appropriate personnel to handle the situation.

Call Patching

Call patching is a service that allows the answering service to transfer the call to the appropriate personnel or department within the business. This ensures that the caller can speak to the right person without being put on hold or transferred multiple times.

Taking Messages

Answering services can take messages for businesses, recording important information such as the caller’s name, phone number, and reason for calling. The message is then relayed to the business via email, SMS, or other means.

Making Reservations or Scheduling Meetings

Answering services can also make reservations or schedule meetings on behalf of the business. The service can check availability and coordinate with the business to ensure that the appointment or reservation is scheduled at a convenient time.

Virtual Receptionist Services

Virtual receptionist services provide businesses with a professional virtual receptionist team to handle calls and greet callers, just like an in-house receptionist. This service can provide a professional image for the business and improve customer service.

Voice Mail Services

Voice mail services allow callers to leave a message when the business is closed or unable to answer the phone. The message is then saved for the business to listen to later, ensuring that important customer calls are not missed.

Custom Greetings

Customised and personalised greeting options for different types of callers, ensuring that each call is answered in a professional manner.

Multilingual Support

Answering services with multilingual support can communicate with callers who speak a language other than English, increasing the reach of businesses and organisations.

Appointment Scheduling and Reminders

Appointment scheduling and reminders can help businesses streamline their operations and minimise the chances of missed appointments or double bookings.

Lead Capture

Answering services can capture information about leads, such as their contact details, interests, and requirements, which can help businesses nurture those leads and convert them into customers.

Customer Service

Some business phone answering services can offer exceptional customer service support, handling queries and complaints on behalf of the business and providing assistance to customers.

Emergency Response

Answering services with emergency response capabilities can quickly route calls to the appropriate personnel in case of urgent calls, such as a medical emergency or a security breach.

Order Processing

Answering services can process orders for products or services, take payments and provide customers with order confirmation and tracking information.

Customised Scripting

Answering services may offer customised scripting services that allow businesses to tailor their call scripts to their specific needs and preferences.

How to Choose the Best Telephone Answering Service Provider

When choosing a telephone answering service provider, here are some key factors to consider:

Services Offered

Make sure the answering service offers the features and services you need, such as 24-hour service, call patching, message taking, appointment scheduling, etc.

Industry Experience

Look for an answering service that has experience working with various types of businesses in your industry. This can ensure that the service understands your unique needs and can provide tailored support.

Reputation and Reviews

Research the answering service’s reputation and reviews from past and current clients. This can help you gauge the quality of their service and customer satisfaction.

Technology and Security

Consider the technology and security measures the answering service has in place, such as encryption, firewalls, backup systems, etc. This can help ensure the confidentiality and security of your business’s data.

Price and Value

Compare pricing and value between different answering services. While cost is important, it’s also important to consider the value of the service you’re receiving for the price.

Customer Service

Look for an answering service with excellent customer service and support. This can ensure that any issues or concerns are promptly addressed and resolved.

How Much Does a Phone Answering Service Cost at Mobo Co?

The cost of a phone answering service can vary depending on the provider and the specific features and services included in the package. Some providers charge per call, while others may charge a monthly or annual fee for a certain volume of calls or minutes. Mobo Co’s virtual office + receptionist package is at $200/month and it lets you use Mobo Co’s South Brisbane address as your own business address, and our virtual receptionists will answer calls and receive mail on behalf of your business. Book a tour today to see Mobo Co for yourself.

A phone answering service can be a valuable asset for businesses in various industries. By outsourcing call handling to a professional and reliable service provider, businesses can save money, boost productivity, and improve customer satisfaction. Key features and services offered by answering services include 24/7 availability, dispatching services, call patching, message taking, appointment scheduling, virtual receptionist services, and voice mail services. When choosing an answering service provider, businesses should consider factors such as pricing, experience, reliability, and customisation options. An exceptional service can help businesses stay competitive in today’s fast-paced and demanding business landscape.

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