There are a few factors to consider when getting an answering service before taking the plunge. These services are not cheap, and you want to make sure that you are getting your money’s worth.
Here are some things to consider when hiring an answering service:
- Make sure that they answer for you 24 hours a day
Make sure your potential service answers 24/7. It means no matter what time of the day, there should always be someone on hand to take phone calls. It is something you will come to appreciate as the owner of a small business. You do not want to miss a call from a potential customer.
- Make sure that they can keep your customers’ information confidential
When hiring an answering service, make sure your contract states that all calls will be kept confidential and private. Any potential information leaks could damage your reputation as a company or business person.
- Make sure that they are located in your area
Make sure to work with a local answering service. You would not want someone down the street to read all of your private information or hear everything about your business, would you? If you need to use an out-of-town company, make sure they have the same confidentiality policies in place.
- Make sure that they answer the phones professionally
When using an answering service, you need to trust that your customers will always receive a professional and courteous response from the person on the other end of the phone. In order for this to happen, it is crucial to have a contract stating just precisely how the calls will be handled.
- Make sure that they have a good track record
Make sure to ask around and look for someone with a proven track record before hiring them as your answering service of choice. It goes back to my first point, and you do not want to miss out on any important calls because your company/business is understaffed.
- Make sure that they offer an unlisted number
It is always better to have a phone number not listed anywhere on the web. It will ensure that you can get in touch with your customers quickly and without interference or hangups. It also ensures that no one can just come along and steal your number.
- Make sure that they offer a variety of different plans
In the end, it is essential to remember that you will get what you pay for. If you want a specific plan or type of plan, make sure to find a company willing and able to provide it to you at a reasonable price. Do not settle for less than what you need.
- Make sure that they can handle everything under one roof
Many answering services offer different services for your business needs. If you want to go with such a company, make sure that they can handle all of your needs and requests in one place; there is no point in dealing with multiple companies and people when you can deal with one.
Bottom line
You will never have to worry about missing a call from a potential customer with an answering service. If you are looking for an answering service, make sure to do your research and find the right one for you.
