When it comes to business phone calls, answering service is the solution to keeping communication lines open. Essentially, this type of company steps in to take calls for businesses that cannot answer them on their own, such as after-hours calls or when employees are away on vacation. Answering services can field all incoming calls, or they can simply send calls to an employee or department that is available to handle them. In either case, it’s a great way to save money and time.
Many people use answering services for their small, medium or large businesses. Entrepreneurs, in particular, rely on them to offload their call handling, giving them the flexibility and professional appearance of an in-house team. And even larger, established companies use them to create a virtual front office for their customers and prospects.
Despite the fact that most consumers today prefer to connect online, reports show that human connections are still the best way to build customer loyalty and boost brand image. For that reason, it’s important for business owners to find the right answering service to fit their needs and budget.
Aside from the obvious advantages, there are also some drawbacks to using an answering service. These can include missed calls, incorrect transfers, or agents who do not speak in a tone that matches the business’s image and branding. To avoid these problems, it’s best to look for an answering service that offers intelligent routing and warm handoffs. answering service