An answering service is a third-party company hired by businesses to answer calls in place of (or in addition to) their on-site receptionists. Its remote agents can answer questions, schedule appointments, take messages, and provide customer service on the phone to keep business running smoothly, even after hours or when staff is unavailable.

Whether you’re a small business with a tight budget or an established corporate enterprise, there are many reasons why your business needs an answering service. The best virtual answering services present your company in a professional light, improving customer satisfaction and retention rates. They also make sure that every call is handled, rather than letting them go to voicemail or worse.

When choosing an answering service, look for one with years of experience and a history of client satisfaction. Ask how they handle after-hours and weekend calls. Find out if they offer a variety of call filters, such as call screening and priority routing. And make sure you understand how much their services cost.

You can also consider a call center service, which handles more complicated problems than an answering service. For example, a call center can take orders for products, provide product information, and dispatch technicians or drivers to clients. It can also handle customer complaints, as long as the company provides its own dedicated line to address specific complaints. This is often a better option for businesses that need to spend more time handling complex or sensitive issues, such as medical operations. answering service