How to Choose a Call Answering Service for Your Small Business
Look at the Budget
One of the most important things to look at before moving forward with any choice is the budget. By simply defining a clear budget not only does one ensure not to spend more than what can be afforded, but it also automatically rules out services that don't offer plans in the suitable price range, thus already helping narrow down the search. It's also important to look at volume. Some plans may limit how many calls are answered. Some may even limit you on hours or minutes. Check your needs and choose a plan that fits them, but is still affordable.
Look at the Reviews
Reviews exist for a reason and while many decide to follow their gut feelings or simply trust their instincts, looking at reviews can save you the trouble of signing up with a bad service. The important thing to remember when looking at reviews is not only to check the positive or only negatives but rather both. By looking at both types a clearer picture is painted, and both the clear positives and the clear negatives of a service can be seen. With this in mind one can start making the decision if the positives outweigh the negatives for a particular service.
Compare Plans and Needs
One of the most important ideas to keep in mind when buying an answering service is to define your company's needs. If a business gets around three calls a day which can all easily be attended by an employee then it's useless even looking into getting a call answering service. On the other hand if the business is seeing increased calling that will not stop it starts making sense to look into getting this service.
Once the need is identified you have to see how much is needed. This is where you have to do some research to try to figure out just how much call time you may need, how many voicemail boxes, or how many live receptionists among other items. A lot of times this may be a trial and error process but once you've found the right fit not only will customers be satisfied but way less money will be going to waste for sure.
Look at Their Customer Service
Your service provider's customer service will be key in this process of choosing a call answering service. If one of these call answering services cannot offer the option to sit down and discuss everything offered, that is already a red flag. They will be the first interaction between a business and the customer and thus it is beyond important they offer customer service that is approachable and that can fix issues that may pop up with them as they occur. The last thing desired is to have the first interaction between a customer and a business be a negative one due to a third party that refuses to listen to concerns.
Make a Decision
The final step and the scariest one is to make a decision. It can be terrifying putting such a big part of your business in the hands of a third party, but it's a necessary step. Hopefully if all of these tips are kept in mind and red flags are paid attention to then there should not be any trouble finding a service that makes the business and the customer happy. Once you make your decision, this will be a company you will most likely be with for a long time.