Many Businesses have discovered the major benefits that accrue to their business by using a professional Telephone Answering Service and the increase flow of business that can result.  Choosing the right service for you can be vital.

As we all know you only “get one opportunity to create a first impression”.  In a lot of cases the first contact a potential client experiences are when they pick up the phone to contact your business.  If they get through to a voicemail, answering machine or even worse if the phone rings out the first impression is not going to be positive.  A survey discovered that 70% of people do not leave messages on voicemail and answering machines, they will go to the next name on the list, they want to speak to a person.  If your phone is answered by a professional Personal assistant, who knows about your business and products and who deals efficiently with the call the vital first impression is created.

The Right Telephone Answering Service

• Using the right Telephone Answering Service is very cost effective when compared to hiring a full time receptionist.  With most services you pay for the number of calls you receive.  Cost savings of up to 70% are not unusual.
• Using an answering service can free you to spend time ON your business not in your business; meeting customers, selling your product or service with the comfort that you are not missing phone calls and potential sales.
• Using the right answering service means that you NEVER EVER miss an important call.
• Most answering services provide emergency or contingency cover, which allows you to use the service only when you need it, i.e. illness cover, maternity cover, power outages etc.
• Using an answering service allows you to turn off your mobile phone when you are in important meetings knowing that it will still be answered.

What to look for in an answering service?

• Are all calls answered in YOUR business NAME?
• Are their staff fully trained professionals?  Your calls should be treated as important and be handled by properly trained PA’s.
• Does your answering service provide the service directly themselves or do they outsource?
• Does your service customise the service to meet your exact needs? No two businesses are the same so a “one size fits all” service may not suit your business needs.
• How does your service relay messages? Your messages should be relayed to you instantly the way you want them by SMS Text or Email.  They should also be able to offer Virtual Receptionist Services which allow calls to be transferred to your alternative landline or mobile phone.
• What are the normal working hours that you service operates? Do they take calls during lunch hours?
• Does your service send you a free end of day report giving details of all messages received that day?
• Does you service screen calls that you don’t want to pay for? i.e. Cold Sales Calls
• Does your service only answer limited questions on your behalf or put a limit on the length of calls?
• Can you service provider provide additional services if you want them?

Some providers offer a range of service which complement their Telephone Answer Service such as Business Address, Diary Management, Appointment setting, Enquiry and order processing, payment processing, outbound calling, information lines, geographic and Lo-call numbers.

Does your service provider manage your costs for you, ensuring that you pay lower tariffs when call volumes drop and that you are always on the most cost effective tariff?

Costs vary from provider to provider with the majority having a range of tariffs each of which include a fixed number of messages with an additional charge for excess messages.  Some providers charge a fixed charge regardless of the number of calls received but one would wonder how they can guarantee quality service.  In relation to costs in many businesses call levels fluctuate each month with peaks and troughs depending on the season.  Some providers manage your costs for you moving you up and down their tariffs so as to ensure you are always getting the most cost effective rate.

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Here at Office Assist, we offer a professional personal customised service.  We have packages available but can also tailor a service to suit any pocket and any business.  We will answer all calls in YOUR company name and answer queries.

Your calls/queries are as important to us as they are to you.

We send your messages immediately via SMS Text and/or Email.  We send a free end of day report giving details of all messages.

We also provide additional services such as:

• Business address
• Diary Management
• Enquiry and order processing
• Outbound calls
• Information lines
• Lo call numbers

We will manage your account for you, if we think it would be more cost effective for you to be on a higher package or alternatively on a lower package we will let you know.

We are open Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm, through lunch

No one will know you are using an Answering Service unless you tell them.

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SPECIAL OFFER

***For the months of January and February we are offering one month unlimited messages for our lowest price of €25 per month.  Realise the benefits of a full Telephone Answering Service for a fraction of the cost.  No obligation and no contract.  Limited places available. ****

Telephone 063/32466

Tags: Call answering service, office assist