The person who answers a business phone sets the tone for all customer interactions. They’re not a cashier struggling to navigate the register and uh-huhing their way through the conversation or an exasperated manager trying to run a business while relaying basic information. Instead, a virtual receptionist is trained to set the right impression and serve each caller to the best of their ability.
You can also trust a virtual receptionist to schedule appointments and dispatch staff on your behalf. For example, if you manage an appliance repair service, a virtual receptionist can help customers find a time that works for them. They can also send appointment reminders, reducing no-shows and last minute cancelations.
Virtual receptionists are often skilled conversationalists and can quickly connect you with the right person to answer any questions a customer may have. Some virtual receptionist services even let you listen in on calls so you can be sure the team is serving your customers and representing your business well.
A virtual receptionist is a great solution for businesses that don’t have the budget to hire a full-time employee, or for small business owners that don’t want to add another employee to their already busy teams. Most virtual receptionist services are available 24/7, so callers can always reach someone who can take care of their needs.
Some services charge a per-minute rate for each call they connect to you, while others offer monthly subscriptions with prepaid minutes that don’t expire. Whatever plan you choose, make sure it integrates with the workflow tools your business uses to streamline communication and ensure accuracy.