If you run a business and don't have the funds for a full time receptionist you might consider hiring a virtual receptionist. This is what I did.
Pros to using virtual receptionist services
1. Save money on receptionist costs
The cost for virtual receptionist services is much less than a full time receptionist if your call volume isn't too high. If your business receives a few calls every hour, you're probably better off using a virtual receptionist service instead of hiring a receptionist service (unless you have other tasks for your in-house receptionist). You also cannot forget the cost of benefits and other expenses for a receptionist, including office space and equipment.
2. Live telephone answering more hours of the day
If you hire a live receptionist service, you can opt to have live telephone answering service during the hours the service offers - which is likely more than your current business hours. This way customers and/or clients can speak with a real person more often which is always good.
3. Screen telephone calls
If you hire the right virtual receptionist service, you can provide them instructions to answer basic questions such as location, hours of operation and other canned answers. This way you reduce the number of calls you must deal with, especially calls where the information wanted is basic. Moreover, it's always nicer to get a live person than a voice mail message going on and on with the basic location and hours of operation information. You can also pin point times when you don't want to receive calls or have calls forwarded to you if you want dedicated time to get work done.
4. Receive messages wherever you are
A good virtual receptionist service will send you messages wherever you're located via e-mail or call forwarding. This way you're sure to receive your messages whenever necessary.
Also, a quality virtual receptionist service (read this Ruby Receptionists review and check out this Ruby Receptionists discount) is one that permits you to turn the service on and off. For example, if you have a part time receptionist, you can have the virtual receptionist service field calls when your in-house receptionist isn't working.
5. Appear professional
It's professional to have a receptionist. Nothing else needs to be said about that.
Cons to a virtual receptionist service
1. Costs money
At the end of the day it's cheaper to have all calls go to you or voice mail.
2. You may still have to receive the calls despite having a telephone answering service. This means the service doesn't necessarily save you time (but does impact your level of professionalism in my view).
Pros to using virtual receptionist services
1. Save money on receptionist costs
The cost for virtual receptionist services is much less than a full time receptionist if your call volume isn't too high. If your business receives a few calls every hour, you're probably better off using a virtual receptionist service instead of hiring a receptionist service (unless you have other tasks for your in-house receptionist). You also cannot forget the cost of benefits and other expenses for a receptionist, including office space and equipment.
2. Live telephone answering more hours of the day
If you hire a live receptionist service, you can opt to have live telephone answering service during the hours the service offers - which is likely more than your current business hours. This way customers and/or clients can speak with a real person more often which is always good.
3. Screen telephone calls
If you hire the right virtual receptionist service, you can provide them instructions to answer basic questions such as location, hours of operation and other canned answers. This way you reduce the number of calls you must deal with, especially calls where the information wanted is basic. Moreover, it's always nicer to get a live person than a voice mail message going on and on with the basic location and hours of operation information. You can also pin point times when you don't want to receive calls or have calls forwarded to you if you want dedicated time to get work done.
4. Receive messages wherever you are
A good virtual receptionist service will send you messages wherever you're located via e-mail or call forwarding. This way you're sure to receive your messages whenever necessary.
Also, a quality virtual receptionist service (read this Ruby Receptionists review and check out this Ruby Receptionists discount) is one that permits you to turn the service on and off. For example, if you have a part time receptionist, you can have the virtual receptionist service field calls when your in-house receptionist isn't working.
5. Appear professional
It's professional to have a receptionist. Nothing else needs to be said about that.
Cons to a virtual receptionist service
1. Costs money
At the end of the day it's cheaper to have all calls go to you or voice mail.
2. You may still have to receive the calls despite having a telephone answering service. This means the service doesn't necessarily save you time (but does impact your level of professionalism in my view).
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