A virtual receptionist helps businesses give customers the attention they deserve. It can answer calls, provide basic customer service, and handle routine tasks like scheduling appointments or sending out reminders. It can also assist with advanced support and help resolve complex issues. It’s an excellent option for companies that often deal with large call volumes from clients or customers, such as recruitment agencies, real estate and retail organisations. It’s also a great option for small and medium businesses that can’t afford the overhead costs of hiring, training, and managing a full-time receptionist.
The best virtual receptionist services offer a range of packages that start at under $50 per month. They also feature a pay-as-you-go pricing structure, which means you’re only charged for the minutes your virtual receptionist handles. Ruby, for example, offers a pay-as-you-go model starting at $199 per month.
When choosing a virtual receptionist service, look for one that lets you keep your business number. Some services use a different business number to route calls, which can confuse your customers. Plus, if they have to dial an additional number to reach your team, it can detract from the seamless customer experience that you’re striving for.
Choose a virtual receptionist that provides you with comprehensive call reporting and analytics so you can evaluate their performance. For instance, some virtual receptionist services allow you to listen in on a live call with a client, which is a great way to see whether your virtual receptionist is representing your business the way you’d like them to. It’s also a good idea to ask about their scripting process to ensure that they are fully equipped to handle your callers’ questions and concerns.