A virtual receptionist is a call-answering service that allows businesses to manage inbound calls without interrupting staff members or using an auto attendant. These services typically offer 24/7 support, and some are equipped to screen out solicitors and answer commonly asked questions. They can also schedule appointments, process orders, and provide customer support. Using an answering service can free up your team’s time to focus on core business tasks and improve your bottom line.
Between meetings, appointments, and deadlines, you probably don’t have the time to pick up every incoming call. But if you don’t, you risk missing out on new business and creating a poor customer experience. An excellent virtual receptionist will ensure that calls are promptly answered and routed to the right person. It’s an affordable way to boost your CX and ensure that no one is left with a bad impression of your company.
Many small and medium-sized businesses rely on a high volume of over-the-phone client engagement, such as recruitment agencies, real estate agents, and marketing firms. A virtual receptionist will ensure that calls are answered, and that no call goes unanswered even during peak times or outside of office hours.
Some virtual receptionists can also integrate with your client management software to take notes about conversations and record employee absences. Additionally, some can help your business by dispatching field workers if you run an appliance repair or property management firm, and direct medical and psychology clinic patients to emergency resources after hours. They are often paid on a per-minute or monthly subscription basis, meaning you can scale up and down as you need without incurring the costs of adding an in-house receptionist. virtual receptionist