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How does a virtual receptionist work?
A virtual receptionist is not the same as an answering machine or automated call directory—a virtual receptionist is a human operator who handles your company’s phone calls remotely. Receptionists are skilled professionals who are trained in your company’s operational procedures, so they can answer basic questions about your company, direct calls to the appropriate personnel, and screen calls.
Do customers know that they aren’t talking to someone at my company?
Feedback from Reliable Receptionist clients indicates that callers have no idea that the receptionists they speak with are not physically located at the company, or that the receptionists aren’t actual company employees.
What are the advantages to virtual reception service?
If you’re a sole proprietor, having a receptionist service can bolster your company’s professionalism and increase the respect customers and potential clients have for you: Another person answering the phone tells callers that your time is valuable and being used to promote customer satisfaction, which will make them glad they called you. For small and mid-size companies, virtual receptionists manage the important task of screening calls so that your skilled employees can spend more time using their specialized talents to further your business.
How is a virtual receptionist service different from an answering service?
A virtual receptionist service is much more straightforward and simple than an answering service. Instead of waiting for their calls to be forwarded to someone at a call center who will respond by reading a script on a computer screen, your callers will talk with someone who sounds like an employee of your company. Your friendly and professional receptionists know whom to transfer calls to and how to answer questions without the wait time, frustration, and confusion that result from call centers. Your callers know as well as you do how valuable time and simplicity are, and your virtual receptionists are well trained so that your company’s professionalism and efficiency are never on the line.
Can I instruct my virtual receptionist how to process calls, or is there a generic template or procedure I have to use?
Since virtual receptionists’ priority is to serve you and help your business run smoothly, you can completely customize how receptionists answer your calls. After you hire Reliable Receptionist and select your receptionist package, you can come to Reliable Receptionist’s local Bay Area office and train your team of receptionists so they provide information and direct calls according to your preferences and needs.
Is a virtual receptionist service more affordable than hiring an in-person receptionist?
Yes. Instead of hiring and training an expensive on-site receptionist who may sit idle for a couple of hours each day while waiting for the phone to ring, a virtual receptionist provides you with phone service when you need it—that is, when a call comes through or you need to confirm a meeting with a client—so you aren’t paying someone for unproductive time.
What kind of businesses hire virtual receptionist services?
Reliable Receptionist has both sole practitioners and small companies, blue collar and white collar, as clients. The trainability of the Receptionists allows their services to be used by, for example, law firms, pool maintenance companies, chiropractors, accountants, financial consultants, security providers, and franchisors/franchisees.
What are the rates for differently-sized companies?
Reliable Receptionist offers three different packages: one for sole practitioners or proprietors, one for small companies, and one for mid-size companies. Packages vary on number of Receptionist minutes per month answered live (Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. PST) and number of Reliable voicemail boxes with Instant Audio email, but all three have the following features: Unlimited talk time after calls are connected, unlimited voicemail time, and access to a client web portal with a real-time call log so you can check calls at any time. Reliable Receptionist offers options such as additional voicemail boxes and appointment scheduling services for an additional charge.
Can my virtual receptionist make calls, or do they only receive calls?
You can customize your virtual receptionist experience so that your receptionists can make certain calls, such as reminding patients of appointments or confirming participants’ presence at meetings or seminars.
Are the calls my receptionist takes recorded so I can review them later?
Yes. Every call taken by your virtual receptionist is clearly recorded, and you can request a call log to view them all online as well.
