As technology advances, more and more businesses are turning to virtual receptionists to help them manage their calls. If you’re thinking of making the switch, it’s important to understand all the basics before you decide if this is the right option for your company. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about virtual receptionists in 2022. By the end of this article, you’ll be able to make an informed decision about whether or not a virtual receptionist is right for your business.
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What Is A Virtual Receptionist?
A virtual receptionist is a remote customer service representative who provides administrative support to businesses and handles customer inquiries via phone, email, or live chat. Virtual receptionists can be used to schedule appointments, take messages, process orders, and more. Virtual receptionists are often used by businesses that have a large customer base or that operate in multiple time zones. By using a virtual receptionist, businesses can save money on overhead costs such as rent and office furniture.
How Does a Virtual Receptionist Work?
A virtual receptionist is a remote worker who provides administrative, customer service, and other support tasks for a business. They are often the first point of contact for customers and clients, and their duties can include answering phone calls, responding to emails, scheduling appointments, and managing social media accounts. Virtual receptionists can be employed by a company on a full-time or part-time basis, or they can work as independent contractors. Some businesses use virtual receptionist services that provide them with a team of remote workers who can cover different shifts. This gives businesses the flexibility to have someone available to answer calls and handle inquiries 24 hours a day.
What Kinds of Virtual Receptionists Are There?
Just like with any in-person receptionist, there are different types of virtual receptionists. And just like an in-person receptionist, each type has its own set of skills and responsibilities.
Here are a few of the most common types of virtual receptionists:
- Generalists
Generalists are the most common type of virtual receptionist. They are responsible for handling a wide range of tasks, such as answering phone calls, responding to emails, scheduling appointments, and managing social media accounts.
- Appointment Setters
As the name suggests, appointment setters are responsible for scheduling appointments. This can include setting up initial consultations, follow-up appointments, and more. In some cases, they may also be responsible for confirming appointments and sending reminders to customers.
- Customer Service Representatives
Customer service representatives handle customer inquiries and complaints. They are responsible for providing information about products and services, troubleshooting issues, and handling refunds or returns.
- Order Processors
Order processors are responsible for processing orders from start to finish. This can include taking customer information, inputting the order into the system, and ensuring that the order is shipped out on time.
What Is the Difference Between a Virtual Receptionist and an Answering Service?
Answering services have been around for decades, offering businesses a way to take calls after hours or when they are closed. A virtual receptionist is a newer service that offers many of the same benefits as an answering service, but with some key differences. Here are some
- The way calls are handled.
One of the biggest differences between a virtual receptionist and an answering service is the way calls are handled. An answering service will typically just take a message from a caller and then pass that along to the business owner or manager. A virtual receptionist, on the other hand, can handle much more than just taking messages. Virtual receptionists can do everything from scheduling appointments to handling customer inquiries to taking payments over the phone.
- Available level of customization.
Another key difference between a virtual receptionist and an answering service is the available level of customization. Answering services typically have a very limited amount of customization that can be done. This means that businesses using an answering service will likely have to use the same greeting for every caller, regardless of who the caller is or what time of day it is. Virtual receptionists, on the other hand, can be customized to fit the specific needs of each business. This means that businesses can choose different greetings for different times of the day or different types of callers.
- The cost of the service.
One final difference between a virtual receptionist and an answering service is the cost of the service. Answering services can be very expensive, especially for small businesses. Virtual receptionists, on the other hand, are typically much more affordable. This is because virtual receptionists do not require the same amount of equipment or staff as an answering service.
How Much Does a Virtual Receptionist Cost?
The average cost of a virtual receptionist is $50 per month. This price can vary depending on the services you need and the number of hours you need them for. You can also find virtual receptionists who charge by the hour, which typically ranges from $25 to $35 per hour.
We hope this article has answered all of your questions and given you a good understanding of what a virtual receptionist is and how they work. If you’re still unsure about anything or would like more information, don’t hesitate to give us a call today. We’d be happy to answer any questions you may have and help you find the perfect virtual receptionist for your business.
Does Your Business Need a Reliable Live Receptionist?
Reliable Receptionist helps small to mid-sized businesses enhance their professional image, improve customer service, manage workload and convert callers to become loyal clients. At Reliable Receptionist, we not only provide simple answering services but you can be confident your company’s incoming calls will be immediately answered by one of up to five trained representatives assigned to your account. Our off-site receptionists are professionally ready to answer questions about your business, provide directions, capture critical lead information, schedule appointments, and forward calls to the appropriate department depending on your set guidelines. One of the many advantages of using an off-site receptionist with advanced call handling technology is that your calls can be privately announced and seamlessly connected to you in real-time on any phone number. Many of our clients provide multiple connecting numbers for us so we always have the best way to reach you. Let’s Work Together! For more information or to request a quote and free demonstration, send us a message or call us today at (925) 627-4200.
