When you run a small business, there are a lot of important decisions to make. One of the most important is whether or not to use an answering machine or a live phone answering service. Both have their pros and cons, and it can be tough to decide which is better for your business. In this article, we will discuss the differences between an answering machine and a live phone answering service for small businesses. By this, you will be guided on your decision which is best for your business.
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The Difference Between Answering Machine And A Live Phone Answering Service For Small Business
Many small businesses don’t have the luxury of having someone sit by the phone all day to answer calls. This is where an answering machine or live phone answering service comes in handy. But which one is better for your business? Here are there differences:
Large Volumes of Calls
If you are a small business that receives a high volume of calls, you may want to consider using a live phone answering service. This is because an answering machine will not be able to handle the same volume of calls as a live person while answering machines also have the potential to miss important calls. If you are expecting an important call, you may not want to risk having it go to voicemail. A live phone answering service will ensure that your call is answered and that you do not miss any important communication.
Human Connection
In a world that is increasingly digitized, it’s more important than ever to connect with your customers on a human level. Having a live person answer your phone calls is the best way to do this. When you have a live person answering your phone, they can build rapport with your caller and create a human connection. This is something that an answering machine can’t do. If you’re running a small business, you need to give your customers the best possible experience. Having a live person answer your phone calls is the best way to do this. It shows that you value their call and that you’re willing to take the time to talk to them. This personal touch will go a long way in building customer loyalty.
Customer Service
If you’re running a small business, customer service is paramount. You need to be able to handle customer complaints and questions quickly and efficiently. Answering machines can’t do this. When you have a live person answering your phone calls, they can help diffuse difficult situations and provide your customers with the answers they need. This is something that an answering machine can’t do. Answering machines are great for small businesses that don’t require a high level of customer service. Live phone answering services are better for small businesses that provide excellent customer service.
Missed Phone Calls
If you have an answering machine, there’s always the potential for missed calls. This is because people generally don’t like leaving messages on answering machines. They would rather talk to a live person. If you’re expecting an important call, you may not want to risk having it go to voicemail. Live phone answering services can help ensure that your calls are answered and that you don’t miss any important communication.
Features
Answering machines generally have fewer features than live phone answering services. This is because they are designed to be simple and easy to use. Live phone answering services, on the other hand, often have a variety of features that can be helpful for your business. For example, many live phone answering services offer call forwarding, caller ID, voicemail, and more.
Cost
Answering machines are generally less expensive than live phone answering services. If you’re on a tight budget, an answering machine may be the best option for your business. However, you should keep in mind that live phone answering services can offer a lot of value for your business. They can help you build rapport with your customers, provide excellent customer service, and ensure that you don’t miss any important calls. When it comes to choosing between an answering machine and a live phone answering service, cost should not be the only factor that you consider.
So, which is better for your small business? Answering machines or live phone answering services? The answer depends on your specific needs. If you have a large volume of calls and need someone to handle those calls around the clock, then a live phone answering service would be the best option. However, if you’re looking for customer service and want to avoid missed phone calls, an answering machine may be the right choice for you. We hope this article has helped you decide what’s best for your business. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to give us a call today.
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.
