In today’s age of fast-paced communication technologies, consumers now expect to be in constant contact with the companies with whom they do business. If your business does not have a 24/7 support network, you could be losing valuable customers. Seventy-nine percent of consumers prefer to interact with companies by phone compared to other options, and eighty percent of people will hang up on a business if they hear a voicemail. If your business is looking to provide customers with a quality customer service experience, then an answering service is for you.
According to a recent customer satisfaction poll conducted by Forrester, telephone customer service has the highest satisfaction compared to other online customer service channels, at 69%. 24 hour live answering service gives your customers the ability to leave feedback whenever they desire. With online reviews becoming increasingly important for the perception of your business, it’s important that a call answering service be available around the clock. If your business is too small to afford a 24 hour answering service, then it’s time to upgrade to an off-site small business answering service.
Answering service pricing is variable, and differs based on the features your business needs. Many answering service providers have websites that compare and describe answering service pricing options, so make sure to do a little research before you buy. Answering services typically offer their services to commercial, medical, industrial and residential businesses alike.
Whether it be daytime, after general business hours, full 24-hour programming, or one day per week, an answering service provider can design a call answering program to meet your needs. Every account can be individually prepared to meet the needs of the client and their callers. Heavily scripted calls are generally not the best approach since they can eliminate two elements essential to the customer service experience: empathy and emotion. Answering service providers can custom tailor your businesses call scripts and flowcharts to suit your needs.
Still not convinced about your need for a small business answering service? Just consider the fact that U.S. brands are losing approximately $41 billion each year due to poor customer service. Don’t let your small business become another statistic of the current communications revolution. Upgrade to a small business answering service today.