Why Businesses Need After-Hours Answering Services

Businesses need to be able to respond to customer calls, questions and concerns even after hours. Otherwise, customers will move to another company that offers after-hours support and spend their money with them instead. A 24-hour answering service is an essential tool for all companies to have, no matter the industry or size of the business. Here are some things to consider as you explore the different options available.

A 24/7 answering service is a team of remote agents that work to provide customer support for a business in place of (or in addition to) an on-site receptionist. The agents answer customer questions, take messages, schedule appointments and provide other customer service functions for the business at an affordable cost. Using an answering service is a great option for businesses that want to offer after-hours support but don’t have the budget to hire a full-time in-house employee.

After Hours Answering Service

Many small businesses have limited time and resources to manage day-to-day operations and client communication. When a call comes in after hours, they don’t want to lose the opportunity to turn a potential customer into a new client because they can’t respond to the call immediately. A 24/7 answering service can ensure that important calls are never lost or sent to voicemail.

Having a dedicated answering service for after-hours inquiries gives your company the flexibility to respond to calls anytime, anywhere. Whether a client is calling to inform your agency that their dad fell and needs assistance or they are simply looking for information about your services, having the answers on hand is a great way to show your customers you care.

It’s no secret that every interruption in a business costs time, attention and productivity. Every call that goes unanswered, or is routed to voicemail, or ends up in a crowded inbox can lead to lost opportunities. It takes 23 minutes and 15 seconds to refocus after an interruption, so you can imagine the impact of multiple interruptions throughout the day for your busy team. With an after-hours answering service, your team is able to concentrate on the task at hand without distractions or the worry that they are missing out on valuable new clients.

Most people and companies work outside of the traditional 9 to 5 business hours. If a client, vendor or a potential lead tries to reach you after hours, they could be disappointed by not receiving a response and may not return again. Having a 24/7 answering service can help you build a strong reputation for exceptional customer support and demonstrate that your company is always open to new business.