Having a business phone answering service can be beneficial for both small and large businesses. These services offer the option of virtual or live receptionists who can handle incoming calls and messages. As a result, you can free up time to focus on other important tasks. But what are the different types of business phone customer services? This article will discuss the four primary telephone customer services and explain the benefits of answering services.

Live answering services
One of the most popular types of answering services is the live person answering service. This answering service involves people trained to take calls on behalf of a company and respond to them according to the company’s specified guidelines. The live person answering service providers have a specific group of individuals who handle the calls daily. This ensures that there is no risk of having someone new do something unfavorable for the business while avoiding any potential inconveniences.

Live phone answering services can also help with appointment setting, customer support, and message taking. They work well for most businesses and can handle a large volume of calls. This makes the live person answering service the most prevalent type of answering service available.

Internet answering services
For e-commerce and web-only businesses, internet answering service, also known as, online phone customer service is the way to go. It provides features such as live chat, online message access, order processing, and web inquiry replies, making it an excellent choice for companies that operate primarily online. While live person answering services are also an option, they may not provide all of the above-listed features, which can be essential for e-commerce businesses. Although some firms may use online 24-hour internet answering services interchangeably with live person answering services, the former is recommended if you need all the above features.

Automated answering services
Automated answering services can be an excellent alternative to live customer service representatives if you need a 24/7 answering service. With this service, you can provide customers with a computerized menu or message when they call your company, even at night. For example, they may be given options such as Press 1 to learn the business hours or Press 2 to speak to a customer support executive.

This automated answering service is ideal for businesses that receive a high volume of calls from customers seeking basic information that does not necessarily require a live person to provide it. However, if your business requires more complex customer support, an automated answering service can be more of a hindrance than a help.

Call center services
High call volumes can be difficult to manage for any business, especially during busy seasons or when trying to generate leads and provide customer support. Call center services can provide additional support to your existing team of receptionists and customer support representatives. They are also useful for companies that frequently take orders, qualify leads, or assist customers over the phone. With call center services, multiple people can work on the phones to reduce wait times for customers and ensure they are quickly connected to a representative. This makes call center services the best telephone customer service solution for companies that require such assistance.

Benefits of phone answering services
Some reasons to have phone answering services are as follows:

Never miss a call
Partnering with a telephone answering service can ensure you never miss an important call. In business, a single phone call can make all the difference. It could be the call that seals the deal you’ve been waiting for or the one that pleases a returning customer who can become your biggest advocate. If someone calls your business and no one picks up, it could reflect poorly on your brand, suggesting that you don’t value their custom.

On the other hand, if a competent, professional receptionist with years of experience and industry knowledge answers the call, it speaks volumes about your business. By partnering with a reliable telephone answering service, you can rest assured that a dedicated receptionist will take your calls, ensuring you never disappoint a customer or miss out on a crucial message again. Every opportunity will be captured, and you can focus on your work peacefully.

Boost productivity
As a business owner, answering all of your calls can hamper your productivity. On the other hand, if you use an answering service to handle your calls and messages, you can focus on other crucial tasks, such as maximizing revenue and profits.

24/7 customer service
Having excellent customer service can work wonders for a company’s growth. It also gives you a competitive advantage as exceptional customer service often influences on-the-spot impulse purchases. With an answering service, you can bring on board a dedicated team of receptionists who understand your business inside out and will be available 24/7 to answer any call. When they communicate with customers, they add a personal touch, making them feel valued and welcomed, which increases the likelihood of repeat purchases.