The first impression a business makes on its callers is vital to its success. Many companies struggle with the amount of calls they receive and the time it takes to get back to each one, so they turn to an answering service for help. It’s important to choose an answering service that is well-suited to your company and the type of callers you receive. Choosing the cheapest option may not be the best option for you, so carefully weigh your options before making a decision.

When a customer, client, or patient calls your business and reaches voicemail, it can leave a bad impression. They may think the company doesn’t care about them, or they could choose to go with another competitor instead of waiting for you to return their call. An answering service ensures that your callers always speak to a live person, and it allows you to collect essential information from them in a timely manner.

If you’re a small business that can’t afford to have someone on-site during all hours of the day, an answering service is the perfect solution for you. A reputable answering service will charge you a per-call fee rather than a flat monthly rate, so you’re only charged for the calls they take on your behalf.

Some answering services offer customizable data reporting, while others can help you improve your call handling with tips and tricks. When researching your options, look for a service that will provide you with the portal access you need to customize your calling experience and download reports like the call history of all your calls. You’ll also want to consider whether the service will let you rate operators.