How Much Does Phone Answering Service Cost? 5 Important Factors

Phone answering services help businesses maintain efficient customer communication and maximize productivity and sales. Still, despite the numerous benefits, some small business owners are skeptical about these services. The companies prefer the in-house route; primarily due to fear of costs.

However, you can leverage phone answering services without going overboard with operation costs. Various factors determine the price of a phone answering service, and understanding these elements can help you make an informed decision about your choice of provider.

1. Your Industry

Most phone answering companies price their services based on specific industry needs. The requirements for the healthcare industry, for instance, are different from that of the hospitality sector.

Consequently, some businesses pay more than others. So, assess your industry needs first, then choose the most reasonably priced phone answering service without compromising quality.

2. Available Plans

Most answering services offer various plans depending on their client's needs and budgets. For instance, while some businesses may require phone agents to answer calls during regular business hours, others need round-the-clock support. Here is an in-depth look at different phone answering plans.

Per Call

This plan is ideal for businesses that get occasional calls. In addition, you only pay for the number of answered calls, making it cost-effective. However, ask your phone service provider about dropped or wrong number call charges to ensure you only pay for useful calls that go through.

Per Minute

This plan suits businesses with high call volumes but low-maintenance customers. The cost of the service gets determined by the total number of minutes used in answering and attending to calls.

Flat Rate

This plan suits businesses that expect high call volumes yet must keep costs low. With a flat rate, you pay a pre-determined fee each month regardless of the number of calls received.

A flat rate means the costs do not vary, regardless of whether the expected number of answered phone calls increases or decreases.

3. Holiday Coverage

Businesses can also pay extra for holiday answering services. This service helps maintain minimal disruptions during the holidays when calls are more likely to come in. The cost of this service may vary depending on the provider and the length of coverage you need.

4. Business Location

Phone service prices may differ from one region to another; or even between states. Research and compare the cost of different providers in your location to establish the best deal.

For instance, businesses in rural areas are likely to pay less for the same services than those in urban areas. The reason is that companies in rural regions are likely to get fewer calls, so the cost of phone services is lower. However, this factor differs depending on the business type.

5. Agents' Experience

A significant part of the cost of phone answering services is the experience and expertise of the agents. For instance, if you own a law firm, you may need to hire professional legal practitioners with years of expertise to respond to calls.

In this case, you will pay more than when hiring entry-level workers for regular customer service jobs. Therefore, ensure that your provider can offer a team of agents with the necessary experience and qualifications required by your business type.

Considering these five key factors, you can find an affordable service that meets your needs. Research providers in your area and compare their prices to get the best deal for your business.

AnSer is your trusted partner when it comes to phone answering services. We offer a range of plans with competitive rates and top-notch customer service. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your business succeed.