In today’s digital world, “business hours” have taken on a new meaning. The internet allows many businesses to remain open 24/7, and customers have grown accustomed to this constant access. We understand that you and your staff need time to relax and sleep. However, being unavailable for any length of time can result in lost business opportunities. In an effort to be more accessible to their customers, many small businesses are partnering with after-hours answering services.
What is an after-hours answering service?
After-hours answering services manage phone calls on behalf of businesses at night, on weekends, and on holidays. Trained live agents are available to greet callers and schedule appointments, answer general questions, qualify sales leads, send follow-up emails, take messages, and more.
Do I need an after-hours answering service for my business?
Here are some signs that it might be time to partner with an after-hours answering service:
- You’re missing out on quality time with your family due to work calls
- Work calls often wake you up at night
- You’re missing lots of calls on nights and weekends
- You’re spending a lot of money on an after-hours receptionist
- You would like to make money and grow your business while you sleep
- You wish to provide better customer service
- Your business receives calls from customers located in different time zones
How can my business benefit from an after-hours answering service?
Here are some of the ways that your business can benefit from partnering with an after-hours answering service:
An after-hours answering service allows you to provide great customer service 24/7
Great customer service starts by simply picking up the phone. If your business’ phone rings when you’re sleeping or spending time with family, an after-hours answering service ensures that these callers still receive friendly assistance.
In addition to managing your phones on nights and weekends, a live answering service can improve your customer service during business hours. If your days consist of juggling many different tasks, an answering service will free you up so you can better focus on growing your business.
An after-hours answering service is cheaper than another employee
While there is a cost associated with after-hours answering service, it is typically cheaper than hiring an after-hours receptionist. Rather than paying someone by the hour to sit around and wait for your phone to ring, an answering service only charges you for the calls it handles.
Increase your sales and revenue with an after-hours answering service
Unanswered calls are missed business opportunities, and they may be costing you more than you think. Missing phone calls is one of the easiest ways to provide poor customer service, and poor customer service costs businesses $75 billion a year.
If you can’t afford to miss out on new business opportunities, an after-hours answering service ensures that callers have a live agent to speak with regardless of when they call. With fewer leads slipping through the cracks, your business will be able to make sales around the clock and increase its revenue.
