Answering Service Frequently Asked Questions
Answers and information about the benefits of answering services.
Why does my business need an answering service?
How do my calls get sent to your service?
How do my callers know they have reached us?
How do I get my messages?
Can I make changes to my account?
What if I have multiple offices or locations?
What about Voice Messaging?
How much does this service cost?
How quickly do you respond to calls?
Have more questions?
Why does my business need an answering service?
An answering service represents you much more professionally than just an answering machine. Our agents produce a higher percentage of callers leaving messages and increasing your sales volume. It's much more cost effective than hiring someone in house. We're here 24/7 to answer for emergencies, meetings, appointments, weekends, holidays, vacations - whenever your customer wants you.
How do my calls get sent to your service?
Your calls come to our service in 2 different ways. Both start with a phone number that we assign to you. The most common used options are done by call forwarding your phone line to your (assigned) number. Call forwarding is a feature usually already provided by your telephone company, allowing you to give and take back your lines as needed. Callers dial your advertised phone listing, so you don't lose control of your established number. The second option is delayed call forwarding, offered by your telephone company. You set up how many times you would like the phone to ring in your office before it transfers to us automatically. Then you do not have to remember to call forward and we can help you with any overflow you may have during business hours as well.
How do my callers know they have reached us?
As soon as a call comes in we answer with a custom answer phrase that you provide. This is your personal account and only your business information is displayed eliminating any chance of confusing your account with another. Unless directed otherwise it is Answer 1's goal to provide a seamless extension of your company.
How do I get my messages?
We will call, page, text message your cell phone, email, or fax you messages as they come in or send you summaries. Call us to change the way we take calls for the duration of your service down to the smallest interruption in your day by just updating an agent.
Can I make changes to my account?
Yes as often as you need to. If it's just a temporary change you may update our operators. If it is a permanent change then you may email or fax customer service and they'll have the change in place within 24 hours and usually the same day depending upon the complexity of it.
What if I have multiple offices or locations?
Multiple offices can be set with their own account or using a unique identifier they can utilize one account as long as all offices are answered the same way.
What about Voice Messaging?
Answer 1 has many different voice messaging options. Choose from basic service, multiple voice mailboxes, Follow me/Find me service or announcement only mailboxes. Or combine them all with a live operator revert option instructing callers to press "0" to be transferred to an operator for an added personal touch. We also provide conference bridge services using local and 800 numbers.
How much does this service cost?
Our pricing is based upon how much time our agents spend working on your account. We have many cost efficient ways to get messages to you as well as features you can take advantage of to decrease your overall billing.
How quickly do you respond to calls?
Answer 1 provides the highest level of service in the call answering industry. Over 92% of the incoming calls to Answer 1 have an average response time of 7 seconds. Our call abandon rate is less than 2%, which means your customers are getting the service, information, and support that they need in a courteous and timely fashion from our professional call agents.
Have more questions?
Please don't hesitate to call our office to speak to our sales team. We will be happy to go over any questions and provide suggestions on how our services can benefit you.
