subject: Utilizing An After Hours Telephone Answering Service Could Increase Your Customer Base [print this page] Most offices have a receptionist or secretary answering the phones during normal business hours. But, what is your office doing about the phones after hours? Or are you one of those offices that has no after hours solution for the phones? No matter what type of business you are, your customers need to talk to someone when they call. Hiring an after hours answering service is, likely, your best option.
You may not be an office that receives emergency phone calls like doctors, but think,for a second, how many calls you might be missing after hours. Yes, an answering machine allows existing and potential customers to leave messages, but do they? How much can someone really say to a machine? When do the messages get picked up and returned?
The use of an answering device removes the element of personal touch. Surprisingly, customers still like this and are usually more comfortable with companies that offer it. An after hours answering service offers you just this. It gives that personal touch back to the customer, and makes them feel more comfortable with your business as a whole. It may come as a surprise, but this simple step increases your customer base and their devotion to your company.
In addition, answering devices do not relay emergency messages, nor are they checked as frequently as they should be. They are typically checked first thing in the morning, which are often times too late. Answering services, on the other hand, relay messages immediately, or based on a specific set of guidelines or policies which are predetermined by you.
Existing customers are important, yes, but let's not forget about new customers. How many potential clients have called you and been stuck with an answering machine? The majority of these individuals will not leave a message; therefore, you have no idea how many customers you have missed out on because of your after hours policies. If they are given the chance to talk to a live person, your chances of gaining a new client just increased significantly.
As you can see, giving your customers a live person to talk to is very beneficial to both of you. If this means that you need to hire an after hours answering service, so be it. This service is a great investment.
