Telephone Answering Service Versus In-house Voice Mail Systems, Round 2

Consumers that are allowed to opt out of an automated system and reach an agent when needed are 1.9 times more likely to do future business. (Aspect Index 2007)

In my first blog about in-house voice mail systems I introduced a few advantages to utilizing a telephone answering service over in-house voice mail. Below are additional benefits in hiring a telephone answering service to handle your overflow or after hour calls.

SMS Message Delivery
SMS is the fastest method of receiving a text message.  Additionally you can dial your caller’s phone number and reply back to the answering service confirming you have received the message from the text message itself.

Call Documentation and Storage
We securely store messages for the life of the account.  If there comes a time when you need a phone number or caller information we will make these messages available to you.

The Ability to Diagnose and Correct Technical Issues that Arise
Like Verizon Wireless, A Better Connection has on call management and IT staff available 24/7/365.  Unlike Verizon our group doesn’t follow you around but we are prompt and proactive at diagnosing and correcting technical issues.

Upgrades and New Features
We are very good at researching and implementing new technology and making it available to our customers for a nominal fee or no charge.

Don’t get me wrong, voice mail is an effective, inexpensive enhancement for your communications system.  Most often businesses buy the in-house voice mail equipment to save money and in order to pay for the system use it as their sole communications center.   Just like you shouldn’t cut your advertising budget in this economy you shouldn’t skimp on your communications connection with your customers.

Gail Gamertsfelder
Vice President, A Better Connection, Inc.