A virtual receptionist is a form of phone answering service in which a live person answers the phone on behalf of a company but does not occupy physical space in their office. They work for a company that provides over-the-phone receptionist services, and they work from home. It’s like having a virtual front desk receptionist. Virtual receptionists are also far less expensive than recruiting a fresh employee. They never have to look for something to do with them or teach them how to provide better customer service. People only pay for a virtual receptionist if they use it, by most pricing schemes.
What services can a virtual receptionist provide?
Because each virtual receptionist agency is unique, the services they can expect will change. However, virtual receptionists will typically be in charge of a few activities and processes, as well as some specialized services that aren’t difficult to get by.
Answer the phones 24/7 –
Answering calls is the most common reason firms use a virtual receptionist service. People can rely on a virtual receptionist to handle calls outside of work hours because they don’t clock in or out. Several companies use virtual assistants to handle phone calls while no one else is there.
Give callers information –
The majority of calls to their business are repeated requests for information such as hours of operation, products, or services available, and so on. Virtual receptionists follow a script that individuals provide, so they are always prepared to give callers the same replies.
Transfer calls –
When callers request to talk with a certain person or department or require specialized services from an employee, a virtual receptionist can transfer calls to the appropriate person or department. They may also communicate useful background information for the call if it makes sense for their firm.
Make appointments –
Virtual receptionists may often assist with scheduling. Callers can pick a time that works for them without having to transfer to another staff if they have appointments with clients or need to book services. People may be able to utilize the same scheduling tools as their virtual receptionist team, depending on the agency they employ.