Answering Service Business

An answering service business is one of the most straight forward home based businesses to start and run.

It is relatively inexpensive to set up and there is a growing demand for outsourced telephone answering services. There is a wide range of potential cutomers for your in-home telephone answering service particularly small business owners who do not employ a secretary or receptionist. Customers have grown frustrated with voice mails and automated answering systems and want to talk to an actual human being. Research now shows that customers are often reluctant to leave messages on automated machines and these are all missed business opportunities for the business owner. Businesses appreciate this problem and are increasingly contracting people to answer their phone calls for them.

• What is involved in an answering service business? A basic telephone answering service takes incoming calls on behalf of various businesses or business people who are routinely not available during normal business hours as they are busy working such as repairmen, plumbers, electricians, dance and music schools, carpet cleaners, landscapers etc. The business may require the phone to be answered from 9 to 5, at certain hours only such as during lunch breaks or after hours or for an extended working day. Your actual functions once you have taken the call can range from taking messages, answering basic questions to scheduling appointments and meetings.
• What equipment will I need? The amount of equipment will depend on how many clients you take on. The easiest way to start is to install a separate phone line and phone for each of your clients. Each phone is marked with the company name for easy identification. Installing a separate phone line should not cost more than about $100 - $200 depending on your location. If you shop around a number of phone companies offer very good special packages and deals. The actual phones can be bought inexpensively from local stores. You will probably start off with a few contracts - less than 10 is ideal for home based operations - requiring only a small number of lines. If you want to expand your answering service it is possible to lease a switchboard from your local phone company. You will need a home computer and broadband connection in order to send messages to clients and run business appointment schedules. Using a headset is more convenient and comfortable. It is also important to set up a comfortable and convenient work area in your home with minimal distractions and noise.
• How will I get clients? Think about the types of businesses that would be in need of your answering service business. Sole proprietors who spend most of the day out of the office, small businesses that have limited support staff and professionals who are unable to take calls while busy with clients such as instructors, attorneys and medical professionals. Go to Home Based Answering Service to find out how to market your service.
• Will I make money with an answering service business? Correctly pricing your service will be the key to making money. You also need to draw up a standard contract for you and the client to sign. Go to Answering Service Pricing to find out more. Your monthly income will be determined by the number of clients you have, the number of services provided for clients and the hours you work.
• What skills do I need? You need good communication skills and excellent organizational ability. You need to be able to keep track of different calls and messages for different clients. A friendly manner and strong customer service orientation are also essential. The better you are at dealing with people on the phone the wider the range of services you can offer to clients.You also need to be available during the hours you have contracted to take calls and cannot rush out to fetch kids etc. Find out about the different types of services your phone answering business could provide at Starting an Answering Service.

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