Telephone Answering Services – Here’s What You Need To Know About The Cost

If you’re considering how a telephone answering service can support your business, then you’ve probably got a few questions around the costs.

You may have already discovered that comparing costs between different providers can be a minefield, as there are so many different options, packages and way of charging. For example, some charge per minute when others charge per call. Some make additional charges to have messages sent to multiple email addresses, some don’t.

Most companies will offer you a free trial of their service, which truly is the best way to accurately understand the costs for your business and of course the value of money. Cheapest isn’t always the best value!

Here are a few of the most common questions I get asked:

Can I pay per call?

Most services should offer you the option to pay per call with an account such as a Pay-As-you-Go

Do you charge per minute or per call?

This is an important question to ask when comparing prices. £1 a minute is a very different cost to £1 a call. Per minute charges can be unpredictable and make it difficult to control your costs.

Do I pay for unwanted calls?

Unwanted “cold” calls can be a time-consuming nuisance for many businesses. You should always check whether you’ll be charged for these. A good telephone answering company will filter the majority of these free of charge- again helping you to control costs.

How long is the contract?

Contract lengths can vary greatly. You should look for a service with short contracts lengths (such as a rolling 30 day, or no contract options) to show that they rely on good service, not contracts to retain your business.

How will a telephone answering service save me money?

I get asked this a lot. But the better question is “how will a telephone answering service help me make money?”

Firstly, this service is hands-down, more cost effective and more flexible than hiring an extra employee. You can use your telephone service to answer all calls, or just to cover when you need the support.

You also won’t need to worry about missing a new sales enquiry call, which could then hand the potential new business to your competitor. Every call will be answered swiftly and professionally with full accurate contact details captured so you can easily follow up new leads. This is proven to improve your sales conversion.

In fact, when it comes to how cost-effective outsourcing your call answering and reception work is, I could write a whole new blog.

So, if you want to find out more then I have put together an information pack titled “How You Could Save Money & Win More Business With A Professional Telephone Answering Service”

You can request your copy here: https://www.yourofficeandpa.co.uk/pricing/

 

### Frequently Asked Questions about Telephone Answering Service Costs

Q1. How much does a telephone answering service cost?

Our service offers flexible pricing options to fit every budget, ensuring you get the best value for your investment. Our Premium Telephone Answering & Reception Service Plans start from as little as £57.50 per month. For businesses with lower call volumes, we also offer Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG) options starting from £1.06 per call. 

Q2. Are there any set-up fees or long-term contracts?

No. There are no setup fees, no long-term contracts, and we offer a 30-day rolling agreement for our services. This means you can adjust or cancel your plan with just a month's notice, giving you the freedom to scale services in line with your business needs.

Q3. What's included in the monthly price?

All our Premium Plans come with a dedicated team of receptionists, email notifications of your messages, the option for SMS notifications, and the ability to handle multiple call types or scripts at no extra charge. We also include cold call filtering and outbound calls as part of our service. Plus much more!

Q4. Can I keep my existing business number?

Absolutely. You can keep your current business number, and we'll simply provide you with a unique DDI (direct dial inward) number to divert your calls to us. This seamless process ensures your clients continue to use the same number they always have, without any disruption.

Q5. What if I need a new business number?**

If you're starting fresh or need a new number, we've got you covered. We can set you up with a new business number, offering both non-geographical and local area options, often within 24 hours. The costs for this service are very competitive, starting from free to less than £25.00 per month, depending on your specific needs.

Q6. How are additional calls charged beyond my plan's included calls?

Our plans are designed to be as straightforward and predictable as possible. Additional calls are charged at rates decreasing with the scale of the plan, starting from £1.99 for the smallest package to as low as £1.06 per call for higher volumes. This ensures you always know what to expect on your bill. You can also easily check your monthly use on our online portal.

Q7. Do you offer any services beyond message taking?

Yes, we do more than just take messages. Our team can also manage your diary, process orders, take payments, and much more. For activities requiring more in-depth engagement, we offer services billed per minute, providing you with the flexibility to tailor our services to your exact needs.

Q8. What happens if I exceed my plan's included calls?

If you exceed your plan's included calls, additional calls will be billed at your plan's specific rate per additional call. We monitor your usage closely and can recommend adjusting your plan if your call volume consistently exceeds your current package, ensuring you always get the best value. You can also log onto our secure online portal to check and monitor your costs and call volume.

Q9. Is there a free trial available?

Yes, we offer a 14-day free trial, allowing you to experience the full benefits of our service without any commitment. It's a risk-free way to see how our service can benefit your business and it’s simple to set up.

Q10. How quickly can I get set up?

Setting up is quick and easy. You can be up and running the same day, with our team ready to start taking your calls. The process involves completing a simple online form about your business and how you'd like your calls handled. We'll take care of the rest, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free transition.

These FAQs are designed to provide a clear understanding of our telephone answering service costs and features. If you have any further questions or need more detailed information, please don't hesitate to contact us.

For more FAQ information on our telephone answering service follow this link: https://www.yourofficeandpa.co.uk/faqs/