Comparing the Costs: Telephone Answering Services vs Hiring Staff

For many small businesses, deciding how to manage incoming calls can be a challenge. Do you hire a full-time receptionist, or would outsourcing your calls to a telephone answering service be more practical?

At Your Office & PA, we speak to business owners every day who are weighing up the same question. The truth is, outsourcing your calls can offer significant cost savings, without compromising on professionalism or customer service.

Let’s take a closer look at the real costs involved in each option and why an increasing number of businesses are choosing to outsource.

The Cost of Hiring a Receptionist

Hiring in-house comes with a number of expenses beyond just salary. For a full-time receptionist, the typical costs include:

• Annual salary (often £26,000-£32,000 or more depending on experience and location)
• Employer National Insurance contributions
• Pension contributions
• Holiday and sick pay
• Training and management time
• Desk space, phone system, and equipment

When you factor all of this in, the real cost of employing someone is significantly higher than just their wage. And that’s before you consider the impact of unplanned absences, or needing cover during lunch breaks, holidays, or emergencies.

The Cost of Outsourcing to a Telephone Answering Service

Now let’s look at the alternative.

With a telephone answering service like ours, you only pay for the calls we answer. There are no salaries, no overheads, and no long-term contracts. Our pricing is designed to suit businesses of all sizes—from sole traders and start-ups to established companies needing overflow support.

You’ll receive:

• A UK-based professional receptionist answering in your company name
• Messages taken and delivered accurately and promptly
• Flexible support that scales up or down with your call volume
• Optional extras like diary management or call transfers
• Coverage during times when you’re busy, in meetings, or away from your desk

It’s a cost-effective way to ensure no opportunity is missed—without the commitment and cost of taking on staff.

Comparing the Benefits: What Are You Really Getting?

Feature	Hiring Staff	Telephone Answering Service
Upfront costs	High (recruitment, setup, salary)	Low
Monthly cost	Fixed salary + NI + overheads	Pay-as-you-go/fixed plan/no contract
Cover for sickness/holidays	Requires additional planning	Always covered
Flexibility	Limited to contracted hours	Scalable, by the call
Professional call handling	Yes (with training)	Yes (immediate)
Setup time	Weeks	Same day
Office space needed	Yes	No

Why More Businesses Are Choosing to Outsource

For many businesses, especially those still growing or running on tight margins, a telephone answering service provides the professional image of a fully staffed office without the associated costs.

It also gives you freedom. You don’t have to worry about managing another team member. You’re not tied into long contracts or paying for downtime. And you’re free to focus on what you do best, knowing that your calls are in safe hands.

 

Try It for Yourself – Free for 14 Days

If you’ve been considering how best to manage your calls, why not see how outsourcing compares, risk-free? We offer a 14-day no-obligation trial, so you can experience the service first-hand.

We’ll answer in your business name, take detailed messages, and ensure your customers receive the same high standard of care you’d expect from in-house staff—just without the ongoing costs.

Start your free trial today

Or call us on 0800 433 40 30 to find out more.

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Further Information:

If you’re interested in finding out more information about how a telephone answering service could support your business, then follow the link below which includes details on how to request a detailed information pack and set up a 14 day free trial.

https://www.yourofficeandpa.co.uk/

I have also included some FAQ’s below and more can be found here:

https://www.yourofficeandpa.co.uk/faqs/

 

 

FAQs: Outsourcing vs Hiring for Telephone Answering

Q1. Is a telephone answering service really more cost-effective than hiring staff?

In most cases, yes. Hiring a receptionist includes costs such as salary, tax, holiday cover, sick pay, equipment and more. With a telephone answering service, you only pay for what you use, without the overheads.

Q2. Will my customers know I’m using a telephone answering service?

Not at all. Our receptionists answer calls in your company name and follow your instructions, so it feels exactly like speaking to someone from your own team.

Q3. What about reliability? How do I know every call will be answered?

We have a team of trained UK-based receptionists ready to answer your calls promptly and professionally. We also provide cover during holidays, lunch breaks, and busy periods, so your business is never left unanswered.

Q4. Can the service be tailored to suit my business?

Absolutely. We’ll work with you to understand how you want your calls handled—whether that’s taking messages, transferring calls, taking orders, or managing your diary. Everything is adapted to fit your brand and preferences

Q5. Do I have to commit to a long contract?

No. We offer flexible packages and a free 14-day trial, so you can test the service with no long-term commitment.

Q5. Is this suitable for small businesses and sole traders?

Yes! Many of our clients are small businesses or one-person operations who want to appear more established while freeing up their time. It’s a simple, affordable way to stay responsive without hiring staff.

 

Read more FAQ’s here: https://www.yourofficeandpa.co.uk/faqs/

Download our free information pack here: https://www.yourofficeandpa.co.uk/pricing/

For more information about our service, including our 14 Day FREE Trial, visit www.yourofficeandpa.co.uk or give me a call on 01928 508800.