An electrician or plumber that is considering hiring an answering service is making a smart move. An answering service works to take some of the workload off of your plate for a reasonable rate and availability whenever you need it. If you already have a staff that handles your incoming calls and appointment scheduling during the day but no one to assist after hours, on weekends or on sick days, an answering service may be the perfect solution.
Not only can they handle your incoming calls, but they can handle with customized needs like confirming appointments, writing thank-you cards during the holiday season or handling customer service needs when your customer’s aren’t satisfied. Whatever the reason, an electrician or plumber is going to massively benefit from hiring an answering service. Here is a look at what answering services can do and why you should bring one in.
It’s not as expensive as hiring another staff member
When you are hiring a staff member to set in your office, you are paying for workspace, a desk, computer, phone system and more for this extra body in the office. You also have to pay a full-time salary and offer benefits while this staff member would be entitled to sick leave and vacation time on your dime.
Then, you have to worry about covering them while they are away from their desk for paid time off or lunch breaks. With an answering service, your phones could be covered 24/7 without paying a full-time employee. If your phones are never an issue during the work day, bring in the extra help after hours, on weekends, during the lunch hour or during the busy season. It’s a very flexible program that many industries are benefitting from.
If you don’t work in an office, this service is even more beneficial. You need someone to handle your calls, schedule appointments and do other office tasks for you but you don’t have anywhere for them to work. A live answering service would be a person working from their own home which means they can be available at any time of the day.
Free up your schedule
If you’re used to handling your own calls, a remote phone answering service is the perfect way to free up your schedule. You can work faster and be more productive without the constant interruption. A representative will help you schedule appointments, answer questions like pricing information or help your clients reach you via email, fax, or direct for emergencies. You know your phone calls are getting answered promptly and professionally so that you don’t have to stop what you are doing to handle every call that comes in.
How is it cheaper than a secretary?
You and other companies that need the professional call answering are sharing resources without having to spend money on hiring, training and accommodating employees that work only for you. It would be like renting a room out of a hotel rather than renting a whole hotel. Your nighttime calls can get delivered straight to you instead of losing customers that are calling someone else when you weren’t available.
A plumber or electrician should really have an answering service working as your teammate. You can focus on getting on the road to make house-calls or completing big projects without worrying about stopping every time the phone rings. Hire a call center that will work for you at a great rate offering every customer top-notch customer service.