Are you considering using an answering service? When opting for a new service or product, you should know its cost and if you're choosing the right one, but it is easy to get lost in a sea of options. In order to make the right decision, you need to be well aware of all the elements involved in the service and carefully weigh your options. Map Communications recently did a price comparison of different answering services from the U.S to give a detailed insight into answering service pricing.
Some Interesting Facts
Did you know that the more calls you make, the cheaper the rate would be? This is because pricing is directly linked to call volume. Usually, calls in the U.S. last for around 1 minute and 35 seconds and an average telephone answering service can charge $1.12 for a minute.Pricing Structures
Price structures include per minute, per call, and per unit structures. The most popular pricing method is per minute structure mainly because you only get to pay for minutes spent on active calls and you have the freedom to select a plan based on your usual call volume. The downside of going for a per-call structure is that you'll have to pay for every call you attend regardless of how long it's active, this also involves paying for wrong numbers and hang-ups. If you have a good budget then you can go for the per-unit structures but it'll also include charges for transferred calls as well as message delivery etc.
Additional Costs You Might Have to Pay
You need to keep additional charges in mind especially contracts and account set-up fees. It is always better to opt for a month to month contracts than long term ones because then you can easily switch early in case you aren't pleased with the service you choose or if you change your mind. You will also be charged for account set up fees that can be up to $100. Other things to look out for include 28-day billing cycles and hidden fees that can pile up without you even noticing. Be sure to inquire about the service provider about all of these before choosing their answering service.
Risks to Look Out For
If you're on a tight budget, then cheap answering service providers may seem attractive. But with low prices come a few risks like the quality might not be as good as a slightly pricier option and when your brand's image is under scrutiny, you need to make sure you make the right investment to avoid spending extra in the long run on trying to build it up again.
Infographic By: Mapcommunications.com
