When a home-based business is just starting out, you probably will be around most of the time to answer telephone inquiries, schedule appointments and provide support. However, as your business grows, you may want to consider a professional answering service.
Answering service is a fully deductible business expense. Not only that, but it is a business expense that will play for itself in customer goodwill if not in increased sales. The answering services of today offer many features you may not even associate with answering a telephone and taking messages.
No matter the industry, trained call center personnel can walk a customer through a software download, take a detailed sales order, schedule appointments, assist customers on your website or give quotes for traditional services. It is like having an assistant, but you do not have to provide workspace, benefits, parking spot or training.
Do you want to be alerted to new messages? You may receive a simple text message on your pager or cell phone, an email or fax, or nothing. It is your business and your decision.
