The terms “virtual;receptionist” is one that you may have encountered when looking for customer service options. To be clear, an answering service is different from virtual reception work but both can be beneficial to the business.
Definition of a virtual receptionist service
A virtual receptionist is a live person who works remotely and offering the opportunity to connect with clients as a representative of your business. The individuals are trained on your business policies and processes and can handle customer service. The difference with traditional receptionists lies in the fact that they are remotely situated from the business and have a provider relationship.
Different from an answering service
The virtual receptionist has a lot in common with an answering service agent but there are differences as well. Virtual receptionists have a more elevated level of customer service. Whereas the answering service agent mainly receives calls, the virtual receptionist service goes beyond this task.
Extensive training about the business is given to virtual receptionists. They are a physical extension of your office and can handle calls and other tasks like appointment scheduling. Calls that need to reach certain individuals can be forwarded and attended to.
Tasks that virtual Receptionist can handle
Virtual receptionists handles business communications through the telephone, SMS or the website. They assist customers in various ways and are available when they are needed to assist in some tasks. They can work on schedule or on 24/7/365.
Here are some of the tasks that a virtual receptionist can perform:
- Accepts and transfers calls
- Take detailed messages
- Responds to website chats
- Schedule and update appointments
- Provide customer support
- Answer to queries and issues
- Sees to it that issues are taken cared of by concerned personnel
Benefits of virtual receptionists
Now that an explanation of what a virtual receptionist is, the following benefits can happen when you hire such service”
- Fewer or no missed calls from clients and affiliates
- They provide a good impression for customer service
- The business personnel can focus on their work instead of answering phone calls
- Virtual receptionists can provide a 24/7 support at a fraction of the cost for in house personnel
Every business is unique and customer support needs varies from one firm to the other. Virtual receptionists when given the proper training would be invaluable to the business and may be cost efficient than hiring your own personnel.