Every missed call is a customer who might call your competitor next. If you are too busy to answer client phone calls, a virtual receptionist answers for you, live, in your business name.
What a Virtual Receptionist Does
- Answers calls with your greeting and a script you approve
- Screens callers and transfers urgent calls to you
- Books, moves and confirms appointments in your calendar or booking system
- Takes detailed messages and sends them by email, text or Slack
- Calls customers back to confirm appointments and reduce no-shows
- Logs every call and lead in your CRM
How Phone Forwarding Works
You keep your number. Forward it to your assistant during business hours, or only when you do not pick up after a few rings. You can also add a dedicated US business phone number with a local area code for $25 a month. Your assistant answers through a business phone app, so callers never know they reached a remote team member.
Virtual Receptionist vs Answering Service
An answering service takes messages and charges by the minute. That works for overflow, but it cannot book a job, check your calendar or update your CRM. A virtual receptionist on a monthly package does all of that, for a flat price you know in advance. For most small businesses, it is an affordable alternative to a full time receptionist too: no payroll taxes, benefits or desk.
Who Uses a Remote Receptionist?
- Medical, dental and chiropractic practices: scheduling, reminders and insurance questions, under a signed BAA
- Veterinary practices: appointment booking and callback lists
- Home services: HVAC, plumbing, roofing and electrical calls turned into booked jobs
- Auto repair shops: quotes, drop-off times and pickup reminders
- Law firms: intake calls with a consistent question script
- Real estate teams: showing requests and lead calls
Coverage When You Need It
Packages cover your business hours in your time zone. Add after-hours and weekend coverage for 15% more if you need evenings or Saturdays answered. If you need round-the-clock coverage, ask your account manager about splitting a larger package across shifts.
Getting Started
Send us your greeting, the questions you want asked and the calendar you book into. Your receptionist practices on test calls before going live, usually within 1 to 3 business days. Start with Customer Service Assistant packages from $240 a month, or go straight to the order form.