Tips to Hire Best Answering Service for Your Business

Tips to Hire Best Answering Service for Your Business Hiring the best answering service doesn’t need to be painful.

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info@unicomcorp.com | 888.636.1222

Key points to consider while on your journey.

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Your Processes

Pricing Model

Free Trials

Industry Experience

Location

Data Management

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info@unicomcorp.com | 888.636.1222

Your Processes.

1 Explain required functionality – verify the pricing.

• Typically, pricing only includes simple message intake and delivery.

• Are protocols and functionality you required included in pricing?

• Adding multiple sub-accounts potentially can increase cost. Verify with provider. (i.e. outbound dialing, tech support, etc.)

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info@unicomcorp.com | 888.636.1222

Pricing Model.

• Two main types: • Per Call • By Live Agent Talk Time

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• Don’t be charged for: • Changes to account protocol or setup.

• Extra for weekends or holidays.

• Email, text messaging, paging, and faxing.

• On-call schedule updates or directories.

Choose the right pricing model for your business.

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info@unicomcorp.com | 888.636.1222

Free Trials.

3 Are free answering service trials worth it?

• Verify there are no hidden terms or stipulations with the trial.

• Are you forced to sign a contract for a free month of service?

• Keep tabs on quality of service after the trial is over.

• IMPORTANT: Read terms carefully.

www.unicomcorp.com

info@unicomcorp.com | 888.636.1222

Industry Experience.

4 What is the breadth of industry experience?

• Common for answering services to have experience across multiple industries. Consider: • Years of Experience in Industry • Specific Industry Training • Their Understanding of Industry

www.unicomcorp.com

info@unicomcorp.com | 888.636.1222

Location.

5 Local vs. Around the World

• Consider importance of location.

• Would you like to meet the people you are hiring or not?

• Where are they really located?

Some say they are local but are not.

• Ask to visit. Be skeptical if they don’t want you to visit.

www.unicomcorp.com

info@unicomcorp.com | 888.636.1222

Data Management.

6 What are they doing with my data?

• Accurately executing your protocols and procedures is critical.

• Is the data centrally managed or is it bouncing between locations?

• Ask how your data will be stored and managed.

info@unicomcorp.com | 888.636.1222

Conclusion When hiring an answering service it is important you understand what you are paying for. To do this: • • • • • • •

You must ask questions Read your agreement carefully Don't let high-pressure sales pitches take away your ability to do due-diligence Be comfortable with the company Meet them in person, if you can, to make sure their company is the right fit for you Verify Data Management An extra tip-- ask for referrals. The best live answering service will be more than glad to provide you with referrals upon request.

www.unicomcorp.com

info@unicomcorp.com | 888.636.1222

Freedom. Flexibility. Fraction of the Cost.

Learn how a professional answering service can create value for your business.

Unicom Teleservices 12560 S Holiday Dr. C Alsip, IL 60803 USA 888.636.1222 info@unicomcorp.com

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