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. 1
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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.
www.unicomcorp.com
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
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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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