As the traditional office landscape shifts to become more flexible, many businesses have found benefits in virtual staffing. For instance, using a virtual receptionist can offer the same benefits as a receptionist in the office but with increased flexibility for both you and your receptionist. However, as with many decisions you make for your business, it’s important to weigh the virtual receptionist pros and cons to make sure that this is the right choice for your situation. How your company is seen in the professional landscape is important, so from the moment a client or potential customer picks up the phone, everyone associated with your company should be putting their best foot forward.
Virtual Receptionist Pros
- Seamless Communication: When you work with a virtual receptionist, callers will be immediately directed to their line, and the virtual receptionist will answer as if they are present in your office. They’ll also be able to transfer calls to your staff as needed, providing a seamless experience for your customers.
- No Voicemail: Your customers will never have to worry about having to leave a voicemail that may go unanswered. A virtual receptionist can be available 24/7, so there will always be a live person on the other end of the line when a customer calls.
- Saved Time: Using a virtual receptionist can help lessen the workload for your team during the busiest times of the year, freeing them up to handle other tasks and helping to prevent burnout.
- Cost-Efficiency: It’s more affordable to hire a virtual receptionist than it would be to hire part-time or full-time on-site support staff. When you’re just starting out and can’t afford full-time help yet, a virtual receptionist is a great option.
Virtual Receptionist Cons
- Less Direct Control: With a remote virtual receptionist, you can’t watch them work or walk over to their desk to help them if they have an issue that you haven’t prepared them for. You’ll have to communicate virtually to figure out the issue, which can be a little slower. With remote work, you also have to relinquish control and come to terms with the fact that outsiders are performing vital tasks for your business. This is something not everybody is comfortable with.
- No Face-to-Face Interaction: While anything is better than an automated voicemail system, having a remote presence means that customers can’t stop by your office and talk to your receptionist face to face, which some people prefer.
- Potential for Inadequate Training: Working from home can sometimes backfire on a virtual receptionist if they are given too much responsibility too soon. They may become overwhelmed if they haven’t been well-prepared for their role. They may also come up short when customers ask them questions if they have not been given all of the information they need.
Get Live Answering From a Skilled Virtual Receptionist With VoiceNation
No matter what your take on the virtual receptionist pros and cons may be, you can minimize the cons and enjoy the pros when you choose VoiceNation. Our extensively trained professionals will make sure that your callers always feel supported and well taken care of. Our U.S.-based team is here 24/7 to help your customers, and we can handle a variety of needs, from basic message-taking and call forwarding to appointment scheduling and order processing. Your callers will never go to voicemail when you work with VoiceNation! Sign up for a seven-day free trial today to explore the benefits of our virtual receptionist service for yourself.