On average, a restaurant answering service cost about $128 a month. At this price, the call center can take reservations, give directions, and offer support with things like menu questions.
The busier you are the more your answering service will likely be, but expect to invest about $1.19 for each phone call taken.
Being in the restaurant business can be confusing, chaotic, and busy as well as fulfilling. The last thing you have time for is to pause to take calls for reservations, directions, hours and other inquiries. Letting those calls go to voice mail with complicated prompts that customers have to navigate can leave them feeling impatient and they may just hang up.
They want to speak to a live person, get the answers they need, and move on.
For less than the cost of hiring, training, and paying an hourly employee, restaurant answering services can inform callers about the daily specials, dispatch delivery drivers, make reservations, take orders, and offer menu choices. This affordable option can lessen your stress level as a restaurant owner, save you money, and keep your overhead low.
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What Impacts the Cost of an Answering Service for Restaurants?
Answering services for restaurants can be a game-changer for handling reservations, customer inquiries, and delivery coordination. However, the cost of these services can vary widely depending on several key factors:
- Call Volume
The more calls your restaurant receives, the higher the cost. Services often charge based on the number of calls or minutes used. - Services Provided
Basic answering services are more affordable, but additional features like bilingual operators, reservation management, and order processing will increase costs. - Hours of Operation
24/7 answering services are more expensive than those that operate only during business hours. The round-the-clock availability often involves premium pricing. - Customization
Tailored scripts, brand-specific training, and integration with your systems (e.g., POS or reservation systems) can add to the cost. - Location
Domestic call centers typically cost more than offshore services, but they may offer higher quality and better customer experience. - Contract Terms
Month-to-month plans are usually more expensive per month than longer-term contracts, which often come with discounts. - Technology Integrations
Services that integrate with your CRM, online ordering systems, or reservation software may come with setup fees and additional monthly charges.
Sample Pricing For Restaurants
| Service Level | Monthly Cost | Key Features | Cost Per Minute/Call |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Plan | $100-$200 | Message taking, basic call forwarding | $1.29-$1.45 per minute |
| Standard Plan | $139-$300 | Reservation management, limited script usage | $1.31-$1.47 per minute |
| Premium Plan | $300-$500 | 24/7 service, bilingual operators, custom scripts | $1.31-$1.50 per minute |
| Add-ons | Varies | POS integration ($50-$150 setup), order management ($85-$300/month) | N/A |
| Pay-As-You-Go Plan | $100 minimum | Flexible option for low call volumes | $1.50 per call |
This sample pricing provides a general guideline, but actual costs will depend on your restaurant’s needs, call volume, and the provider you choose.
