Introduction
Factors Influencing Small Business Answering Service Costs
The cost of a small business answering service can vary based on several factors, including:
- Service Complexity: Basic message taking versus full customer support.
- Call Volume: Higher call volumes generally lead to higher costs.
- Availability: 24/7 services typically cost more than business hours only.
- Additional Features: Bilingual services, appointment scheduling, and integration with CRM systems.
Typical Small Business Answering Service Pricing Models
Small business answering services often offer different pricing models:
- Per Call: Charges based on the number of calls answered.
- Per Minute: Charges based on the duration of calls handled.
- Monthly Plans: Fixed monthly rates for a predetermined number of calls or minutes.
Below are some example pricing ranges:
| Service Type | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Basic Message Taking | $79 – $160 per month |
| Customer Support Services | $230 – $700 per month |
| Appointment Scheduling | $125 – $400 per month |
Top Small Business Answering Service Providers
Comparing some of the top providers can help you choose the best service for your needs:
- Ansafone: Specializes in 24/7 customer support and bilingual services. Prices start at $140/month.
- Medical Call Service: Offers CRM integration and customized scripts. Prices start at $150/month.
- Pro Virtual Receptionist: Provides appointment scheduling and detailed reporting. Prices start at $120/month.
Cost-Saving Tips for Small Business Answering Services
Here are some tips to help you save on small business answering services:
- Select a plan that aligns with your actual call volume to avoid unnecessary costs.
- Opt for providers that offer customizable packages to fit your specific needs.
- Utilize free trials to evaluate the service quality before making a commitment.
- Negotiate with providers to get the best possible rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a small business answering service?
A small business answering service is a third-party service that manages inbound calls for small businesses, providing services ranging from basic message taking to comprehensive customer support.
How much does a small business answering service cost?
The cost can vary widely depending on the service type, call volume, and additional features. Typical costs range from $50 to $700 per month.
Are there any hidden fees?
Some providers may charge additional fees for services such as bilingual support or after-hours answering. It’s important to review the contract details carefully to understand all potential costs.
The average cost of a small business answering service is just $89/month, or $1.38 a call. This covers contractors, legal professionals, and hundreds of small businesses with 2 – 40 employees.
Most call centers will offer the small business owner a no cost trial to test their services. The trial period ranges from 7 – 14 days and typically has no limit of inbound calls.
Small business owners and entrepreneurs rely on a variety of automated answering services and virtual receptionist solutions for their day to day business operations. The cost guide below will give an idea of what you can expect to pay for a good plan.
Small Business Answering Service Pricing (Average / Month)
- $78 Small business answering service from 9am – 5pm
- $68 Call support for nights and weekends.
- $135 24 hour call coverage
- $200 Busier offices with inbound calls of 175+
- $75 typical cost for just taking a overflow calls as needed
Simply follow the link below and complete our form for free quotes to compare the best prices.
Sample Pricing Answering Services for Small Businesses
| Business Type | Monthly Cost Range | Key Features | Cost Per Minute/Call |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chiropractors | $150-$400 | Appointment scheduling, reminder calls, after-hours support | $1.40-$1.50 per minute |
| Roofers | $140-$180 | Lead intake, emergency call handling, job scheduling | $1.39-$1.42 per minute |
| Retail Stores | $120-$350 | Order processing, customer inquiries, product availability support | $1.38-$1.45 per minute |
| Doctors | $230-$400 | HIPAA-compliant service, appointment scheduling, patient triage | $1.40-$1.50 per minute |
| HVAC Companies | $140-$400 | Emergency service dispatch, lead capture, service scheduling | $1.39-$1.42 per minute |
Notes:
- Customization: Adding specific scripts or integrating with your software may cost $50-$200 in setup fees.
- 24/7 Service: Businesses requiring round-the-clock support can expect higher monthly costs, typically at the top of the price range.
- Pay-As-You-Go Plans: For businesses with low call volumes, pay-as-you-go options start at $1.50 per call.
- Bilingual Operators: Multilingual support is usually an add-on, costing an extra $50-$100 per month.
These figures represent general ranges; actual pricing will depend on the provider, call volume, and the specific features required for your business.
Calculating The Cost of a Small Business Answering Service
Answering services are not cheap, but at the same time they are surprisingly more affordable than hiring someone to answer call in-house. Here are a few examples of the cost by industry
Law Offices: a small law office typically spends about $150 a month and has as many as 100-150 phone calls answered 24 hours a day.
Healthcare: a small medical practice will invest $1.39 per call. The service will include appointment setting and basic office communications. This includes cerise for primary care physicians, chiropractors, eye doctors, and more.
Contractors: a small contractors office will spend between $1.21 – $1.50 per call. The cost per call will be determined by the need for dispatching calls and/or processing customer credit cards (for service call fees) via phone. This service works for roofers, plumbers, electricians, and more.
Want to find out what the small business answering service cost will be for your office? Tell us how you plan to use your service and get an exact quote here.
