A virtual receptionist provides the same service as an onsite receptionist.  The only difference is that the service is provided off site and more often than not are working from their own home office.

The type of services that a virtual receptionist will provide is telephone answering, message taking and forwarding, either by text or email, appointment setting, bookings, actually the list is long, but these are the main tasks.

The benefits to you are many, whether you are a small to medium enterprise or a sole trader.  We all know the time that is expended in answering telephone calls, actioning the call, taking details, setting appointments etc is not exactly wasted time, but it time that could be better spent in actually growing your business, looking after clients, increasing sales, or even contributing to your family work life balance.

One of the major advantages however, is the cost effectiveness.  There are many options and packages available in contracting to a virtual receptionist, but the main advantage which you will receive with whatever package or option you choose is that you only ever pay for the time used and number of calls received.  You won’t be paying for a receptionist to sit at her desk all day, whether the day is busy or slow, there are no overheads either, such as Workcover, Payroll Tax, Superannuation, no sick leave, annual leave or loading to pay, nor do you have to provide a workstation and equipment.

As I mentioned there are several options to choose from, all of which are more economical than hiring your own staff.  Of course, if you are a one man show, you will appreciate that you will never have to miss a telephone call, maybe a prospective client, ever again.

A virtual receptionist is also a real live person, no voice prompts, numbers to remember, buttons to press, your number is manned during business hours, usually from 7:00 through until 6:00, depending on the business.  Of course arrangements can also be made to cater for overseas business.