Best Small Business Answering Service Companies of 2024

We reviewed and compared the top small business answering service companies. Use our 2024 round-up to pick and choose the best answering service for your business needs.

No matter the type of business you run, your growth as a company depends on connecting with your customers. The ability to be available 24-7 is crucial in today’s competitive market.

Considering 80% of people hang up when directed to voicemail, your business can’t afford to let those calls go unanswered. The solution to this problem? A phone answering service.

Not all telephone answering companies are created equal. Fortunately, we’ve compiled a list of the top answering service companies for businesses like yours. Ready to connect with your clients and collaborators like never before?

Featured Answering Service Providers

Here’s the list of the top answering service companies for small businesses

MAP Communications

MAP takes pride in being a staff-owned answering service that’s both top-quality and cost-effective. Their cutting-edge call centers provide reasonably priced tailored scripting, covering services like payment processing, technical consultations, and appointment scheduling.

Based on its offerings and reputation, here are three bullet points describing its advantages:

1. Professional 24/7 Support: With a team of skilled operators available around the clock, MAP Communications ensures that small businesses never miss a call, allowing them to provide consistent, high-quality customer service and support at all times.
2. Customizable Solutions: Understanding that every business has unique needs, MAP Communications offers tailored solutions that can integrate seamlessly with existing business operations, ensuring efficient handling of calls, messages, and appointment scheduling.
3. Cost-Effective: Instead of hiring, training, and managing a full-time receptionist or support team, businesses can leverage MAP Communications’ services to reduce overhead costs while maintaining or even improving their level of customer interaction and service.

Note: While these advantages highlight MAP Communications’ general offerings and benefits, it’s always recommended to do a thorough review based on specific business needs and compare with other providers to make an informed decision.

Renowned clients such as GE, the NBA, and Coca-Cola recognize MAP Communications for having the swiftest call pickup times in the business.

Money Penny

Want call answering and live chat services for your small business? Tech-forward answering company Money Penny has you covered. You’ll love their latest developments in communications, such as AI and advanced language processing. Their collaborations include global brands such as IBM and Microsoft, so they’re perfect for companies in the tech sector.

Advantages of Money Penny:

1. Global Presence: Originating in the UK, Moneypenny has expanded its services globally, giving them a broad understanding of different business cultures and needs across various countries.
2. Dedicated Receptionists: Moneypenny provides clients with a dedicated receptionist, ensuring that small businesses have a consistent point of contact who is familiar with their specific needs and clientele.
3. Versatile Service Offerings: Beyond just phone answering, Moneypenny offers services like live chat, outsourced switchboards, and specific solutions tailored to industries like legal, property, and more.

Established in 2000, Money Penny handles calls and chats for businesses of any size, from start-ups to multinational corporations. Their US-based office even has multilingual services.

LiveAnswer

If you’re seeking a premium answering service, look no further than LiveAnswer. Their bespoke methodology connects you with seasoned professionals across diverse sectors, ensuring a match that caters specifically to your requirements.

Here are three advantages associated with LiveAnswer:

1. Scalable Solutions: LiveAnswer provides a platform that is designed to scale with a business’s growth. Whether a company needs a few calls answered daily or requires handling thousands of interactions, LiveAnswer can adjust accordingly.
2. Unified Dashboard: One of LiveAnswer’s standout features is its unified dashboard that allows businesses to monitor and manage all their communications efficiently. This dashboard integrates messages, calls, and other communication mediums into a single interface, making it easier for companies to oversee and manage customer interactions.
3. Transparent Pricing: LiveAnswer offers clear and transparent pricing structures, ensuring that businesses understand their costs upfront. This transparency allows companies to budget effectively and avoid unexpected expenses.

LiveAnswer offers an array of services including transcription, website operation, live chat, faxing, reservation services, and account management. Their virtual assistants can also assist with hosting services. With their customizable packages, you can select precisely the features you desire.

Specialty Answering Service

With a track record spanning over three decades, SAS stands as an iconic answering service provider. Their team undergoes rigorous training, setting them apart from many competitors. This investment in their staff results in unparalleled expertise for each call they handle.

While they might not have all the flashy features some other services boast, SAS prioritizes delivering exceptional receptionist services coupled with a straightforward, user-friendly interface.

Confident in the quality they provide, SAS even offers a complimentary two-week trial!

Voice Nation

Voice Nation emphasizes providing their clients with a genuine “human touch,” fostered by a culture centered on employee contentment and driving significant change. Their call assistants are trained beyond typical industry benchmarks.

For those keen on staying abreast of small business communication trends, Voice Nation offers in-depth reports, furnishing detailed insights into essential data. All their features come bundled, ensuring a single, all-inclusive rate for a comprehensive service package.

Sample their service with a complimentary trial and navigate through their intuitive dashboard and mobile app firsthand!

Answer Connect

For an answering service that mirrors the adaptability and resource-consciousness of your enterprise, Answer Connect is your go-to. Their commitment to minimizing environmental footprints shines through their paperless operations, reduced commute emissions, and smart resource utilization.

With two decades in the industry, Answer Connect boasts a widespread team across all time zones. Their commitment to a cubicle-less work environment paves the way for a richer, more individualized talent acquisition strategy. This model grants them access to a coast-to-coast talent pool, brimming with experts from fields like legal, healthcare, and marketing.

Here are three advantages associated with AnswerConnect:

1. 24/7/365 Coverage: AnswerConnect ensures that businesses are always available to their customers by offering round-the-clock answering services every day of the year. This constant availability helps improve customer trust and satisfaction.
2. Multichannel Support: Beyond traditional phone answering, AnswerConnect provides integrated support for web chat, email, and SMS. This multichannel approach ensures businesses can engage with customers across their preferred communication methods.
3. Integration Capabilities: AnswerConnect can integrate seamlessly with popular business software and CRM systems. This integration allows businesses to ensure that customer interactions are consistently logged and easily accessible within their existing workflow systems.

They craft flexible, adaptable plans that evolve with your business dynamics. You’re billed only for the services you utilize, and they collaborate with you to design a branded, personalized template.

Ruby Receptionists

For an intimate answering service with a history of excellence, Ruby is the perfect choice for small businesses. With four pricing tiers, you can customize your service level to meet the needs of your client base.

Here are three advantages of using Ruby Receptionists:

1. Personalized, Friendly Interactions: Ruby places a strong emphasis on creating genuine, personalized connections with every call. Their receptionists are trained to not just answer calls but to create a delightful experience for the caller, reflecting positively on the businesses they represent.
2. Innovative Technology: Ruby has its own mobile app that allows businesses to stay connected on the go. With this app, users can easily update their availability status, access messages, view call history, and more, ensuring they remain in the loop and in control even when away from the office.
3. Bilingual Services: Recognizing the diverse linguistic needs of today’s businesses, Ruby offers bilingual receptionists who can communicate effectively in both English and Spanish. This capability allows businesses to cater to a broader audience without language barriers.

Ruby also offers a handy business phone number hosting feature, which allows you to make calls and business texts right from their app. For a true virtual assistant experience that really feels like an extension of your in-house team, Ruby delivers exceptional service to over 10,000 companies.

Answer America

If you’re looking for a simple, no-frills answering service at an unbeatable price, consider Answer America. Flexible pay-as-you-go plans allow you to add services you need at any time.

Their low-price bundles charge by the call, and all other services in their packages are included for free. This means email delivery, SMS delivery, and 24-hour answering come with no extra charge. Plus there’s no monthly fee!

7 Tips to Find a High-Quality Answering Service

Finding the right answering service is crucial for businesses that aim to provide excellent customer support and maintain efficiency. A high-quality answering service can manage calls, take messages, and even handle basic customer inquiries, ensuring that no customer feels neglected. Here’s 7 tips to help you find a high-quality answering service.

1. Identify Your Business Needs

• Assess Call Volume: Estimate your average and peak call volumes to choose a service that can handle your specific needs.
• Services Required: Determine if you need message taking, appointment scheduling, customer support, or other specialized services.

2. Research Potential Services

• Read Reviews and Testimonials: Look for feedback from other businesses to gauge the reliability and quality of the service.
• Check Industry Experience: Prefer services with experience in your industry for better understanding of your specific requirements.

3. Evaluate Technology and Infrastructure

• Call Management Systems: Ensure they have advanced systems to manage calls efficiently.
• Backup Systems: Check for reliable backup systems in case of power failures or other disruptions.

4. Consider the Quality of Customer Interaction

• Professionalism and Training: Assess the training level of the staff for professionalism in handling calls.
• Language Skills: Ensure they can communicate effectively in the languages your customers speak.

5. Compare Pricing Plans

• Understand the Pricing Structure: Look for clear, upfront pricing without hidden fees.
• Flexibility: Consider if the plan is flexible enough to scale with your business needs.

6. Test the Service Before Commitment

• Trial Periods: Engage in a trial period to personally experience the service quality.
• Response Time and Accuracy: Monitor response times and accuracy during the trial.

7. Check for Compliance and Security

• Data Protection: Ensure they comply with relevant data protection regulations.
• Confidentiality Agreements: Consider if they’re willing to sign confidentiality agreements to protect your business information.

Choosing the right answering service involves careful consideration of your business needs, research, and a thorough evaluation of potential services. It’s vital to ensure that the service aligns with your business ethos and can provide the quality of customer interaction your business strives for.