What is a Virtual Receptionist?

A virtual receptionist, also referred to as an answering service, is an inbound call management solution that allows you to have your calls handled by a live person — without hiring someone in-house. These professionals can screen leads, schedule appointments, and answer FAQs, making them a valuable asset to businesses of any size or industry. While many companies offer answering services, they may differ in their features and pricing.

With the right virtual receptionist provider, you can expect to pay a per-minute rate based on your call volume and selection of services. A reputable answering service will provide a clear breakdown of all fees, including any potential charges for cancelation and setup, before you sign a contract.

The biggest advantage of a virtual receptionist is that it frees up you and your in-house team to focus on core business functions without having to constantly divert attention to incoming calls. It also enables you to promote your availability outside of regular business hours, making you seem more accessible to your clients and prospects.

With Wing Assistant, for example, you’ll receive 24/7/365 support from a team of highly trained live virtual receptionists who will make it appear as though they’re calling your office directly (no more “press 1 for sales”). You can even set up call routing rules based on working hours, lunch breaks and holidays, so you don’t have to worry about losing important calls when you close up shop for the day. virtual receptionist