When choosing reception services, businesses have no shortage of options. You could hire a full time, in-person team member to captain the front desk and hold down the fort, but that’s hardly the only option when deciding between reception options.
Nowadays, many businesses are opting for more modern reception solutions. These services provide an ideal way to balance costs with the true needs of the organization, whether you need part-time or full-time assistance. However, not all reception services are created equal.
Some business owners choose an outsourced solution (with receptionists from around the country and/or world), while others choose to outsource to more local providers with customized on-boarding procedures.
If you aren’t sure which choice is best for your company, here's your guide to choosing reception services.
When most business owners think about working with an outsourced reception service, they imagine a traditional call center environment. Some perks to this option include:
On the contrary, there are some true downsides to utilizing reception services from a call center or similar agency:
On the other side of the coin you have local reception services, or virtual receptionists. The main con with this option is the cost — while still surprisingly affordable, a more personalized solution will cost more. Another potential downside is the upfront time commitment needed to successfully on-board your new virtual team member. While some providers (like Intelligent Office) offer comprehensive training, you’ll still need to get a virtual receptionist up to speed on the specifics of your business operations.
For many businesses, the positives greatly outweigh the negatives:
Modern businesses need on-demand services that can meet their growing needs, and both reception services outlined here can theoretically meet that need.
However, if you’re looking for a local and personalized solution that can truly grow with your company, local reception services offer the flexibility and skills you need. To learn more about hiring a virtual receptionist and everything they can do to help your business grow, read this helpful guide.