Talk To An Expert

02 8069 9111

The difference between on-site and virtual receptionists

Receptionists are an invaluable asset to every business…

They can help ensure your clients have a positive experience with your company by:

  • answering phones
  • answering questions
  • setting appointments
  • taking messages

When it comes to the type of receptionist you need in your office there are two options:

  1. on-site
  2. virtual

The difference between these two types, on-site and virtual receptionists, is crucial for any business owner who wants to set themselves apart from the rest of their industry.

What is the difference between a virtual receptionist and a traditional receptionist?

A virtual receptionist is a comprehensive service that provides you with an additional layer of support for your business. A traditional receptionist is a human being who works in the office and can be accessed by phone or face-to-face.

Virtual receptionists:

  • Can be accessed from anywhere
  • They’re more convenient than their traditional counterparts
  • Are cheaper than hiring a full-time staff member or outsourcing the position to an agency.

They won’t be taking up any space in your office!

What are the benefits and disadvantages of using a traditional receptionist?

When you use a traditional receptionist, there are several benefits.

  • They are present at your office location
  • Provide a friendly face and personable service
  • They are clued up with your company information and can provide accurate information to clients quickly.


A disadvantage of using an on-site receptionist…

  • This type of service typically costs more than virtual receptionists do because they require salaries and benefits packages just like anyone else who works at an office full time would need
  • Overhead expenses such as utilities
  • They get sick or leave unexpectedly then there could be a gap in coverage during those times which could also affect the productivity levels among other employees.

What are the benefits and disadvantages of using a virtual receptionist?

The main benefit

…is cost savings.

  1. You don’t need to pay for an office space, and receptionists can work from home or anywhere else where they have access to the internet.
  2. This also means that you have more flexibility in terms of when they work.
  3. If using a virtual receptionist service, there are a team of trained receptionists and so there will always be someone available to answer your calls.

Virtual receptionists provide access to a wide range of services than traditional onsite receptionists. They don’t need physical access to equipment like phones or fax machines because they use software instead. They can answer your calls and transfer or take messages as well as specifically requested information.

Virtual receptionists can provide:

  • Information to callers
  • Send brochures
  • Make or change bookings
  • Make outbound calls to generate sales
  • Chase payments
  • Gather information
  • Provide other administration tasks such as data capturing or information research

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a way to improve your company’s customer service, then you should consider using a virtual receptionist. They can provide the support you need and can answer calls from anywhere in the world. The best part about using this type of service is that it doesn’t cost much money at all since you don’t need any additional employees!