What is a live answering service?

A live answering service is a full-service telephone answering company that provides 24/7 assistance for businesses and professionals. Skilled virtual receptionists handle client inquiries, schedule appointments, take messages, and perform various administrative tasks to ensure seamless communication and enhanced customer service

What are the benefits of using a answering service?

A telephone answering service guarantees that your customers and prospects always speak with a live representative. Many callers hang up when their call goes to voicemail, leading to missed opportunities. For a fraction of the cost of an in-house receptionist, National Connect’s 24/7 call answering service helps you avoid missed calls, boost customer satisfaction, capture more leads, and secure valuable business opportunities

What types of businesses use an answering service?

National Connect provides virtual receptionist services for small businesses, sole proprietors, SME’s and corporations. Our clients include professional service providers such as accountants, dentists, doctors, psychologists, insurance brokers and attorneys, home service providers such as realtors, plumbers, landscapers, HVAC contractors, car dealerships, and more.

What is the virtual receptionist service?

A virtual receptionist is a live call answering service where a professional and courteous receptionist manages your calls according to your specific instructions. This service operates just like an in-house receptionist, ensuring smooth communication and excellent customer support. The experience is so seamless that your clients will feel as though the receptionist is physically present in your office.

Can you answer only some of our calls?

Yes, we can answer only specific calls based on your preferences. This is known as call overflow handling. You can choose to have calls answered only when you are unavailable, such as on another call, on a lunch break, when you are out of the office, or experiencing high call volume. You can set up call forwarding to route calls to us after a set number of rings or when the line is busy. Our receptionists will answer professionally, just as if they were part of your in-house team, ensuring you never miss a critical call.

What hours are your virtual receptionists available?

Our team of professional receptionists are available around the clock, 24/7/365, ensuring your calls are handled whenever you need support. Whether you require on-demand assistance throughout the day, a backup for missed calls, or after-hours support to capture every opportunity, we’ve got you covered. At National Connect, we focus on delivering customized and adaptable call management solutions that enhance your business operations and improve customer interactions.

Can you only take messages?

Yes, we can handle your calls and inform your callers that you are in a meeting, on an appointment or traveling. Our receptionists will take detailed messages based on your requirements and promptly send them to you via email or SMS, enabling you to respond at your convenience.

Does it cost more for you to answer 24/7?

No, we don’t charge extra based on when you need us to answer your calls. All our service plans include round-the-clock telephone answering, ensuring 24/7/365 coverage at no additional cost.

Is there an additional fee for answering calls on holidays?

Absolutely not! We want you to relax and enjoy time with your friends and family, knowing that we’ll handle your calls without any additional charges

Can I use my existing business phone number?

Absolutely! If your business uses a local or toll-free number, you have two options: Call Forwarding: You can forward calls from your existing number to the Receptionist Number assigned to your NationalConnect.com account. Number Porting: You may choose to transfer (port) your number from your current provider to NationalConnect.com, which could help you reduce costs. Let us know how we can assist you in setting up the best solution for your business!

How do I forward my calls?

Activating Call Forwarding: Dial *72. Enter the National Connect call forwarding phone number (including area code). Wait for confirmation, you may hear a tone or message. If you hear ringing, wait until the call is answered. Hang up. Your calls are now forwarded. To verify, call your office number to ensure it redirects correctly. Deactivating Call Forwarding: Dial *73.

Do you charge a setup fee?

No, we do not charge any setup fees. Your initial setup call is designed to guide you through the process of personalizing your call answering service. It’s a simple, straightforward process that is completely free.

Does National Connect offer a money back guarantee?

Yes! We proudly provide a money-back guarantee for first-time users of our virtual receptionist and chat services. If you choose to cancel and request a full refund, simply notify us within 14 days of purchase or before exceeding 500 receptionist minutes/50 billable chats, whichever comes first. This special offer is for new clients only.

How will National Connect answer my calls?

Each account is assigned a unique local number for call forwarding. Our 24/7 answering service software recognizes this number, ensuring that the National Connect agent handling the call has immediate access to your account details. You have full control over call forwarding, allowing you to redirect calls as needed, whether during specific hours, on certain days, when your lines are busy, when you're unavailable, or at all times.

If one of our clients asks the receptionist a question, are they able to answer it?

Yes, our receptionists can answer common inquiries that callers would typically expect a receptionist to know, such as your business location, postal address, fax number, website, services offered, and staff titles. Even if you are away or overseas, you can keep our receptionists informed by updating your Operator Notes within your account. This allows them to provide accurate responses, such as when you will be available again. Since callers perceive your Virtual Receptionist as part of your in-office team, it is essential that they have access to this fundamental information. You can update company details or your personal availability at any time, ensuring our receptionists always have the most up-to-date information to assist your callers effectively.

How do your receptionists become familiar with my business?

Before starting our services, we conduct a virtual onboarding call with your team to understand the specific details of your business, including call handling protocols, appointment scheduling, scripts, and other key details. Our professional customer service representatives function as an extension of your office, ensuring a seamless experience where callers won’t even realize they are speaking with a remote receptionist.

Can National Connect make outbound calls for me?

Default Answer Yes! National Connect can make outbound calls on your behalf. Whether you need us to follow up with contacts, gather information, or confirm appointments, simply provide the necessary information, and we’ll handle everything. Once the task is completed, we’ll send you a summary for your records.

Do I need to sign a long-term contract?

Do I need to sign a long-term contract? Not at all! National Connect is committed to earning your business each month by providing outstanding service. If you wish to cancel, you can do so by calling XXX-XXX-XXXX or emailing us at [email protected]. If you cancel during an introductory period that includes a money-back guarantee or free trial, your cancellation will take effect immediately. Otherwise, it will be processed at the end of your current monthly billing cycle.

Autopay

You now have the option to enroll in automatic monthly payments, ensuring your invoices are paid on time and eliminating the risk of late fees. Simply complete the autopay request form and submit it along with a voided check. Please note that all clients are required to enroll in autopay via ACH or credit card after their first month of service.

How do I pay my bill?

There are several convenient ways to pay your bill, including autopay, and our secure online portal: Autopay: Set up recurring payments via ACH or credit card. To enroll in ACH autopay, simply enter your banking details on our autopay form available on our website. To set up autopay with a credit card, call our billing team at (XXX)XXX-XXXX and press 2 to speak with a representative who can assist you. Secure Online Portal: Log in with credentials provided by our Customer Success Team. Once inside, select the "Pay Your Bill" option to make a payment via credit card or ACH. You can also enable ACH autopay from within the portal. For any questions or assistance, our team is happy to help!