When it comes to building an answering service or call center solution, businesses often focus on the price tag. However, the true focus should be on cost-effective design.
While it's understandable that budget constraints make pricing a critical consideration, overlooking design can end up costing you more in the long run.
Editor's note: This article was originally published in August 2018. It was updated in November 2024 with more information.
A Day in Our Office
At our headquarters, the phone rings numerous times throughout the day. Some calls are from customers inquiring about their accounts, others ask about job opportunities, and many are prospective clients curious about our answering services. Naturally, we're thrilled about these sales leads. But here's the kicker—are these callers thinking about cost-effective design?
The Price Conversation
During sales calls, price inevitably surfaces as a topic. It's only natural, as everyone wants to ensure they're getting value for their money. But imagine if, instead of starting with, "How much do your answering services cost?" callers inquired about how we could design a service tailored to their needs within their budget. It's about finding a solution that doesn't just fit your budget but also fits your business requirements.
What is Cost-Effective Design?
Cost-effective design is not about getting the cheapest service possible. Let's break it down with an example:
You might sign up for a "cheap" answering service charging $0.65 per minute. Sounds great, right? But then you find out they round up every minute and bill you every four weeks instead of monthly, racking up costs quickly.
Alternatively, you might opt for a service provider that charges $0.60 per unit. Initially, it seems like a deal. But each call, message, and follow-up gets billed separately—whether it's a wrong number or a hang-up. Suddenly, those low per-unit costs don't seem so appealing.
Not to mention, these budget services often shoehorn you into a one-size-fits-all program without understanding your unique needs. Wouldn't it be more beneficial to work with a company that offers a customized, efficient service?
The Whole Picture
Many businesses shop around for answering services by comparing prices. While this is understandable, it can be short-sighted. Engaging in a thorough consultation to build a system with cost-effective design from the outset can save you significant money in the long haul.
Feel free to ask about pricing, but remember to consider the entire picture. Good service should be about finding an efficient, custom solution that meets your specific needs, ultimately leading to a more cost-effective outcome than just chasing the lowest initial price quote.
In conclusion, don't just focus on the numbers—focus on the value. By prioritizing cost-effective design, you'll ensure your answering service is both affordable and adaptable to your unique business needs.
For those considering answering services, we encourage you to think beyond price and explore how a well-designed solution can truly benefit your business.
See how Sound Telecom is built to meet your business's needs.