Answering Service Price Calculator – Control Your Cost, Don’t Be Controlled
How much should an answering service cost and can you could control the fees and plans to get the best rate from call centers? The fact is you are in more control than you may think. From flat rate pricing, pay-per-call, or pay by the minute plans we’ll get you the most affordable and competitive rates from companies that will deliver their lowest prices, and the good news you won’t have to be a super negotiator to get that reduced price, because they know you’re shopping. We know time is important and getting the most for your money is even more important. That’s why we offer a one stop solution for you to complete one form and get quotes on answering services within 1 business day. Describe your needs (takes 30 seconds) and we will connect you with qualified providers of inbound call services that match your requirements. You deal directly with them – they fight for your business. You save time and money.
Pay For Time Usage Only: This type of plan bills you for actual time used. Most of the time you will be billed by the minute. Some companies bill in one minute increments so it’s best to use a service that bills in 15-30 second time increments, and ideally actual seconds used. Expect to pay a typical monthly base rate of $39 – $55 plus your actual usage. The cost per minute will vary between $0.98 – $1.26 depending on requirements.
Pay Per Call: As with the vast majority of call centers, our affiliates no longer offer these type plans. However, the cost per call can easily be managed by limiting the amount of data the agent collects. For example, a call that can be completed in 30 – 45 seconds will cost somewhere between $0.71 – $0.95, whereas calls lasting 1 – 2 minutes will cost around $1.15 – $2.30. For example, calls to capture contact info and a brief message are usually billed for a fraction of the cost of ones that schedule appointments or field multiple questions.
Flat Rate Plans: A program that promises flat rates can be offered in a few ways, but the basic understanding of this solution today is you pay a flat fee for a predetermined number minutes. In the past call centers would offer unlimited levels of calls for one low cost, but excessive calls caused them to nearly go extinct. Today’s plans still offer various numbers of calls for a flat rate plus a reasonable fee for any overage time you may incur.
Pay as You Go: This program is rarely offered today, but it allows a monthly base rate of $0.00 and you only pay for the actual time used. In some cases a small security deposit of up to $100 may be necessary to protect the supplier in the event you have excessive usage and don’t pay your invoice. A credit check may also be requested which you may or may not be required to pay for.
HOW TO GET THE BEST RATE
Most call centers will offer you a free trial. The free trial service two purposes:
1-QUALITY TESTING. It allows you the opportunity to experience the quality of the company you are considering hiring. This is a safe, risk free way to make sure you don’t hire a so called ‘cheap answering service’ and end up getting exactly that. A cheap answering service, not just in price, but also in value. One that doesn’t answer calls fast, takes inaccurate messages, or potentially hangs up on your callers.
2-COST ANALYSIS. During the free trial period the call center can get a more accurate picture of how many calls you will get each month, how long the average call last, and what your needs are. This will allow your account manager to apply the best package available to meet your needs.