https://www.unicomcorp.com/ When hiring an answering service, it can be hard a hard decision. Before you hire a service, use this guide to help you understand the fundamentals of hiring an answering service.

1. Tips to Hire Best Answering Service
for Your Business
Hiring the best answering service doesn’t need to be painful.
www.unicomcorp.com info@unicomcorp.com | 888.636.1222

2. Key points to consider while on your journey.
Your
Processes
Pricing
Model
Free
Trials
Industry
Experience
Location
Data
Management
1 2 3 4 6
www.unicomcorp.com info@unicomcorp.com | 888.636.1222
5

3. Your Processes.
1
Explain required
functionality – verify the
pricing.
• Typically, pricing only includes
simple message intake and
delivery.
• Are protocols and functionality you
required included in pricing?
• Adding multiple sub-accounts
potentially can increase cost. Verify
with provider.
(i.e. outbound dialing, tech support, etc.)
www.unicomcorp.com info@unicomcorp.com | 888.636.1222

4. Pricing Model.
2
Choose the right pricing
model for your business.
• Two main types:
• Per Call
• By Live Agent Talk Time
• Don’t be charged for:
• Changes to account protocol or setup.
• Extra for weekends or holidays.
• Email, text messaging, paging, and
faxing.
• On-call schedule updates or
directories.
www.unicomcorp.com info@unicomcorp.com | 888.636.1222

5. Free Trials.
3
Are free answering
service trials worth it?
• Verify there are no hidden terms or
stipulations with the trial.
• Are you forced to sign a contract
for a free month of service?
• Keep tabs on quality of service
after the trial is over.
• IMPORTANT: Read terms carefully.
www.unicomcorp.com info@unicomcorp.com | 888.636.1222

6. Industry Experience.
4
What is the breadth of
industry experience?
• Common for answering services to
have experience across multiple
industries. Consider:
• Years of Experience in Industry
• Specific Industry Training
• Their Understanding of Industry
www.unicomcorp.com info@unicomcorp.com | 888.636.1222

7. Location.
5
Local vs. Around the
World
• Consider importance of location.
• Would you like to meet the people
you are hiring or not?
• Where are they really located?
Some say they are local but are
not.
• Ask to visit. Be skeptical if they
don’t want you to visit.
www.unicomcorp.com info@unicomcorp.com | 888.636.1222

8. Data Management.
6
What are they doing
with my data?
• Accurately executing your
protocols and procedures is critical.
• Is the data centrally managed or is
it bouncing between locations?
• Ask how your data will be stored
and managed.
info@unicomcorp.com | 888.636.1222

9. Conclusion
When hiring an answering service it is important you understand what
you are paying for. To do this:
• You must ask questions
• Read your agreement carefully
• Don't let high-pressure sales pitches take away your ability to do due-diligence
• Be comfortable with the company
• Meet them in person, if you can, to make sure their company is the right fit for you
• Verify Data Management
• An extra tip-- ask for referrals. The best live answering service will be more than glad to
provide you with referrals upon request.
www.unicomcorp.com info@unicomcorp.com | 888.636.1222

10. Freedom. Flexibility. Fraction of the Cost.
Learn how a professional answering service can create
value for your business.
Unicom Teleservices
12560 S Holiday Dr. C
Alsip, IL 60803 USA
888.636.1222
info@unicomcorp.com
www.unicomcorp.com