This week we spoke with a business owner looking for professional help with their telephone calls. When we asked if they already used an answering service, the response was: yes — but they were deeply frustrated. The messages they received from their provider often had the wrong phone number or email address. Unsurprisingly, they were losing business. Was Cheap really the best option? We get these type of enquiries every week.
How Much Are You Really Paying?
When we asked what they were paying, we weren’t shocked. We won’t mention the company, but we recognized the model: they bill by the minute, not by call quality or accuracy.
At first glance, it seems cheap — but the invoice always comes out high. Why? Because those minute-based call centres keep callers on the line as long as possible so they can bill more minutes. The old saying buy cheap buy twice rings in my head.
“Can You Provide a Pay-As-You-Go Service?”
The only telephone answering services that offer true pay-as-you-go are the minute-billing call centres. And therein lies the problem: with these services, you don’t have control. You don’t know who is answering your calls — or whether the call lasted as long as they claim.
Do You Offer a Cheap Service … or a Great Service?
Ask yourself: does your business deliver cheap service, or great service?
Then ask yourself — why choose an answering company based solely on their price tag?
Yes, everyone wants value for money — but cheap doesn’t always equal value.
Its like the experience of going to a cheap fast food restaurant and just getting some food or a great experience in a full service restaurant.
Is It Really Cheap?
Many call centres use slogans such as:
- “Only £1 per minute!”
- “Just 3p per second!”
That sounds like a bargain… until you look at the real cost.
Example — £1 per minute
- Average call duration: 90 seconds
- Wrap-up time (logging and sending the message): ~30 seconds
- Total real cost: ~£2.00 per call
Example — 3p per second
- 90-second call = £1.80
- 30-second wrap-up = 90p
- Total cost: ~£2.70 per call
Still seems “cheap”? Many of our new clients come to us only after they’ve experienced the true cost of these low-price services. Surely transparent billing is an important factor in you business.
You Get What You Pay For
We often hear: “Your rates are higher than some other answering services — can you match their lower price?”
Yes, you might find cheaper options.
But you won’t get the same level of service.
We offer a bespoke telephone answering service — not just another generic call centre.
- We don’t rely on rigid scripts.
- We take time to learn about your business and its tone.
- Your calls are answered as though by someone in your own office.
- You get a consistent, dedicated team — effectively an extension of your own staff.
Our pricing may look higher at first glance, but the way we bill is transparent and predictable: you pay the same fixed amount per message.
No hidden costs. No surprise bills.
In addition, we deliver a daily call summary report — showing exactly how many calls you received and what each cost. Full transparency. Full control.
Why Choose a Premium Live Answering Service?
By choosing a professional, premium answering service (also known as a virtual receptionist service or live call answering service), you gain more than just message-taking. You get:
- Accuracy and reliability: every call is handled properly.
- Consistency: callers hear the right company name, the right greeting, and get the correct follow-up.
- Professional image: your business appears polished and competent.
- Time savings: you don’t waste hours reviewing messages and chasing up errors.
If you’re a small or medium business searching for an affordable call answering solution that gives great value, quality, and transparency, a premium service makes all the difference.
Ready to Upgrade Your Phone Answering?
Don’t let sloppy, low-cost answering services cost you more than you think. If you’re looking for a reliable, professional, bespoke answering service that treats every call as if it were to your own desk — we’d love to help.
Contact us today for a free trial and see how much a “premium but fair-priced” service can boost your professionalism and save you money in the long run.
