Social Media Marketing Assistant & Online Business Development Manager
Cornelius, Oregon

Posted by Kimberly LeRiche, Cornelius, Oregon | Sep 29, 2008

Does Anyone Use Virtual Receptionist Services?

I'm researching these services for a client and am wondering does anyone here have any experience with using a virtual receptionist service such as DaVinci, OneBox eVoice Receptionist, or Ruby Receptionists?

This would specifically be with regards to taking messages, relaying message information to the client, and return calls to clients.

Were you able to sign up for only specific services or is it usually only package deals? What assurances were you given about your client's confidentiality and the messages they relayed?

If you've used one of these services, can you tell me who you used and if you were pleased with the services you received? Would you use them again?

Any information is appreciated.

12 Bizniks have posted replies

Posted by Sharon McMillan, Phoenix | Oct 04, 2008

I have an account with Davinci Virtual and I feel my phone is being answered by very young women that do not have any business experience. If a customer asks a question, they studder through the answer and it always takes several minutes for a customer to reach our company representatives.
I am currently shopping for other alternatives
Posted by Kimberly LeRiche, Cornelius, Oregon | Oct 04, 2008

Hi Sharon, Thanks for sharing that as they were one of the options I was looking into.

I did talk to a company that I was rather impressed with that you may want to check into called Ruby Receptionists. They've gotten some good press and sounded pretty professional. Their site is www.callruby.com.

I'm still looking at options for client and would love to hear from others as well.
Posted by Michael Kowalski , New York, New York | Oct 10, 2008

Hello all, I use Smartvoice.net Live Answer Service. I've used virtual receptionists for the past few years to keep operating costs low. Tried the Onebox service and was unhappy right from the start. Their operators were slow & uncaring so I switched to Smartvoice and have been very happy. Very cool service. Better & cheaper too! Works for me!
Posted by Jim Carney, Bellingham, Washington | Oct 13, 2008

We have the complete Virtual office. It is 125.00 a month that has a physical address and a phone # with professionals answering the phones during business hours. We can transfer those calls locally, IM that you have a call on hold, or put it to vm. You can check vm 24/7 and you can for 7.00 a month have the vm box call you and let you know the message is there... you can respond to it or save it for later.

What helps our receptionists is that we can program your greeting into the computer and answer the phones just the way you tell us too! So no memorizing 10 lines or 20 businesses... it pops up and we answer hopefully with a smile. Hope you can find your virtual assistant service that does some of that too!

A perfect workspace Annually or Hourly
Posted by John dong, discovery bay, California | Oct 14, 2008

You can also try Call Desk (www.CallDesk.com) We have been using them for a while. We started using them for overflow calls, but recently have laid off our receptionists and gave the entire job to calldesk. Our organization is pretty large (1500 emplyees in 8 states). They forward calls to or take messages for us.
Posted by Ellen Clark, Bellingham, Washington | Oct 14, 2008

Does anyone here set appointments?
Posted by John dong, discovery bay, California | Oct 15, 2008

I know CallDesk sets appointments. I assume the others do it too.
Posted by Ellen Clark, Bellingham, Washington | Oct 15, 2008

Thanks John, I'll check them out.
Posted by Sharon McMillan, Phoenix | Oct 15, 2008

I noticed that CallDesk does not have transferable phone numbers. This could be a problem with repeat customers if you can not keep your phone number if you discontinue CallDesk services.
Posted by John dong, discovery bay, California | Oct 15, 2008

Its always a good idea to use your own numbers. Your clients should never have to know the number assigned to you by your receptionist service.

Get your own local or toll free number, then have your phone company foward the calls to your receptinist service. That way you maintain control of your business.
Posted by Kimberly LeRiche, Cornelius, Oregon | Oct 15, 2008

SmartVoice.net will set appointments for you with a shared online calendar that is visible to both of you."

Ruby Receptionists might also do that as well.
Posted by Kelly Totten, Wilsonville, Oregon | Oct 17, 2008

My former employer and one of my current clients use(d) Ruby. They're GREAT. Highly, highly recommend.