Virtual Office

[GraemeKerr]

Does anyone have any experience with virtual offices? What kind of cost is involved, what services do they provide?

If anyone has used these services are they worth the money and do they make a difference?

They seem like a good way of fronting a professional image if you are a homeworker and can't guarantee to be available all the time to answer phones, receive faxes etc.

Any advice appreciated.

Cheers,



Graeme

[Ozzy]

Hi Graeme,
Depending on your need these services are definitely worthwhile, specifically the call handling services to avoid missed calls. You just need to be sure you have a company taking your calls that can think on their feet and become "part of your team", and not just a "no he's not available I can take a message" type operation.

My advice would be to think about everything you want from a Virtual Office and put together a wish list, then talk to a few.

I do offer these services myself so if you would like to talk through possible options either drop me a PM or call 0800 0612288.

[gary]

I think a virtual office can be useful, but don't just get one for the sake of it. I use a call centre to take calls when no-one is available to take the calls, but really all they can do is take a message, so I always try to ensure we answer the calls. Costs vary - some charge a flat monthly rate including a number of calls, others charge per call, for example 95p per call or 50p per minute. If you have a company that becomes more involved in your business you will pay more, but they will know about your products and services which is useful. If you need a London base for mail etc, let me know as I know some good companies that can help.

Gary

[Alpha]

Richard

Didnt realise you offered those services as well.
Are they under the Quick Telecomms banner?

To follow on from what Richard has said the most important part of the service is that it is seamless. They must appear to be part of your organisation and therefore it is important that they take the time to know all about your business and are able to be regularly updated in your requirements.

The service is ideal for those working on their own when a good corporate image can be given to clients as opposed to just getting an answerphone (Which admittedly I am currently guilty of as well but I don't get the telephone volumes to currently justify it).

Some of my clients have used good professional companies but it may be worth looking at Richards services first as I have found his ventures to be extremely professional and efficient. If you want a couple of other names I can provide you with some.

[Ozzy]

Alan -> The call handling is under the Quick Formations banner. On my ToDo list is to write some sales information on the service and put it on my website. What I have found though is no 2 client requirements are the same.

[daveashton]

Hi

I would go to www.kbvo.co.uk. We have used this service for a couple of the companies we have bought over the last year and they offer a free trial. They also tell us which is the best price band to be on as standard and it can go down and up as required.

[matt@ansaback]

Here at Ansaback, we understand how important every phone call is to your business. Every call could be a potential customer, an order or an important message. We know how important it is to the success of your business that you provide a 'live' interface to your customers. Not just 9 to 5, but 24 hours, 7 days a week if necessary. That's why we've developed a range of cost-effective 'live' inbound telephone support services.

·24-hour customer service line, no need for 24-hour staff and office overheads.
·Emergency Call Out
·Order Lines or Catalogue Requests
·Handling the response to advertising or mailing campaigns.
·Overflow call handling, taking calls while your staff are busy on calls.

Ansaback becomes a satellite of your organisation, providing seamless telephone services, with all calls answered in your company name, by operators fully conversant with all relevant aspects of your business.

Whatever your requirements, we have operators ready to take your calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Please visit our website at www.ansaback.co.uk or if you have any questions at this stage please feel free to drop me a line on 01473 321815, or on email at mtaylor@ansaback.co.uk

[annethedonn]

www.freelanceofficeservices.co.uk

That's all you need to know!

[crichmond]

Why not try using a 'virtual' PA - as you get to know each other the PA will be your 'right hand' and be there when you can not. It's also very cost effective and a tax deductible expense!

For more info please call me or visit the website.

Regards
Christine
w: www.AssistYourBiz.com
01322 402681

[telecomit]

One thing i would recommend is that your phone number is important. Most Virtual offices come with an 0870, 0845 or 0871 number which can put customers off calling you. If you are providing a local service in your community it may be an idea to take out several local phone numbers giving the impression that you are serving your area. Our website is www.telecomit.co.uk (visit the local area page)....this may help you out?

[matt@ansaback]

The thing I recommend with a Virtual office like mine is that a National 0800 number gives people the impression that you are a much bigger company than you are. More people will call a national company than a local one.
http://www.ansaback.co.uk

[lyndsey]

Graeme

Virtual Offices actually save you money and enable you to maximise your business potential.

Check out my website for further info.
www.diamondsecretarial.co.uk


Lyndsey