You can have the best receptionist in the industry answering your phone during office hours to ensure that you never miss a phone call that comes into the company. However, after the office closes, you are missing calls. Sadly, this results in harm for your business and bottom line. Here are three reasons why you need a round-the-clock live answering service for your business:

1. Your Business Operates Continuously.

While you may not necessarily be in the office, it doesn't mean that your business isn't running and generating customers. This is particularly true if you have a website that encourages potential customers to give your business a call for its products or services. It doesn't matter what industry you are in – emergency services, retail sales, HVAC or something else entirely – customers want their needs fulfilled no matter what time of the day or night it is. At the same time, though, you don't want to be bothered unnecessarily.

With a live answering service, all calls will be answered no matter what time they come in. As a business owner, you can provide them with a list of emergent calls so that you won't be bothered in the middle of the night for something that can truly wait until morning.

2. Customers Appreciate the Extra Mile.

When you have an after-hours live answering service, you are showing customers that you are willing to go that extra mile to provide excellent customer service and keep them happy. Think about it this way: not all of your customers can call your business during the standard business hours of 9 to 5. Many have their own jobs and are unable to call until after work. However, this shouldn't mean that they shouldn't get prompt service. By offering them assistance even after business hours, you are showing current as well as prospective customers that you value their satisfaction.

3. You're Losing Money Without One.

No business wants to lose money. After all, money is the key component in keeping a business operating. However, if you don't have an after-hours live answering service, can you imagine the calls that you are missing? Yes, those calls may be going to voicemail, but research shows that it doesn't matter for your bottom line. According to statistics, 80 percent of individuals who call and reach a business' voicemail will hang up immediately. When this happens, it is a safe bet that they are going to give one of your main competitors a call, which means you lose valuable business and money.

If you want to do everything in your power to help your business thrive, an after-hours live answering service is crucial--check it out.