Customer Tips

How to Answer the Phone

How you answer the phone will tell the caller many things about your company. It is always more than just lifting the phone to your ear and saying a simple “Hello?” There are many things you can do to win and lose business just by answering the phone.

Be sure to pick up the phone before the third ring. Picking up after the first ring is even better.

When you answer, have a warm and enthusiastic tone in your voice. This one phone call may be the only impression the caller will get of your company. Make sure that it is a good impression.

Be sure to identify yourself and your company. No caller should ever have to ask if they have reached your business.

Always ask if it is alright with the caller if they can be put on hold. Once they are on hold, don’t forget about them. Check in with them every 30 seconds to see if they are fine being on hold or if they would rather call back later.

Just remember to always present your business professionally. Do not depend on meeting face-to-face with the customer to make the sale. Try to win their business just by how your answer their call.