In today’s hyperconnected world, missing even a single call can mean losing a customer forever. Yet, most small and medium business owners still avoid using a telephone answering service merely because of outdated thinking or common myths.
In this blog, we’re busting the top 10 myths about live answering services and revealing to you why believing them could be secretly costing you thousands in missed revenue.
Myth 1: “Only Big Businesses Need an Answering Service”
Reality: Small businesses and solo entrepreneurs are typically the ones who need it most.
You don’t have a full team to take every call and each missed call can be a lost sale, slow response or frustrated customer.
👉 Learn More: Live Answering for Small Businesses
Myth 2: “It’s Too Expensive for My Budget”
Reality: AnswerAmerica and other services work on a pay-as-you-go pricing schedule, starting at just $30 a month. Compare that to recruiting, training and overseeing a receptionist. Not only is it low-cost, it’s smart.
👉 Check out our Pricing Plans
Myth 3: “Voicemail Is Enough”
Reality: 80% of callers hang up on voicemail, according to research.
Customers want to talk to a human being and get instant answers. A voicemail doesn’t build trust, but a live person does.
Myth 4: “I’ll Just Handle the Calls Myself”
Reality: Every minute you’re on the phone is a minute you’re not building your business.
Let a virtual receptionist handle routine calls so you can focus on strategy, fulfillment and customer satisfaction.
Myth 5: “My Customers Don’t Mind Waiting”
Reality: They do.
In the era of Amazon and instant answers, slow answers = lost trust. Live call answering ensures your customers never feel ignored or abandoned.
Myth 6: “Answering Services Don’t Sound Like My Brand”
Reality: With custom scripting and call handling instructions, you can have your answering team talk your talk. AnswerAmerica agents sound like part of your company, not a generic call center.
👉 Learn more: How It Works
Myth 7: “They Just Forward Calls, I Can Do That”
Reality: Telephone answering services aren’t just glorified switchboards anymore.
They can filter out spam, qualify leads, respond to FAQs and escalate urgent calls, all without bothering you until you need to be involved.
Myth 8: “Only Medical and Legal Firms Use These”
Reality: We serve any business such as: pest control services, HVAC technicians, e-commerce businesses, real estate offices and many others.
If your phone rings, you can utilize a live answering service.
Myth 9: “I’ll Lose Control of the Customer Experience”
Reality: You’re in control.
With reporting dashboards, call logs and customizable scripts, you’re always in the loop and your callers always hear what you want them to.
Myth 10: “It’s Too Complicated to Set Up”
Reality: You can be up and running with AnswerAmerica in under 10 minutes.
No hardware. No contracts. Just knowledgeable U.S.-based agents ready to represent your business 24/7.
👉 Try it now: Get Started
What Happens When You Ignore the Facts?
When you choose to believe these myths, you’re choosing to:
Offer bad customer service
Waste your own time on easy tasks
Damage your brand’s reputation
Lose loyal customers to a faster competitor
An answering service like AnswerAmerica is not “nice to have.” It is a money-saving, image-making necessity for businesses trying to grow.
At AnswerAmerica and AnswerCanada, we help your small business stay connected and efficient, even when you’re unavailable to answer the phone. A professional receptionist answers in your business name, takes down important details and assures each caller you’ll return their call—ensuring every customer feels valued. With AnswerAmerica and AnswerCanada, there’s no downside. No sales reps, no commitments—just reliable service you can set up yourself in minutes. By handling your calls when you can’t, we allow you to focus on moving your business forward while we provide a reliable, branded experience your customers will appreciate.
