Meet Upfirst

Call handling services

Don't lose out on business by sending a potential customer to voicemail. Answer every call with an AI-powered call handling service.
conversation of a call handling service

Introduction

What is a call handling service?

A phone call is often the first contact between a customer and your business. But running a business gets hectic, doesn’t it? Between meetings, projects, and daily tasks, who has the time to answer every incoming call? Yet, every call that you miss could be a missed opportunity – a lost customer, a missed sale, or a chance to grow your business. Not only can a missed call mean lost business, but it’s also a bad look.

With Upfirst’s call handling service for business, we make sure that every call is answered. It’s like having a professional receptionist that never takes a minute off. Whether it’s booking appointments, answering FAQs, or routing calls, our AI answering service handles your inbound calls 24/7 while you focus on what matters most – growing your business.

quick, easy setup

How our customer service call handling works

Set up 
Customize
Testing
Go live

Getting started is easy. Sign up using your existing business phone number or get a new one from us. The choice is yours. No extra hardware is required.

Set up your greeting and choose your AI’s voice to match your brand’s personality. Provide your business specifics and protocols so we know exactly how to handle your calls. Do you want it to book appointments for you? No problem. Do you want it to simply take messages so you can follow-up later? Just say the word.

Start making a few test calls to see how everything works. Tweak until you’re satisfied with the setup. Your customized scripts can be updated at any time in your Upfirst dashboard.

Click activate, and you’re all set! Your AI receptionist will now take calls on your behalf, ensuring that every caller gets the attention they need. It can answer FAQs, book appointments, forward calls, and more!

Benefits of business answering service

Benefits you'll love with our call handling service

Every call gets answered

Answering every inbound call is important. You might gain a new customer, or you might be given an opportunity to help an existing customer, which in turn builds trust and loyalty to your brand. Our answering service guarantees that every call is picked up promptly, even during peak hours or after business hours. It’s like having a virtual receptionist that never takes a minute off for your business.

Every lead gets captured

We don't just answer calls; we make sure to capture essential information from potential customers, turning casual inquiries into promising leads. With our call handling services, you can train your AI agent and seize every opportunity.

Improved customer experience

Phone calls are customers' most preferred method of contact, yet great phone support often fails them. When customers reach out, they expect timely and helpful responses. Our AI answering service ensures that each and every customer who calls in gets the proper care they deserve, leading to a better experience for them.

Professional image

A dedicated call handling service projects professionalism. It shows that you take customer communication seriously, setting you apart from competitors who may let calls go to voicemail or remain unanswered.
conversation of a call handling service, watering plants

Affordability

Hiring full-time staff to answer calls can drive up costs, especially if you own a small business. With the power of AI, our call handling service offers a cost-effective solution to your customer service needs. You flex all the same benefits of a professional receptionist who answers calls and books appointments without hurting the bank.

conversation of a call handling service

Scalability

As your business grows, your call volume may increase. Our service scales with you, adapting to your needs without any hassle. Whether you have ten calls a day or a hundred, we've got you covered.

Features

Call handling features that make a difference

With Upfirst, you get access to a host of features to automate the call answering process, increase your availability, deliver exceptional customer service, and grow your business. 

24/7 availability

Your customers don’t operate on a 9-to-5 schedule, and neither do we. Our service is available around the clock, so whether it’s a holiday, weekend, or after hours, we’re there to assist your callers.

Bilingual support

Open your doors to a more diverse customer base. With advancements in AI, it’s easier than ever to offer support in multiple languages, helping you connect with a broader audience.

Call routing

Sometimes, a client just wants to speak to a specific person. We can route specific calls to your team members based on the caller’s needs, ensuring they reach the right person every time.

Appointment booking

Keep your business schedule busy without the disruption of phone calls. Our AI can book, cancel, or reschedule appointments directly into your calendar, keeping your day organized.

Smart AI receptionist

Some small businesses want a receptionist but may not be able to afford it. With our AI agents, you can train a representative on your business and how to handle certain calls – in a matter of minutes.

Lead qualification

Not all leads are equal. Filter out low-quality prospects by training our AI to ask the right questions to identify high-quality leads, so your sales team can focus on prospects with the highest potential.

Who our answering service is for

Who can benefit from our phone answering service

conversation of a call handling service
  • Contractors

    Whether you’re a general contractor, plumber, or electrician, you’re often preoccupied on job sites and can’t afford to stop what you’re doing to answer calls.

    Our call handling services ensure you never miss an inbound call from a potential client or a supplier. Schedule appointments and capture leads while you focus on completing projects. 

  • Restaurants

    Managing a restaurant means juggling reservations, takeout orders, and customer questions—sometimes all at once. Our service helps manage these tasks by answering calls promptly, booking tables, and relaying important messages.

    Whether it’s confirming a dinner reservation or explaining your menu, we ensure your guests feel valued before they even step through your doors. Free up your staff to focus on delivering excellent in-person service while we handle the phones.

  • Real estate

    Real estate is all about being available for buyers, sellers, and renters at the right time. Our call handling services help you capture every lead by answering questions about listings, scheduling showings, and providing property details.

    With our smart AI receptionist, you can maintain a professional image and never miss a potential sale. Whether you’re at an open house or negotiating a deal, your calls are in good hands.

  • Insurance agents

    Insurance clients expect immediate assistance, especially during emergencies. Our call handling services for insurance agents ensure no customer is left waiting, whether they need a policy quote or help filing a claim.

    We can provide basic policy information, route urgent calls to the right person, and even schedule follow-ups. 

  • IT companies

    For IT businesses, downtime isn’t an option, and customer inquiries can come in at all hours. Our 24/7 service ensures your clients get the tech support or information they need without delay.

    Whether it’s answering basic troubleshooting questions or routing complex issues to your team, we’re here to keep your customers satisfied.

  • And so much more

    No matter your industry, our call handling services are adaptable to meet your needs. From law firms who need a friendly receptionist to small retail businesses who need order taking, we provide personalized solutions that keep your calls answered and your customers happy. If your business thrives on communication and customer service, we’re here to help you succeed. 

Join the waitlist

Don't keep your clients waiting. Our call handling service can answer every call, book appointments, take messages, and always provide a friendly voice for your customer base to speak to.

FAQs about call handling services

Don't see your question answered here. Our support team is here to help. Get in touch today.
  • What is a call handling service?

    A call handling service manages your incoming calls, ensuring they are answered promptly and professionally.  It can handle tasks like answering FAQs, booking appointments, lead qualifying, and routing calls.

  • Is there support for multiple languages?

    Yes, we offer bilingual support in English and Spanish, with more languages coming soon.

  • Can your business answering service handle call overflow?

    Yes, we can handle overflow calls when your lines are busy, ensuring no customer is left waiting.

  • How does your answering service handle emergencies?

    Our AI agent will respond to urgent situations based on the protocols that you set up. Whether you would like the calls to be forwarded to you or an appropriate member of your team, our AI is equipped to handle urgent calls.

  • Can I track the performance of your virtual receptionist?

    Yes, you can track how your virtual receptionist performs. You receive call summaries and full transcripts of every interaction, which you can have emailed to you or viewed anytime in your Upfirst dashboard. Review the transcripts to assess how your AI agent interacts and answers questions. If it’s not up to your standard, you can edit scripts whenever you like.