The affordable temporary answering service

Get your calls covered with a 24/7 temporary answering service

Stop missing calls just because you're understaffed. Let our temporary answering service take your calls, set appointments, and qualify leads without the full-time commitment.

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A temporary receptionist service books an immediate service visit for a caller with a broken air conditioner.

Temporary receptionist services

Your temporary solution to answer calls without the added costs

No matter what type of business you are in, answering every phone call is next to impossible. You've already got a full workload in front of you. Making sure every caller is taken care of and gets the help they need? Well, that's another full-time gig by itself.

Answering every phone call helps grow your business and retain customers, but hiring an in-house receptionist is sometimes out of the budget. Even hiring traditional answering services or virtual call centers can be a bit costly, especially for small businesses.

That's why we created Upfirst. It's an affordable way for business owners to navigate through overflow hours, handle unexpected absences, or simply avoid commitment to a full-time receptionist. Our service picks up your calls on the first ring, assists your customers, schedules appointments, screens calls, and so much more—all without draining your pockets.

Benefits of a temporary answering service

Never worry about missing a call with our temporary virtual receptionist service

Learn how our answering service can make a difference in your business.

Get every call covered 24/7

Imagine never missing a customer call again, no matter the hour. Our virtual receptionists answer calls on the first ring, even during periods of high volume. It's like having a friendly team working round the clock just for you.

    A temporary answering service responds to a caller seeking legal advice on a breach of contract and schedules a consultation.

    Keep your clients satisfied

    Long hold times and voicemail can spoil a client interaction. Keep your customers happy by having our professional receptionist team answer every inbound call with care and attention. Create delightful experiences that keep them coming back for more.

      A temporary answering service takes an order for a wedding bouquet and requests style preferences for confirmation.

      Save time by automating your calls

      Think about all the time spent managing phones. As a business owner, it becomes a full-time job that you don't have the bandwidth for. Enjoy the freedom to do what you do best while our voice agents answer FAQs, set appointments, process payments, transfer calls and more.

        A temporary answering service helps a caller schedule a tour for a two-bedroom apartment on Oak Avenue.

        Enjoy all the benefits of a receptionist while paying less

        No need to fork out more money for another in-house receptionist or typical call center. Our temporary answering service brings you the perks of a full-time receptionist without the price tag. It’s a smart, budget-friendly solution that leaves your wallet as happy as your customers.

          A temporary receptionist service helps a caller schedule a diagnostic check for a car making a strange noise.

          Skip the complicated setup

          Business owners already have enough on their day-to-day. That's why we've built a straightforward setup process that's quick and simple. No lengthy onboarding process, no complicated software to download. Just a virtual receptionist solution that you can get set up in a few minutes.  

            A temporary receptionist service assists a caller with a brunch reservation, offering a 10 AM time slot.

            quick, easy setup

            How our temporary call answering services work

            We know you don't have the time for complicated setups. That's why at Upfirst you can set up your temporary phone answering service in just a few minutes.

            1

            Sign up

            First things first: start by signing up for our temporary answering service. Use your current business phone number, or let us help you set up a new local or toll-free 800 number. Once you sign up, just answer a few questions about your business.

            2

            Customize

            Set up your personalized greeting and choose the AI voice that best represents your brand. Provide details about your business, including your call handling protocols and frequently asked questions, like business hours. Test a few calls to ensure that everything is configured exactly to your liking. We're also happy to work with you to help set up.

            3

            Go live

            Once you’re happy with the setup, simply click “Activate” and go live. Your AI electronic receptionist will begin taking business calls immediately. With 24/7 coverage, you can rest assured that your business is always in capable hands. Update scripts and prompts at any time as your business grows.

            Top features for temporary receptionist answering service

            Everything you need with a temporary answering service

            Upfirst is packed with powerful features that you can afford while maintaining excellent phone call support.

            Popular solutions

            Other business solutions our temporary call answering service can help with

            Our temporary answering service is conveniently customizable for a range of solutions for any type of business.

            Personal answering

            A perfect solution for solopreneurs and small business owners who need a personal answering service to help balance out their personal and business lives.

            Overflow reception

            Peak periods don't need to be stressful to navigate through. Convert more opportunities during these busy periods with our overflow support.

            Voicemail assistant

            Upgrade your traditional voicemail with an intelligent voicemail assistant. No matter what your phone answering needs are, Upfirst is your affordable solution.

            FAQs for our temporary answering services

            Have a question about Upfirst's professional answering service that isn't answered here? Get in touch with our team.

            What are the benefits of a temporary answering service?

            Our service ensures that every call is answered, which means more satisfied customers, fewer missed opportunities, and ultimately, a better bottom line. You gain a professional representative without the cost and commitment of hiring full-time staff.

            Why is this better than a voicemail?

            While voicemails can be useful, they lack the immediacy and personal touch of a receptionist. Our service not only captures messages but also engages callers, schedules appointments, and routes inquiries to the appropriate channels, providing a more helpful and efficient experience.

            Can your temporary receptionist handle multiple calls at once?

            Absolutely. Our automated answering system is designed to manage high volumes of calls, ensuring that each one is handled professionally with care, even during peak times.

            Can this integrate with my CRM and other apps?

            Yes, our temporary answering service can be integrated with various CRMs and other business tools via Zapier. This allows you to capture leads, manage follow-ups, and update existing client information, ensuring that every call contributes to your overall business strategy.

            How much money will I save compared to hiring in-house staff or other traditional answering services?

            By eliminating the need for a full-time receptionist, you can save significantly on salary, benefits, and overhead costs. Many business owners find that the cost savings, combined with the improved customer experience, make this service a no-brainer.

            To put it into perspective, the average salary of an in-house receptionist is $37,000 per year, not including things like overhead and benefits. Our cost-effective solution starts at $24.95 per month, is completely customizable, and works around the clock without needing a break.

            Try our temporary answering service for free

            Don't let missed calls slow your business growth. Get a reliable virtual receptionist without needing to hire full-time staff. Try for free today!

            Try for free