One of the chief complaints heard by consumer experts these days is the lack of quality customer service available to them. Unavailable or poorly trained staff have been cited as two of the more egregious annoyances experienced by customers, a problem that isn't about to go away any time soon. For companies seeking to hire and retain quality workers they are faced with a double dilemma: finding competent staff to serve their customers and justifying the funds to pay and house employees. Fortunately, there is another option worth exploring: virtual office support. Yes, by selecting a virtual office contact center companies are able to save money and still offer the professional services their customers deserve. Please read on to learn how businesses are saving thousands of dollars per month thanks to the services provided by one phone system provider.

Virtual customer service is loosely defined as a tool whereby businesses can utilize the expertise of human staff without the extensive overhead normally incurred. When it comes to a company's traditional phone system, one or more staff would usually need to be present on site during regular working hours resulting in labor and facility costs incurred. Add these costs to the price of the phone system and most businesses would find themselves paying thousands of dollars monthly for this service, no minor charge particularly for small businesses.

Thanks to the rise of the internet, phone calls can now be routed by means of VoIP (voice over internet protocol), saving customers money. For example, the Packet8 Virtual Office provides a hosted iPBX solution which reduces telecommunication costs dramatically. Add in the virtual call center option and deeper savings can be realized.

With a virtual call center option selected, companies can utilize off-site staff without worrying about training costs, salaries, sick days, holidays, office rental, and other expenses. This option is particularly attractive for companies with offices or personnel scattered across the country, indeed the world. No need to set up a brick and mortar office simply to house a telephone operator and equipment -- with many providers the equipment and the call center is remote and handles all calls as required. You share personnel without incurring all of the expenses and headaches of managing staff.

Some service providers even take the virtual call center option one step further by offering email and web chat capabilities that expand the ways customers can contact your business. Granted, for some of your customers phone access will suit them, but for others email or chat access would be preferred, if available. Now, you can have more options to stay in touch with your customers, services that can give you a leg up on your competition.

With a virtual call center in place, you can manager your customers through online tools that provide contact information and real-time reporting. What's more, this system is fully scalable to fit your company's specific needs and not to be subjected to some generic ?one-size fits all? plan.

Yes, the 21st century is bringing more choices to companies designed to help them save money. With a virtual customer service solution added to your robust business VoIP plan, your customers will no longer complain about inadequate service and your accountant will be pleased to see the savings in telecommunications and personnel expenses.