# https://www.centratel.com llms-full.txt ## Quality Answering Service - [Skip to primary navigation](https://www.centratel.com/#genesis-nav-primary) - [Skip to main content](https://www.centratel.com/#genesis-content) - [Skip to footer](https://www.centratel.com/#genesis-footer-widgets) The Highest Quality Telephone Answering Service in the United States - [Make Payment](https://thepaymentportal.com/index.php?compcode=2C1A-9FF4-91CA-7F93) - [Client Login](https://oncall.centratel.com/) - [Follow Centratel on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centratel-answering-service/) - [Follow Centratel on Twitter](https://twitter.com/centratel) - [Follow Centratel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centratel) ![The Centratel Telephone Answering Service building located in Bend, Oregon](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/centratel-banner.jpg) _Centratel HQ building, Bend, Oregon_ # 1/16/2026 # (You might find this refreshing: there is not a single AI-generated word in this website -sc.) We’re 100% U.S.-owned and operated, with a [41-year one-owner history](https://www.centratel.com/about-us/staff/). If you’re experiencing high costs and low quality with your current answering service (or if you’re thinking of using one for the first time), consider the following. It’s in a simple Q&A format. **Q:** _**Am I losing business because the people who call my office are met with voicemail (and/or artificial intelligence)?**_ **A:** Yes! From your own experience, you know it’s true: _people prefer talking to people_, not machines. **Q:** **_How has the “human-first”_** **\*** **_answering service industry changed in the last six years?_** **A:** It’s been a wipe-out. In early 2020, due to government-mandated COVID-6-foot distancing rules that suddenly made shoulder-to-shoulder agent cubicles illegal, most independent human-first telephone answering services were forced out of business, having no choice but to sell their customers at fire-sale prices to a handful of gigantic “mega-services,” several of which are foreign-owned. These operations now serve most of the U.S. answering service market…and virtually all of them offer AI, voicemail, and other automated services as primary offerings while “live answering” by a real person is ancillary. In the typical buy-out, call traffic was routed out of the purchased answering service’s local area for handling, sometimes overseas. In 2019 there were approximately 2,500 independent, local human-first answering services in the U.S. Now? Including Centratel, perhaps ten. [Here’s how we survived the 2020 COVID-19 debacle that devastated the U.S. answering service industry.](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-and-the-covid-essay/) **Q:** _**My current answering service’s quality is not good, and it seems expensive…**_ **A:** There is a good reason for this. _Most mega-service subsidiaries and every single one of the few surviving U.S. based independent services charge their clients via “time-billing_. This is the elapsed time that agents spend processing calls (and sometimes includes customer on-hold time). **This encourages the employment of low-paid agents because the longer it takes to process a call, the more the client is billed.** And at any answering service, new inexperienced agents are not just agonizingly slow as they learn on the job, they make errors. Not only that, the expensive charge-by-the-minute billing method is ripe for overcharging customers, with at least one instance of [customers winning a multi-million dollar class-action lawsuit against their own time-billing answering service](https://www.oregonlive.com/business/2021/04/settlement-in-ruby-receptionists-billing-lawsuit-valued-at-up-to-12-million.html) **!** Note that here at Centratel, 95% of our new customers come to us because of quality and/or billing problems with their high-staff-turnover mega-answering service subsidiary (which continues to advertise the name of the purchased service even though calls are exported elsewhere for processing). Yes, with elapsed-time billing, high cost and poor quality are inextricably connected. **Q:** _**So, how is Centratel different?**_ **A:** We bill our clients by the number of transactions processed, NOT by the elapsed time to process those transactions. This is called “transaction unit billing.” (And somewhat inaccurately, within the industry, this method is also called “message count” billing.) Our monthly billing statements are simple and understandable with no room for price gouging. We incentivize our career agents to handle calls efficiently and accurately, with up to 40% of their individual wages performance-based. **Our Centratel agents are mature, empathetic, drug-free,\*\* long-term, highly paid (by far, the highest pay in the industry), super-efficient professionals,\*\*\*** many with decades of tenure with the company. _So, for the last 25 years, statistically, we’ve been the highest quality human-first answering service in the U.S._ **_\*_\\*\\*\\*** **Q:** _**Cost?**_ **A:** Even with the high compensation we pay our agents, our billing strategy and sheer efficiency keep us in the low-to-mid level industry price range. See “ [Why Choose Centratel](https://www.centratel.com/gettingstarted/)” for more details. (And note our federally trademarked **[CLEAN-SCREEN®](https://www.centratel.com/cleanscreen/)** service that further contributes to our low cost and high quality.) **Q:** **_For call-processing, does_** _**Centratel use AI or “offshore” calls?**_ **_Is there a long-term contract?_** **A:** No, no, and no… To test our quality and get an estimate of cost, you’ll get a unique-within-the-industry, no-obligation, no-deposit, [30-day free trial](https://www.centratel.com/30-day-free-trial/). [Go here to get started](https://www.centratel.com/gettingstarted/). ## _-Sam Carpenter, CEO and owner_ \\* “Human-first” indicates an answering service in which incoming calls are answered directly by a human, not by AI or voicemail. \\*\\* Here in 2026, across a whole spectrum of industries, chronic drug use, particularly cannabis, is a major factor in less-than-satisfactory employee performance. Here’s a [medical abstract.](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3037578/) (And here’s a [statement from…Elton John](https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2024/12/13/elton-john-calls-marijuana-legalization-mistake/76966700007/).) \\*\\*\\* Centratel is a pure meritocracy. No Woke/DEI manipulations. \\*\\*\\*\\* Our most recent Customer Reported Error Rate (October through December, 2025) was 1 customer-reported error for every 7,017 message transactions processed. That’s a statistic far superior to any other answering service in the United States. [The Highest Quality in the United States? Who Says?](https://www.centratel.com/faq/#highest) ### 100% Fail-Safe Service Rare for an answering service, we have a fully redundant operation. In these days of uncertainty, the reliability and continuity of service is bullet-proof. ### No Long-term Contract This is philosophical: If your telephone answering service is a good value, you will choose to continue each month. Some of our clients have been with us for four decades. ### 100% U.S. Based Operations All of Centratel’s Telephone Service Representatives (TSRs) are located in the U.S. [Start your free trial today](https://www.centratel.com/30-day-free-trial/) ![Sam Carpenter - Founder and President of Centratel Telephone Answering Service](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Sam-Carpenter.jpg) “ _For 41 years we’ve been delivering superb quality call-capture and message dispatch for select professions and businesses.”_ _— Sam Carpenter – Founder, President_ ## Business Specialties * * * [![Centratel's Medical Answering Service - HIPAA Compliant](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/medical-1.jpg)](https://www.centratel.com/medical-answering-service/) ### [Medical](https://www.centratel.com/medical-answering-service/) Nights, weekends, after-hours, holidays, or the middle of a busy weekday, Centratel’s professional agents will provide HIPAA-compliant call coverage for emergencies as well as administrative backup. [![Centratel's Hospice Answering Service - HIPAA Compliant](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/hospice-4.jpg)](https://www.centratel.com/home-healthcare-hospice-answering-service/) ### [Home health and Hospice](https://www.centratel.com/home-healthcare-hospice-answering-service/) For decades Centratel has provided highest quality, professional, and compassionate assistance to hospice patients and family members all across the U.S. Our service is 24/7/365 and fully HIPAA-compliant. For recent marketing materials, go [here](https://www.centratel.com/home-healthcare-hospice-answering-service/marketing-materials/) [![Centratel's Veterinary Answering Service](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/veterinary-1.jpg)](https://www.centratel.com/veterinary-answering-service/) ### [Veterinary](https://www.centratel.com/veterinary-answering-service/) Centratel has a long history of servicing the veterinary industry, handling overflow, daytime, after-hours and weekend calls with the utmost compassion, professionalism, and accuracy. For recent marketing materials, go [here](https://www.centratel.com/veterinary-answering-service/marketing-materials/) [![HVAC technician working while happy customer assists](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/24-7-Live-HVAC-Answering-Service_small-v2.png)](https://www.centratel.com/hvac-answering-service/) ### [HVAC](https://www.centratel.com/hvac-answering-service/) Heatwave or snowstorm, our agents will provide your HVAC business with the highest quality phone coverage, 24/7/365. In no time at all and at minimum cost, we’ll become a trusted part of your operation. For recent marketing materials, go [here](https://www.centratel.com/hvac-answering-service/marketing-materials/) [![Centratel's Property Management Answering Service](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/property-management-1.jpg)](https://www.centratel.com/property-management-answering-service/) ### [Property Management](https://www.centratel.com/property-management-answering-service/) With 24-hour support, Centratel agents will handle incoming calls with zero-defect, forwarding urgent calls to your on-call people while screening less important inquiries for later follow up by your office. For recent marketing materials, go [here](https://www.centratel.com/property-management-answering-service/marketing-materials/) [![Trade Services Answering Service](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Trade-bs-list.jpg)](https://www.centratel.com/trade-service-answering-service/) ### [Trade Service](https://www.centratel.com/trade-service-answering-service/) Centratel provides call-capture and emergency dispatch for trade service companies such as plumbers, electricians, emergency restoration businesses, and many more. Never again will an urgent call be missed! [![Centratel's 24/7 Business Answering Services](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/24-7-2.jpg)](https://www.centratel.com/24-7-business-answering-service/) ### [24/7 Business](https://www.centratel.com/24-7-business-answering-service/) Give your callers the same quality of service they receive when speaking directly to your office staff. Centratel will be an extension of your office. [![Centratel's Disaster Restoration Answering Service](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Disaster-restoration-small.jpg)](https://www.centratel.com/disaster-restoration-answering-service/) ### [Disaster Restoration](https://www.centratel.com/disaster-restoration-answering-service/) For four decades Centatel has been processing urgent calls for the disaster restoration industry. We understand the critical importance of precisely accurate messages delivered instantly. For recent marketing materials, go [here](https://www.centratel.com/disaster-restoration-answering-service/marketing-materials/) ![Plumbing Answering Service](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Plumbing-Answering-Service_small-300x225.png) ### [Plumbing](https://www.centratel.com/plumbing-answering-service/) 24/7 Centratel agents will process your calls with zero-defect, all the while enhancing your company image to customers and potential customers. For recent marketing materials, go [here](https://www.centratel.com/plumbing-answering-service/marketing-materials/) [![Centratel's Public and Private Utilities Answering Service](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Centratel-Public-and-Private-Utilities.jpg)](https://www.centratel.com/public-and-private-utilities/) ### [Public and Private Utilities](https://www.centratel.com/public-and-private-utilities/) Our Telephone Service Representatives can expertly classify and coordinate each service call. ## Testimonials * * * ### Dr. R.C., pathologist, Portland, Or. * * * “Terrific. Every contact I have had with (Centratel) staff has been absolutely professional – a ‘ten’ in my book. I have used medical answering services for 15 years and this is the best experience I have ever had.” * * * ### Veterinarian, Manistee, Mi. * * * “I’m very impressed with your operation. Our last answering service (which was our second bad service) was such a disaster I thought I’d never again feel comfortable with an answering service. But with Centratel we feel very confident our rotation will be handled properly. Thanks so much.” * * * ### J.R., owner, property management company, Pepperpike, OH * * * “Fantastic! You have taken a huge weight off my shoulders. Thanks everyone!” * * * ### S.H., owner, HVAC company, Gurnee, Il. * * * “Since switching to your answering service seven months ago, we have not encountered a single problem or complaint from even one customer. All operators are extremely polite and professional. It’s a pleasure working with you. Keep up the good work!” * * * * * * [MORE TESTIMONIALS](https://www.centratel.com/client-testimonials/) ## Footer ## Centratel Answering Services 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## Patient Privacy Solutions - [Skip to primary navigation](https://www.centratel.com/blog/medical-answering-service/patient-privacy/#genesis-nav-primary) - [Skip to main content](https://www.centratel.com/blog/medical-answering-service/patient-privacy/#genesis-content) - [Skip to footer](https://www.centratel.com/blog/medical-answering-service/patient-privacy/#genesis-footer-widgets) The Highest Quality Telephone Answering Service in the United States - [Make Payment](https://thepaymentportal.com/index.php?compcode=2C1A-9FF4-91CA-7F93) - [Client Login](https://oncall.centratel.com/) - [Follow Centratel on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centratel-answering-service/) - [Follow Centratel on Twitter](https://twitter.com/centratel) - [Follow Centratel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centratel) ![medical answering service](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/medical-answering-service-2.jpg) # Prioritizing Patient Privacy: HIPAA-Compliant Medical Answering Service August 25, 2023 [Medical](https://www.centratel.com/blog/medical-answering-service/) By Centratel In the realm of medical care, few aspects are as critical as the privacy and confidentiality of patient information. With an increasing reliance on digital communication and telehealth, safeguarding this sensitive data has never been more imperative. This is where a [**HIPAA-compliant medical answering service**](https://www.centratel.com/medical-answering-service/) like Centratel can make a significant difference for your medical practice. ## Why is HIPAA Compliance Necessary? The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is not merely a guideline; it’s a legal requirement for any entity dealing with protected health information (PHI). Violations can lead to hefty fines, legal complications, and a tarnished reputation. **For medical clinics, HIPAA compliance is non-negotiable**. ## The Alarming Reality of Phone Call Handling Did you know that a significant percentage of medical facilities still struggle with effective telephone call management? A study showed that **30% of calls to medical practices go unanswered**. This leaves patient information at risk, with unattended voicemails or unsecured methods of relaying messages. With a dedicated, [**HIPAA-compliant medical answering service**](https://www.centratel.com/medical-answering-service/), this gap can be bridged effectively and securely. ## Benefits of Using Centratel’s HIPAA-Compliant Medical Answering Service 1. **Confidentiality Ensured**: Every call received will be handled with the utmost discretion, ensuring patient data remains uncompromised. 2. **24/7 Availability**: Never miss an urgent call or patient concern. With round-the-clock service, your practice remains reachable, even outside of regular working hours. 3. **Professional Handling**: With specific training pertaining to the medical sector, Centratel’s agents provide a seamless and informed interaction for every caller. 4. **Tech-Driven Solutions**: Embrace the latest in call handling technology, ensuring each call is recorded, tracked, and stored with HIPAA-compliant methods. To learn more about how Centratel can revolutionize your [call management system](https://www.centratel.com/medical-answering-service/). ## Your Medical Practice Deserves the Best It’s not just about meeting legal requirements; it’s about offering patients the trust and security they deserve. As the medical landscape evolves with technological advancements, ensuring you’re equipped with the right tools to handle sensitive data is paramount. Interested in securing a top-tier, HIPAA-compliant medical answering service for your medical practice? **Request a** [**price quote**](https://www.centratel.com/price-quote/) **today** and take the first step towards a safer, more efficient telecommunication solution for your clinic. In conclusion, prioritizing patient privacy doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By partnering with a reliable, specialized, and HIPAA-compliant medical answering service like [Centratel](https://www.centratel.com/medical-answering-service/), your medical practice can maintain its impeccable standards while ensuring each patient feels valued and protected. **Take action now** and elevate your patient communication to the next level by getting a [price quote](https://www.centratel.com/medical-answering-service/). [Image by wavebreakmedia\_micro](https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/doctor-writing-medical-report_9597440.htm#query=hipaa%20medical&position=2&from_view=search&track=ais) on Freepik ## Taking the Next Step * * * For a quick orientation on how we operate, take a moment to review one or more of the key points listed in Why Choose Centratel Q&A (scroll down the page if you are on a mobile phone) For more specifics on cost, to start the onboarding process, or if you have questions, fill out this form with your basic information and if it’s during regular working hours (M-F 8am to 8pm EST or 5am to 5pm PST), we’ll get back to you within minutes. Or, during the above hours, you can simply call us at 800-664-7159 or send us an email to [inquiry@centratel.com](mailto:inquiry@centratel.com). First Name \* Last Name \* Job Title Email \* Company \* Phone \* City \* State \*State \*AlabamaAlaskaArkansasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDistrict of ColumbiaDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming How did you hear about us? How did you hear about us? \*PostcardBook gift: Work the SystemLetterReferralOnline SearchWork The SystemFacebook Is your business one of our specialties \*Is your business one of our specialties \*MedicalHome Health/HospiceVeterinary24/7 BusinessHVACTrade ServiceProperty ManagementUtilityDisaster RestorationPlumbing What is your ONE primary concern with using an answering service? \*What is your primary concern with using an answering service? \*Professionalism of staffMessage delivery accuracy and timelinessConsistent high quality of serviceCost of serviceLiabilityConfidentialityOther Are you currently using a call center/telephone answering service? \* YesNo Requested service start date \*Requested service start date \*ASAPWithin 1 WeekWithin 2 WeeksWithin 1 MonthOther List any specific call requirements Submit [Terms of Service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) ### **Why Choose Centratel** **BY SAM CARPENTER** **February 1, 2026** 1.CENTRATEL’S UNIQUE 30-DAY FREE TRIAL Why is this important? Because it will provide you a truly accurate estimate of cost (we bill monthly), it will demonstrate our quality, and it gives both sides of this brand new relationship—you and Centratel—plenty of time to refine and perfect operational details. Here’s a testimonial from a new medical client that had just finished their 30-day trial: _“Of course, I love the cost as it is close to the amount I was allowed by the president of the company. I told him that if we did not continue with Centratel, I would resign as the Director of Customer Service, and I meant it. It’s a great fit. We have had NOT ONE complaint from a patient or in-house which, as you know, we received daily with our former answering service._ _I love you, Centratel, and the price. I’m ready to sign whatever documents you require._ _Thanks for the great service, and the free month_! _To a great partnership! -KB, Phoenix_“ 2.STATISTICALLY, THE BEST IN THE U.S.? Answering service quality is 100% dependent on human action and reaction, and in the course of a single day a multitude of human decisions are made by the people who process the calls: Telephone Service Representatives, or TSRs. (Some answering services refer to them as “agents.” Others, “operators.”) Like any other answering service, at Centratel we’re dealing with real live human beings and so human errors can occur. But within this labor intensive service industry that is historically known for marginal quality, Centratel’s error rate is light years ahead of established standards. Our most recent Customer Reported Error Rate (October through December, 2025) was 1 customer-reported error for every 7,017 message transactions processed. That statistic is unmatched. There’s no artificial intelligence manipulation, we do not offshore calls, and we were founded and have always operated within the United States. (Note that since early 2020, the COVID six-foot social distancing mandate drove thousands of small-to-medium sized answering services out of business. Large, often foreign-owned multi-nationals, disguised by the name of the local answering services they acquired, now thoroughly dominate the industry. Hence, an even further decline in general service quality. [See this analysis.](https://www.centratel.com/answering-service-phone-industry/)) 3.CUSTOMER SERVICE EXTRAORDINAIRE Your concerns will be instantly acted upon. It’s a work ethic that stands in stark contrast to the general decline in quality of human-to-human business communications. You’ve seen it yourself, all around. At Centratel you will know by name the customer service people you’re working with, appreciating their special listening abilities as well as their take-action-now comportment. e.g. see the testimonial in point #1 above. ‘Nuff said! 4.GETTING STARTED: IT’S SIMPLE AND FAST Getting your new Centratel answering service 30-day free trial up-and-running is accomplished within 24-48 hours. From the start, your “onboarding” customer service representative will be with you every step of the way **,** listening carefully to your concerns, answering questions and offering suggestions. 5.NEW TO USING AN ANSWERING SERVICE? The very large majority of our current answering service accounts switched to us from another service because of quality and/or cost problems. However, if you have not used a service before, you are not familiar with the options, benefits, and pitfalls. Our 30-day free trial provides you—and us—plenty of time to precisely refine your desired message-taking and delivery protocols; to get things exactly the way you want them to be without any financial risk, undue pressure, or obligation. 6.PRICING Starting at $150 per month, our rates lie in the mid-range of the industry. Note that we charge by the “transaction unit” rather than the duration of time spent handling calls. Large “mega-services” operating in the U.S. prefer time billing because it ensures the company is compensated for lower-paid/high-turnover — and thus slower — agents. _No matter the quality or how long they keep your callers on hold, they still make a profit_. And yes, it can get expensive, especially if caller on-hold time is also billed. In any answering service, it takes a long time for a new agent to become fast, efficient, and stable. At Centratel, we pamper and reward experienced agents (via high pay and great benefits) and therefore have extremely low staff turnover. Needless to say, experienced agents make fewer errors than trainees who learn on-the-job. And, transaction-unit billing is easy to understand. There is no room for fraud as in time-billing. We can easily document and explain any monthly billing we send you. 7.ACCURATELY COMPARING ANSWERING SERVICE PRICING IS COMPLICATED It’s apples and oranges. There isn’t an industry standard for billing, and each answering service has its own formula. Also, as noted above, some services charge by agent “time” while a few, like us, charge by “transaction units.” Some others combine the two. At Centratel, we charge for the work we do, not by the time we spend. The raw truth is that the only reliable way to determine monthly cost for a new service is to use that service for a solid month. Most answering services offer a 7-day free trial or no trial at all. With Centratel you get 30-days. 8. MONTHLY OR 28-DAY BILLING? Important! At Centratel, we use a “monthly” billing cycle in which invoices are compiled from the first day of a month through the last day of that month. When soliciting quotes from other services, be sure to ask if the base-rate charges are billed monthly or on a “28-day billing cycle.” There is no good reason for a 28-day billing cycle! It’s a sly manipulation by the answering service: customers billed on a 28-day cycle actually receive thirteen billings per year instead of twelve. 9.NO CONTRACT AND SIMPLE TERMS OF SERVICE We don’t ask for a term contract for service because you should be able to evaluate us in real time, without restraint. Our [terms of service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) are simple and straight-forward. 10.VALUABLE FREE GIFT FOR CONTACTING US If you take the time to discuss answering service with us, on that same day we will ship you a hardcover copy of Sam Carpenter’s bestselling book, [_Work The System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_](https://www.workthesystem.com/), now in its 5th edition. (Sam is Centatel’s very active CEO.) December 1st 2025 marked his forty first year of ownership.) * * * ## Footer ## Centratel Sitemap https://www.centratel.com/post-sitemap.xml2026-01-15T18:40:27+00:00https://www.centratel.com/page-sitemap.xml2026-02-04T09:54:34+00:00https://www.centratel.com/employment\_opportuni-sitemap.xml2026-01-21T16:15:44+00:00https://www.centratel.com/category-sitemap.xml2026-01-15T18:40:27+00:00 ## Trade Service Answering - [Skip to primary navigation](https://www.centratel.com/trade-service-answering-service/#genesis-nav-primary) - [Skip to main content](https://www.centratel.com/trade-service-answering-service/#genesis-content) - [Skip to footer](https://www.centratel.com/trade-service-answering-service/#genesis-footer-widgets) The Highest Quality Telephone Answering Service in the United States - [Make Payment](https://thepaymentportal.com/index.php?compcode=2C1A-9FF4-91CA-7F93) - [Client Login](https://oncall.centratel.com/) - [Follow Centratel on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centratel-answering-service/) - [Follow Centratel on Twitter](https://twitter.com/centratel) - [Follow Centratel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centratel) ![](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/trade-services-featured.jpg) # Answering Service for your Trade Service Business ## For 41 years we've been delivering superb quality call-capture and message dispatch for plumbers, electricians, and emergency restoration businesses. [Start your 30-Day Free Trial](https://www.centratel.com/30-day-free-trial/) ## Statistically, Centratel is the highest quality answering service in the United States\* At Centratel, we understand the intricacies and urgencies that come with trade business calls. It’s our task to ensure seamless communications as we enhance your image. When clients or contractors call you, whether for emergencies or simple inquiries, you can be sure we will provide swift, accurate responses. ## **Numbers don’t lie.** ## **41** years of experience. ## **99.99%** Accuracy in message processing. \*Our most recent Customer Reported Error Rate (October through December, 2025) was 1 customer-reported error for every 7,017 message transactions processed. That’s a statistic far superior to any other answering service in the United States. ## Our answering service covers all 50 States As a trusted partner we’re not just an external solution, we’re an indispensable extension of your office. In an ultra-competitive market, trust us to expertly manage the calls you can’t personally handle. ![](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/usa-map.svg) ## At Centratel, we excel in providing THE premier **Business Answering Service**, tailored to the multifaceted demands of your industry. We specialize in: ![](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/wrench-solid-1.svg) Plumbing ![](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/plug-solid.svg) Electrical Services ![](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/virus-solid.svg) Pest Control ![](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/soap-solid.svg) Cleaning ![](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/key-solid.svg) Locksmith ![](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/car-solid.svg) Automotive ![](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/dolly-solid.svg) Moving and Relocation ![](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/helmet-safety-solid.svg) Handyman ![](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/warehouse-solid.svg) Garage Door Services ![](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/blender-phone-solid.svg) Appliance Repair ![](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/toolbox-solid.svg) Equipment Repair ![](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/screwdriver-wrench-solid.svg) Emergency Repair To reach us call at [**800-664-7159**](tel:+18006647159) or fill out the **[form](https://www.centratel.com/trade-service-answering-service/#quote)** below! ### Specialized Industry Training We’ll be your dedicated partner, equipped with industry-specific knowledge to assist you in growing your business and your bottom line. With 41 years of experience and tens of millions of calls handled, we really do know your industry. ### Flawless Continuity Continuity is not a luxury. It’s a necessity. Our career answering professionals deliver a robust 24/7 answering service specifically designed to ensure your customers and potential customers are—each and every time—handled professionally and efficiently. ### Cost Savings and Call Capture Partnering with Centratel is THE cost-effective solution. And it’s not just the cost-savings of not having to hire part-time or after-hours help. It’s our ability to flawlessly capture every single incoming call. Missed calls are a silent drain that can’t be measured. ### Call Traffic Fluctuations Your incoming calls ebb and flow for various reasons. When your office experiences surges in customer calls, you can be sure we will be able to handle that call traffic. ## How Phone Calls Are Processed by Centratel ![](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/1-solid.svg) ### Incoming Calls Our Telephone Service Representative (agent) answers a call promptly, stating, “Answering for (your business.) How may I assist you?” (Of course, this “phraseology” can be adjusted to your preference.) ![](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/2-solid.svg) ### Screen for Urgency Our agent quickly determines if the call is urgent or not, based on the pre-determined criteria that you’ve specified. We understand the importance of not disturbing your on-call personnel with non-urgent messages. ![](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/3-solid.svg) ### Message Information Our agent takes all the pertinent information from your caller: name, phone number, and the reason for the call, then proceeds to dispatch the call exactly per your instructions (see #4…) ![](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/4-solid.svg) ### Notify On-Call Our agent either instantly dispatches the message by texting the on-call technician (called, [CLEAN-SCREEN®](https://www.centratel.com/cleanscreen/) service, and preferred by most of our Trade clients) or by placing a direct call to the tech. Your choice! ## Instantly enhance the efficiency of your Business while providing exceptional customer service. _You know it’s true: Four out of five first-time callers to your company will hang up if they can’t reach a human being, with the vast majority never calling back._ Missed calls mean forever lost opportunities. By employing Centratel, no calls will be lost. _You’ll have 100% call-capture._ ![](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/clock-regular.svg) ### 24/7 Live Answering Service Offer uninterrupted client support—as well as new-customer call capture—with our super-efficient 24/7 live answering service that includes emergency response, after-hours front-office answering, and daytime overflow call-traffic support. Our career telephone service representatives will process your calls around the clock so you can coddle your customers with an always-reliable connection to your company. ![](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/microphone-solid.svg) ### Call Capture When you are unavailable to take calls, we’ll cover for you, ensuring no calls go unanswered. Whether it’s regular customer inquiries or urgent messages, our flawless call-capture protocols guarantee that your people are always in the loop, never missing a beat. Dramatically elevate your customers’ experience today with our tailored call-capturing approach. ![](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/comment-sms-solid.svg) ### Free Automated Message Delivery Messages can be delivered via email, SMS, alpha-pager, or fax, at no extra cost. And these message-delivery mediums can be combined to meet your exact requirements. These options ensure that you and your people receive critical information immediately, streamlining your customer service and offering a seamless, perfect experience for your business staff. ![](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/globe-solid.svg) ### Online Message Portal Centratel’s secure, hyper-efficient online message-access feature allows you to retrieve and manage messages from anywhere at any time, eliminating the need for phone calls or phone-call inquiries to our agents. Say goodbye to missed messages and hello to a more efficient, responsive, and productive way of managing your business! ![](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/usa-solid.svg) ### US Based…and Zero Artificial Intelligence For four decades (our 41th anniversary is December 1, 2026), Centratel has been proudly owned and operated exclusively within the United States by a single owner. We never route calls offshore. Never! And we don’t use AI for call handling (or for anything else). We promise one hundred percent human engagement. ![](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/calendar-days-solid.svg) ### Monthly Billing Cycle Centratel’s billing process encompasses an entire month, resulting in twelve statements per year. In contrast, and as a too-clever method of surcharging their customers, many of our larger competitors use a 28-day billing cycle, effectively yielding them an additional thirteenth billing statement in a given year. Centratel’s traditional, clearly defined monthly billing provides transparency and consistency. ![](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/receipt-solid.svg) ### Pay-per-Call And, unlike many of our competitors, we charge for the work we accomplish, not for the time we spend with your callers.\* At Centratel, we offer a fixed fee for each call, while we don’t charge for electronic message delivery. This ensures clear and predictable costs, leading to understandable and dependable billing. \*Are you being billed by the minute? [Go here](https://www.centratel.com/gettingstarted/) and note item #6 ![](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/file-lines-regular.svg) ### No Long-Term Contract We are committed to delivering and maintaining the highest quality Business call handling in the United States. Our solutions are tailored precisely to what you require. We are confident in the service we provide, so we want our customers to have the flexibility and freedom to evaluate our services on a monthly basis. > _“Have you come to this website because your current business telephone answering service is not performing? You are not alone. Over 95% of our new customers come from answering services that were not performing to expectations.”_ > > _Sam Carpenter – Founder, President_ > _“…always very professional…we had trouble with our previous service.”_ > > D.M., owner, HVAC, United States > “We are very pleased. The operators are so pleasant and nice…a total difference from what we had before.” > > H.D., manager, HVAC, Bauersville, GA Experience the difference with our free trial: customize your service, tailor your scripts, and take control of your call forwarding — all with expert guidance and entirely free for 30 days! There’s no limit in regards to the number of calls or requirements you may have, everything is included! ## Taking the Next Step * * * For a quick orientation on how we operate, take a moment to review one or more of the key points listed in Why Choose Centratel Q&A (scroll down the page if you are on a mobile phone) For more specifics on cost, to start the onboarding process, or if you have questions, fill out this form with your basic information and if it’s during regular working hours (M-F 8am to 8pm EST or 5am to 5pm PST), we’ll get back to you within minutes. Or, during the above hours, you can simply call us at 800-664-7159 or send us an email to [inquiry@centratel.com](mailto:inquiry@centratel.com). First Name \* Last Name \* Job Title Email \* Company \* Phone \* City \* State \*State \*AlabamaAlaskaArkansasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDistrict of ColumbiaDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming How did you hear about us? How did you hear about us? \*PostcardBook gift: Work the SystemLetterReferralOnline SearchWork The SystemFacebook Is your business one of our specialties \*Is your business one of our specialties \*MedicalHome Health/HospiceVeterinary24/7 BusinessHVACTrade ServiceProperty ManagementUtilityDisaster RestorationPlumbing What is your ONE primary concern with using an answering service? \*What is your primary concern with using an answering service? \*Professionalism of staffMessage delivery accuracy and timelinessConsistent high quality of serviceCost of serviceLiabilityConfidentialityOther Are you currently using a call center/telephone answering service? \* YesNo Requested service start date \*Requested service start date \*ASAPWithin 1 WeekWithin 2 WeeksWithin 1 MonthOther List any specific call requirements Submit [Terms of Service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) ### **Why Choose Centratel** **BY SAM CARPENTER** **February 1, 2026** 1.CENTRATEL’S UNIQUE 30-DAY FREE TRIAL Why is this important? Because it will provide you a truly accurate estimate of cost (we bill monthly), it will demonstrate our quality, and it gives both sides of this brand new relationship—you and Centratel—plenty of time to refine and perfect operational details. Here’s a testimonial from a new medical client that had just finished their 30-day trial: _“Of course, I love the cost as it is close to the amount I was allowed by the president of the company. I told him that if we did not continue with Centratel, I would resign as the Director of Customer Service, and I meant it. It’s a great fit. We have had NOT ONE complaint from a patient or in-house which, as you know, we received daily with our former answering service._ _I love you, Centratel, and the price. I’m ready to sign whatever documents you require._ _Thanks for the great service, and the free month_! _To a great partnership! -KB, Phoenix_“ 2.STATISTICALLY, THE BEST IN THE U.S.? Answering service quality is 100% dependent on human action and reaction, and in the course of a single day a multitude of human decisions are made by the people who process the calls: Telephone Service Representatives, or TSRs. (Some answering services refer to them as “agents.” Others, “operators.”) Like any other answering service, at Centratel we’re dealing with real live human beings and so human errors can occur. But within this labor intensive service industry that is historically known for marginal quality, Centratel’s error rate is light years ahead of established standards. Our most recent Customer Reported Error Rate (October through December, 2025) was 1 customer-reported error for every 7,017 message transactions processed. That statistic is unmatched. There’s no artificial intelligence manipulation, we do not offshore calls, and we were founded and have always operated within the United States. (Note that since early 2020, the COVID six-foot social distancing mandate drove thousands of small-to-medium sized answering services out of business. Large, often foreign-owned multi-nationals, disguised by the name of the local answering services they acquired, now thoroughly dominate the industry. Hence, an even further decline in general service quality. [See this analysis.](https://www.centratel.com/answering-service-phone-industry/)) 3.CUSTOMER SERVICE EXTRAORDINAIRE Your concerns will be instantly acted upon. It’s a work ethic that stands in stark contrast to the general decline in quality of human-to-human business communications. You’ve seen it yourself, all around. At Centratel you will know by name the customer service people you’re working with, appreciating their special listening abilities as well as their take-action-now comportment. e.g. see the testimonial in point #1 above. ‘Nuff said! 4.GETTING STARTED: IT’S SIMPLE AND FAST Getting your new Centratel answering service 30-day free trial up-and-running is accomplished within 24-48 hours. From the start, your “onboarding” customer service representative will be with you every step of the way **,** listening carefully to your concerns, answering questions and offering suggestions. 5.NEW TO USING AN ANSWERING SERVICE? The very large majority of our current answering service accounts switched to us from another service because of quality and/or cost problems. However, if you have not used a service before, you are not familiar with the options, benefits, and pitfalls. Our 30-day free trial provides you—and us—plenty of time to precisely refine your desired message-taking and delivery protocols; to get things exactly the way you want them to be without any financial risk, undue pressure, or obligation. 6.PRICING Starting at $150 per month, our rates lie in the mid-range of the industry. Note that we charge by the “transaction unit” rather than the duration of time spent handling calls. Large “mega-services” operating in the U.S. prefer time billing because it ensures the company is compensated for lower-paid/high-turnover — and thus slower — agents. _No matter the quality or how long they keep your callers on hold, they still make a profit_. And yes, it can get expensive, especially if caller on-hold time is also billed. In any answering service, it takes a long time for a new agent to become fast, efficient, and stable. At Centratel, we pamper and reward experienced agents (via high pay and great benefits) and therefore have extremely low staff turnover. Needless to say, experienced agents make fewer errors than trainees who learn on-the-job. And, transaction-unit billing is easy to understand. There is no room for fraud as in time-billing. We can easily document and explain any monthly billing we send you. 7.ACCURATELY COMPARING ANSWERING SERVICE PRICING IS COMPLICATED It’s apples and oranges. There isn’t an industry standard for billing, and each answering service has its own formula. Also, as noted above, some services charge by agent “time” while a few, like us, charge by “transaction units.” Some others combine the two. At Centratel, we charge for the work we do, not by the time we spend. The raw truth is that the only reliable way to determine monthly cost for a new service is to use that service for a solid month. Most answering services offer a 7-day free trial or no trial at all. With Centratel you get 30-days. 8. MONTHLY OR 28-DAY BILLING? Important! At Centratel, we use a “monthly” billing cycle in which invoices are compiled from the first day of a month through the last day of that month. When soliciting quotes from other services, be sure to ask if the base-rate charges are billed monthly or on a “28-day billing cycle.” There is no good reason for a 28-day billing cycle! It’s bait-and-switch: customers billed on a 28-day cycle actually receive thirteen billings per year and therefore the overall cost is higher. 9.NO CONTRACT AND SIMPLE TERMS OF SERVICE We don’t ask for a term-contract for service because you should be able to evaluate us real-time, without restraint. Our [terms of service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) are simple and straight-forward. 10.VALUABLE FREE GIFT FOR CONTACTING US If you take the time to discuss answering service with us, on the same day we will ship you a hardcover copy of Sam Carpenter’s bestselling book, [_Work The System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_](https://www.workthesystem.com/), now just released in its 5th edition. We’ll send you a copy just for contacting us. (Sam is Centatel’s very active CEO.) December 1st 2025 marked his forty first year of ownership.) * * * ## Footer ## Centratel Answering Services https://www.centratel.com/blog-archive/2026-01-15T18:40:27+00:00https://www.centratel.com/blog/hvac-answering-service/boosting-efficiency/2023-08-24T16:21:27+00:00https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/hvac-answering-service-3.jpghttps://www.centratel.com/blog/answering-service/24-7-business-answering-service-customers/2023-08-24T16:30:37+00:00https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/247-Answering-Service-1.jpghttps://www.centratel.com/blog/trade-service-answering-service/elevate-operations/2023-08-24T16:32:38+00:00https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/trade-service-answering-service-2.jpghttps://www.centratel.com/blog/property-management-answering-service/transform-business/2023-08-24T16:34:12+00:00https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/property-management-answering-service-2.jpghttps://www.centratel.com/blog/veterinary-answering-service/vet-client-service/2023-08-24T16:36:43+00:00https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/veterinary-answering-service-3.jpghttps://www.centratel.com/blog/home-healthcare-hospice-answering-service/hipaa-compliant-difference/2023-08-24T16:37:43+00:00https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/hopsice-answering-service.jpghttps://www.centratel.com/blog/medical-answering-service/hipaa-secure-and-reliable/2023-08-24T16:39:06+00:00https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/medical-answering-service.jpghttps://www.centratel.com/blog/utility-answering-service/oil-and-gas-answering/2023-08-24T16:40:10+00:00https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Public-and-Private-utilites-answering-service.jpghttps://www.centratel.com/blog/answering-service/never-miss-a-call/2023-08-24T16:40:49+00:00https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/247-Answering-Service.jpghttps://www.centratel.com/blog/trade-service-answering-service/strategic-advantages/2023-08-24T16:41:35+00:00https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/trade-service-answering-service.jpghttps://www.centratel.com/blog/property-management-answering-service/boosting-efficency/2023-08-24T16:42:21+00:00https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/property-management-answering-service.jpghttps://www.centratel.com/blog/veterinary-answering-service/advantages-over-in-house/2023-08-24T16:43:02+00:00https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/veterinary-answering-service-1.jpghttps://www.centratel.com/blog/home-healthcare-hospice-answering-service/hospice-care-communication/2023-08-24T16:43:45+00:00https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/hospice-care-communication.jpghttps://www.centratel.com/blog/medical-answering-service/medical-emergencies-hipaa-compliant/2023-08-24T16:45:33+00:00https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/HIPAA-Compliant-Answering-Service.jpghttps://www.centratel.com/blog/hvac-answering-service/the-peak-hvac-season/2023-08-24T16:46:14+00:00https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/hvac-answering-service.jpghttps://www.centratel.com/blog/utility-answering-service/answering-service-for-water-utility-companies/2023-08-24T16:46:58+00:00https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Answering-Service-for-Water-Utility-Companies.jpghttps://www.centratel.com/blog/answering-service/24-7-answering-service-businesses/2023-08-24T16:47:43+00:00https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/feat-image-6.jpghttps://www.centratel.com/blog/trade-service-answering-service/revolutionize-client-communication/2023-08-24T16:48:41+00:00https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/answering-service-for-trade-service.jpghttps://www.centratel.com/blog/property-management-answering-service/enhance-tenant-communication/2023-08-24T16:49:24+00:00https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/property-management-answering-service.jpghttps://www.centratel.com/blog/veterinary-answering-service/answering-service-for-veterinary-clinics/2023-08-24T16:50:52+00:00https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/veterinary-answering-service.jpghttps://www.centratel.com/blog/home-healthcare-hospice-answering-service/hipaa-compliant-home-health-hospice/2023-08-24T16:51:29+00:00https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/HIPAA-Compliant-Answering-Service.jpghttps://www.centratel.com/blog/medical-answering-service/patient-care-hipaa-compliant/2023-08-24T16:52:34+00:00https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/HIPAA-Compliant-Medical-Answering-Service.jpghttps://www.centratel.com/blog/hvac-answering-service/customer-service-hvac/2023-08-24T16:53:22+00:00https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/feat-image.jpghttps://www.centratel.com/blog/veterinary-answering-service/enhancing-your-veterinary-business-the-power-of-an-answering-service/2023-08-24T16:54:50+00:00https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/CTS-enhancing-your-veterinary-business-the-power-of-an-answering-service.jpghttps://www.centratel.com/blog/home-healthcare-hospice-answe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IN SUCH STATES, THE WEB SITE’S LIABILITY IS LIMITED TO THE GREATEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW. **7.  Indemnification** You agree to indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Web Site and its members, managers, officers, employees, agents and the assigns of same, from and against any and all loss, costs, expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses), claims, damages and liabilities related to or associated with your use of the Web Site and any violation of this Privacy Policy by you. **8.  Governing Law and Jurisdiction** This Privacy Policy constitutes a contract made under and shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Oregon. **9.  Last Update** This Privacy Policy was last updated on April 23, 2014. **10.  Contact Information** Questions or comments regarding the Web Site should be sent by e-mail to: info@centratel.com or by U.S. mail to: Centratel, P.O. Box 5186, Bend, OR 97708. (UPS and Fed Ex Delivery): Centratel 1011 SW Emkay Drive, Suite 211, Bend, OR 97702. ## Footer ## Centratel Blog Sitemap https://www.centratel.com/blog/answering-service/2026-01-15T18:40:27+00:00https://www.centratel.com/blog/https://www.centratel.com/blog/home-healthcare-hospice-answering-service/2026-01-02T16:11:14+00:00https://www.centratel.com/blog/hvac-answering-service/2024-02-16T00:25:33+00:00https://www.centratel.com/blog/medical-answering-service/2026-01-02T16:11:14+00:00https://www.centratel.com/blog/property-management-answering-service/2025-12-08T07:05:53+00:00https://www.centratel.com/blog/trade-service-answering-service/2023-10-26T15:08:19+00:00https://www.centratel.com/blog/utility-answering-service/2023-10-18T15:07:27+00:00https://www.centratel.com/blog/veterinary-answering-service/2023-12-28T16:28:23+00:00 ## HIPAA Compliant Answering Service - [Skip to primary navigation](https://www.centratel.com/blog/home-healthcare-hospice-answering-service/what-is-a-hipaa-compliant-home-healthcare-answering-service/#genesis-nav-primary) - [Skip to main content](https://www.centratel.com/blog/home-healthcare-hospice-answering-service/what-is-a-hipaa-compliant-home-healthcare-answering-service/#genesis-content) - [Skip to footer](https://www.centratel.com/blog/home-healthcare-hospice-answering-service/what-is-a-hipaa-compliant-home-healthcare-answering-service/#genesis-footer-widgets) The Highest Quality Telephone Answering Service in the United States - [Make Payment](https://thepaymentportal.com/index.php?compcode=2C1A-9FF4-91CA-7F93) - [Client Login](https://oncall.centratel.com/) - [Follow Centratel on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centratel-answering-service/) - [Follow Centratel on Twitter](https://twitter.com/centratel) - [Follow Centratel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centratel) ![The signature for the contract shielded by HIPAA compliant answering service](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/CTS-what-is-a-hipaa-compliant-home-healthcare-answering-service.jpg) # What is a HIPAA compliant home healthcare answering service? October 6, 2022 [Home Healthcare & Hospice](https://www.centratel.com/blog/home-healthcare-hospice-answering-service/) By Sam Carpenter If you’re in the home healthcare industry, you certainly know the impact of HIPAA. This set of privacy laws governs how healthcare providers should treat their patients’ medical data, but it also affects the vendors you work with. If you want to respect your patients’ privacy and remain compliant with government regulations, it is essential to use a HIPAA compliant answering service. What makes an answering service qualify as HIPAA compliant? There are four key features to look for. ## Rigorous Data Security Standards A lot of protected health information (PHI) and personally identifiable information (PII) is passed back and forth between your staff and the answering service. Over the course of a single call, answering service staff might do things like collect names and addresses or mention a patient’s healthcare needs. If this information is not handled correctly, it could be a HIPAA violation. Therefore, it is essential to find an answering service that protects all of your data and understands the do’s and don’ts. A high-quality service that follows HIPAA guidelines will meet a myriad of industry-standard security guidelines. This includes sending emails via encrypted email and using a secure messaging system. All data needs must be stored in private locations protected by bullet-proof protocols that include constantly changing (and safeguarded) passwords. ## Ongoing HIPAA Training Healthcare professionals must stay informed and receive ongoing training. A HIPAA compliant answering service’s staff should too! HIPAA laws are constantly updated to stay relevant to new technology and healthcare privacy rules, so it’s important for to keep staff up-to-date. And so it is with your answering service: a HIPAA compliant telephone answering service makes ongoing training a part of their routine. Regular training gives answering service staff a valuable chance to brush up on new HIPAA regulations. Instead of simply sitting through a quick course when hired, staff are frequently reminded of how to handle data. ![An illustration about Centratel the HIPAA compliant answering service](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201024%20536'%3E%3C/svg%3E) ## Frequent Updates for Software and Hardware Your PHI is only as secure as your technology. An answering service that’s required to follow HIPAA guidelines pays close attention to the type of technology used. Using up-to-date technology is essential if you want to protect your patient’s data and stay HIPAA-compliant. Only the highest quality answering service will use updated computers, phones, and other hardware. They will also have a clearly defined schedule for updating their software. This is important because using outdated technology is one of the most-preventable [causes of data leaks](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7349636/). If a system is outdated, scam artists will exploit vulnerabilities and steal patient data. ## Dedicated HIPAA Compliance Officer When an answering service has a dedicated HIPAA compliance officer, you can trust them to correctly handle your sensitive data. A dedicated compliance officer has undergone extensive training, more than other employees including all the nuanced legal details. The compliance officer is essential because they coordinate tasks between various departments. This ensures that any small HIPAA compliance tasks don’t end up falling through cracks. Having a focused, highly-trained person overseeing everything does much to guarantee that the high quality answering service remains HIPAA compliant. Typically, the compliance officer also monitors any new regulations or guidelines on the Health and Human Services (HHS) and state sites. Do your homework! By carefully selecting an answering service that fulfills these requirements, you can be confident that your patient data is secure and that you won’t run afoul of the numerous HIPAA guidelines. And with this, it makes it easier to focus on what you do best: taking care of your patients and your medical staff. -Sam Carpenter ## Taking the Next Step * * * For a quick orientation on how we operate, take a moment to review one or more of the key points listed in Why Choose Centratel Q&A (scroll down the page if you are on a mobile phone) For more specifics on cost, to start the onboarding process, or if you have questions, fill out this form with your basic information and if it’s during regular working hours (M-F 8am to 8pm EST or 5am to 5pm PST), we’ll get back to you within minutes. Or, during the above hours, you can simply call us at 800-664-7159 or send us an email to [inquiry@centratel.com](mailto:inquiry@centratel.com). First Name \* Last Name \* Job Title Email \* Company \* Phone \* City \* State \*State \*AlabamaAlaskaArkansasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDistrict of ColumbiaDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming How did you hear about us? How did you hear about us? \*PostcardBook gift: Work the SystemLetterReferralOnline SearchWork The SystemFacebook Is your business one of our specialties \*Is your business one of our specialties \*MedicalHome Health/HospiceVeterinary24/7 BusinessHVACTrade ServiceProperty ManagementUtilityDisaster RestorationPlumbing What is your ONE primary concern with using an answering service? \*What is your primary concern with using an answering service? \*Professionalism of staffMessage delivery accuracy and timelinessConsistent high quality of serviceCost of serviceLiabilityConfidentialityOther Are you currently using a call center/telephone answering service? \* YesNo Requested service start date \*Requested service start date \*ASAPWithin 1 WeekWithin 2 WeeksWithin 1 MonthOther List any specific call requirements Submit [Terms of Service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) ### **Why Choose Centratel** **BY SAM CARPENTER** **February 1, 2026** 1.CENTRATEL’S UNIQUE 30-DAY FREE TRIAL Why is this important? Because it will provide you a truly accurate estimate of cost (we bill monthly), it will demonstrate our quality, and it gives both sides of this brand new relationship—you and Centratel—plenty of time to refine and perfect operational details. Here’s a testimonial from a new medical client that had just finished their 30-day trial: _“Of course, I love the cost as it is close to the amount I was allowed by the president of the company. I told him that if we did not continue with Centratel, I would resign as the Director of Customer Service, and I meant it. It’s a great fit. We have had NOT ONE complaint from a patient or in-house which, as you know, we received daily with our former answering service._ _I love you, Centratel, and the price. I’m ready to sign whatever documents you require._ _Thanks for the great service, and the free month_! _To a great partnership! -KB, Phoenix_“ 2.STATISTICALLY, THE BEST IN THE U.S.? Answering service quality is 100% dependent on human action and reaction, and in the course of a single day a multitude of human decisions are made by the people who process the calls: Telephone Service Representatives, or TSRs. (Some answering services refer to them as “agents.” Others, “operators.”) Like any other answering service, at Centratel we’re dealing with real live human beings and so human errors can occur. But within this labor intensive service industry that is historically known for marginal quality, Centratel’s error rate is light years ahead of established standards. Our most recent Customer Reported Error Rate (October through December, 2025) was 1 customer-reported error for every 7,017 message transactions processed. That statistic is unmatched. There’s no artificial intelligence manipulation, we do not offshore calls, and we were founded and have always operated within the United States. (Note that since early 2020, the COVID six-foot social distancing mandate drove thousands of small-to-medium sized answering services out of business. Large, often foreign-owned multi-nationals, disguised by the name of the local answering services they acquired, now thoroughly dominate the industry. Hence, an even further decline in general service quality. [See this analysis.](https://www.centratel.com/answering-service-phone-industry/)) 3.CUSTOMER SERVICE EXTRAORDINAIRE Your concerns will be instantly acted upon. It’s a work ethic that stands in stark contrast to the general decline in quality of human-to-human business communications. You’ve seen it yourself, all around. At Centratel you will know by name the customer service people you’re working with, appreciating their special listening abilities as well as their take-action-now comportment. e.g. see the testimonial in point #1 above. ‘Nuff said! 4.GETTING STARTED: IT’S SIMPLE AND FAST Getting your new Centratel answering service 30-day free trial up-and-running is accomplished within 24-48 hours. From the start, your “onboarding” customer service representative will be with you every step of the way **,** listening carefully to your concerns, answering questions and offering suggestions. 5.NEW TO USING AN ANSWERING SERVICE? The very large majority of our current answering service accounts switched to us from another service because of quality and/or cost problems. However, if you have not used a service before, you are not familiar with the options, benefits, and pitfalls. Our 30-day free trial provides you—and us—plenty of time to precisely refine your desired message-taking and delivery protocols; to get things exactly the way you want them to be without any financial risk, undue pressure, or obligation. 6.PRICING Starting at $150 per month, our rates lie in the mid-range of the industry. Note that we charge by the “transaction unit” rather than the duration of time spent handling calls. Large “mega-services” operating in the U.S. prefer time billing because it ensures the company is compensated for lower-paid/high-turnover — and thus slower — agents. _No matter the quality or how long they keep your callers on hold, they still make a profit_. And yes, it can get expensive, especially if caller on-hold time is also billed. In any answering service, it takes a long time for a new agent to become fast, efficient, and stable. At Centratel, we pamper and reward experienced agents (via high pay and great benefits) and therefore have extremely low staff turnover. Needless to say, experienced agents make fewer errors than trainees who learn on-the-job. And, transaction-unit billing is easy to understand. There is no room for fraud as in time-billing. We can easily document and explain any monthly billing we send you. 7.ACCURATELY COMPARING ANSWERING SERVICE PRICING IS COMPLICATED It’s apples and oranges. There isn’t an industry standard for billing, and each answering service has its own formula. Also, as noted above, some services charge by agent “time” while a few, like us, charge by “transaction units.” Some others combine the two. At Centratel, we charge for the work we do, not by the time we spend. The raw truth is that the only reliable way to determine monthly cost for a new service is to use that service for a solid month. Most answering services offer a 7-day free trial or no trial at all. With Centratel you get 30-days. 8. MONTHLY OR 28-DAY BILLING? Important! At Centratel, we use a “monthly” billing cycle in which invoices are compiled from the first day of a month through the last day of that month. When soliciting quotes from other services, be sure to ask if the base-rate charges are billed monthly or on a “28-day billing cycle.” There is no good reason for a 28-day billing cycle! It’s a sly manipulation by the answering service: customers billed on a 28-day cycle actually receive thirteen billings per year instead of twelve. 9.NO CONTRACT AND SIMPLE TERMS OF SERVICE We don’t ask for a term contract for service because you should be able to evaluate us in real time, without restraint. Our [terms of service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) are simple and straight-forward. 10.VALUABLE FREE GIFT FOR CONTACTING US If you take the time to discuss answering service with us, on that same day we will ship you a hardcover copy of Sam Carpenter’s bestselling book, [_Work The System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_](https://www.workthesystem.com/), now in its 5th edition. (Sam is Centatel’s very active CEO.) December 1st 2025 marked his forty first year of ownership.) * * * ## Footer ## Website Terms of Use - [Skip to primary navigation](https://www.centratel.com/terms-of-use/#genesis-mobile-nav-primary) - [Skip to main content](https://www.centratel.com/terms-of-use/#genesis-content) - [Skip to footer](https://www.centratel.com/terms-of-use/#genesis-footer-widgets) The Highest Quality Telephone Answering Service in the United States - [Make Payment](https://thepaymentportal.com/index.php?compcode=2C1A-9FF4-91CA-7F93) - [Client Login](https://oncall.centratel.com/) - [Follow Centratel on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centratel-answering-service/) - [Follow Centratel on Twitter](https://twitter.com/centratel) - [Follow Centratel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centratel) **WEB SITE TERMS OF USE** These “Terms of Use” set forth the terms and conditions that apply to your use of centratel.com (the “Web Site”). By using the Web Site (other than to read this page for the first time), you agree to comply with all of the Terms of Use set forth herein. The right to use the Web Site is personal to you and is not transferable to any other person or entity. **Copyrights and Trademarks** A.  All materials contained on the Web Site are Copyright April 23, 2008, Centratel, LLC. All rights reserved. B.  No person is authorized to use, copy or distribute any portion the Web Site including related graphics. C.   Centratel, LLC and other trademarks and/or service marks (including logos and designs) found on the Web Site are trademarks/service marks that identify Centratel, LLC and the goods and/or services provided by Centratel, LLC. Such marks may not be used under any circumstances without the prior written authorization of Centratel, LLC. **Links to Third-Party Web Site** Centratel, LLC may provide hyperlinks to third-party web sites as a convenience to users of the Web Site. Centratel, LLC does not control third-party web sites and is not responsible for the contents of any linked-to, third-party web sites or any hyperlink in a linked-to web site. Centratel, LLC does not endorse, recommend or approve any third-party web site hyperlinked from the Web Site. Centratel, LLC will have no liability to any entity for the content or use of the content available through such hyperlink. **No Representations or Warranties; Limitations on Liability** The information and materials on the Web Site could include technical inaccuracies or typographical errors. Changes are periodically made to the information contained herein. Centratel, LLC MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES WITH RESPECT TO ANY INFORMATION, MATERIALS OR GRAPHICS ON THE WEB SITE, ALL OF WHICH IS PROVIDED ON A STRICTLY “AS IS” BASIS, WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND AND HEREBY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES WITH REGARD TO ANY INFORMATION, MATERIALS OR GRAPHICS ON THE WEB SITE, INCLUDING ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND NON-INFRINGEMENT. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHALL THE SITE OWNER OR PUBLISHER BE LIABLE UNDER ANY THEORY OF RECOVERY, AT LAW OR IN EQUITY, FOR ANY DAMAGES, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, SPECIAL, DIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO LOSS OF USE OR LOST PROFITS), ARISING OUT OF OR IN ANY MANNER CONNECTED WITH THE USE OF INFORMATION OR SERVICES, OR THE FAILURE TO PROVIDE INFORMATION OR SERVICES, FROM THE WEB SITE. **Changes to These Terms of Use** Centratel, LLC reserves the right to change these Terms of Use at any time by posting new Terms of Use at this location. You can send e-mail to Centratel, LLC with any questions relating to these Terms of Use at info@centratel.com. ## Footer ## HVAC Business Management Tips - [Skip to primary navigation](https://www.centratel.com/blog/hvac-answering-service/5-tips-to-help-manage-your-hvac-business/#genesis-nav-primary) - [Skip to main content](https://www.centratel.com/blog/hvac-answering-service/5-tips-to-help-manage-your-hvac-business/#genesis-content) - [Skip to footer](https://www.centratel.com/blog/hvac-answering-service/5-tips-to-help-manage-your-hvac-business/#genesis-footer-widgets) The Highest Quality Telephone Answering Service in the United States - [Make Payment](https://thepaymentportal.com/index.php?compcode=2C1A-9FF4-91CA-7F93) - [Client Login](https://oncall.centratel.com/) - [Follow Centratel on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centratel-answering-service/) - [Follow Centratel on Twitter](https://twitter.com/centratel) - [Follow Centratel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centratel) ![Worker checking the on-call scheduling from his answering service while repairing the HVAC system](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Centratel-5-tips-to-help-manage-your-hvac-business-1.jpg) # 5 Tips to Help Manage your HVAC Business August 8, 2019 [HVAC](https://www.centratel.com/blog/hvac-answering-service/) By Centratel Owning an HVAC company is a challenging, yet rewarding business to be in. **These five tips for good management practices will help you increase revenue, improve client satisfaction with minimal stress** and most of all contribute to happier clients. After all, happy clients are more likely to refer others and help you increase your customer base. ![A Centratel's infographic about the 5 tips to help manage your HVAC business](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/5-Tips-to-Help-Manage-your-HVAC-Business-INFOGRAPHIC.jpg) ## 1\. Start the day strong Whether it is the boost from caffeine, exercise or just natural rhythms, studies show that people are more energetic and productive in the morning. **Make use of that energy by scheduling more difficult tasks for the morning**. If you have time, use the mornings to [call a team meeting](https://www.centratel.com/blog/hvac-answering-service/can-your-hvac-business-go-completely-remote/) and boost the synergy and moral of your team for the day. ![A hand holding a cup of coffee during the daily breakfast of an HVAC business owner](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/start-the-day-strong.jpg) ## 2\. Stay in touch with your team Set regular check-ins throughout the day with staff to ensure tasks are being completed in a timely manner. **Running an HVAC business involves the coordination of many individuals** within your organization making things happen. From the front office and scheduling to the techs and sales team in the field and you as the owner, **everyone has to work in close coordination with one another to take care of your customers**. As the day moves forward take a moment to check in with everyone and make sure things are running smoothly. ## 3\. Use a telephone answering service for off hours Better management practices sometimes just require properly delegating tasks. **Consider using a** telephone answering service **for daytime overflow, weekend and evening phone calls** rather than putting that additional burden on your employees or yourself. Letting an outside service handle these calls will decrease staffing expenses and increase revenue. ![A telephone service representative answering after-hour phone calls for HVAC businesses](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201500%20781'%3E%3C/svg%3E) ## 4\. Seek client feedback Offer comment cards and surveys for your customers. If possible, **set up an online portal to make it easy to submit requests**. This will help you see what works and what doesn’t as you work to [improve your business](https://www.centratel.com/hvac-answering-service/). ## 5\. End the day by planning for tomorrow At the end of each day, sit down and **make a list of everything you need to follow up on in the morning**. This will help you hit the ground running and avoid being blindsided by a forgotten task. **Once the list is complete, roll the phones over to your telephone answering service** and enjoy some much-deserved down time with friends and family. ## Taking the Next Step * * * For a quick orientation on how we operate, take a moment to review one or more of the key points listed in Why Choose Centratel Q&A (scroll down the page if you are on a mobile phone) For more specifics on cost, to start the onboarding process, or if you have questions, fill out this form with your basic information and if it’s during regular working hours (M-F 8am to 8pm EST or 5am to 5pm PST), we’ll get back to you within minutes. Or, during the above hours, you can simply call us at 800-664-7159 or send us an email to [inquiry@centratel.com](mailto:inquiry@centratel.com). First Name \* Last Name \* Job Title Email \* Company \* Phone \* City \* State \*State \*AlabamaAlaskaArkansasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDistrict of ColumbiaDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming How did you hear about us? How did you hear about us? \*PostcardBook gift: Work the SystemLetterReferralOnline SearchWork The SystemFacebook Is your business one of our specialties \*Is your business one of our specialties \*MedicalHome Health/HospiceVeterinary24/7 BusinessHVACTrade ServiceProperty ManagementUtilityDisaster RestorationPlumbing What is your ONE primary concern with using an answering service? \*What is your primary concern with using an answering service? \*Professionalism of staffMessage delivery accuracy and timelinessConsistent high quality of serviceCost of serviceLiabilityConfidentialityOther Are you currently using a call center/telephone answering service? \* YesNo Requested service start date \*Requested service start date \*ASAPWithin 1 WeekWithin 2 WeeksWithin 1 MonthOther List any specific call requirements Submit [Terms of Service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) ### **Why Choose Centratel** **BY SAM CARPENTER** **February 1, 2026** 1.CENTRATEL’S UNIQUE 30-DAY FREE TRIAL Why is this important? Because it will provide you a truly accurate estimate of cost (we bill monthly), it will demonstrate our quality, and it gives both sides of this brand new relationship—you and Centratel—plenty of time to refine and perfect operational details. Here’s a testimonial from a new medical client that had just finished their 30-day trial: _“Of course, I love the cost as it is close to the amount I was allowed by the president of the company. I told him that if we did not continue with Centratel, I would resign as the Director of Customer Service, and I meant it. It’s a great fit. We have had NOT ONE complaint from a patient or in-house which, as you know, we received daily with our former answering service._ _I love you, Centratel, and the price. I’m ready to sign whatever documents you require._ _Thanks for the great service, and the free month_! _To a great partnership! -KB, Phoenix_“ 2.STATISTICALLY, THE BEST IN THE U.S.? Answering service quality is 100% dependent on human action and reaction, and in the course of a single day a multitude of human decisions are made by the people who process the calls: Telephone Service Representatives, or TSRs. (Some answering services refer to them as “agents.” Others, “operators.”) Like any other answering service, at Centratel we’re dealing with real live human beings and so human errors can occur. But within this labor intensive service industry that is historically known for marginal quality, Centratel’s error rate is light years ahead of established standards. Our most recent Customer Reported Error Rate (October through December, 2025) was 1 customer-reported error for every 7,017 message transactions processed. That statistic is unmatched. There’s no artificial intelligence manipulation, we do not offshore calls, and we were founded and have always operated within the United States. (Note that since early 2020, the COVID six-foot social distancing mandate drove thousands of small-to-medium sized answering services out of business. Large, often foreign-owned multi-nationals, disguised by the name of the local answering services they acquired, now thoroughly dominate the industry. Hence, an even further decline in general service quality. [See this analysis.](https://www.centratel.com/answering-service-phone-industry/)) 3.CUSTOMER SERVICE EXTRAORDINAIRE Your concerns will be instantly acted upon. It’s a work ethic that stands in stark contrast to the general decline in quality of human-to-human business communications. You’ve seen it yourself, all around. At Centratel you will know by name the customer service people you’re working with, appreciating their special listening abilities as well as their take-action-now comportment. e.g. see the testimonial in point #1 above. ‘Nuff said! 4.GETTING STARTED: IT’S SIMPLE AND FAST Getting your new Centratel answering service 30-day free trial up-and-running is accomplished within 24-48 hours. From the start, your “onboarding” customer service representative will be with you every step of the way **,** listening carefully to your concerns, answering questions and offering suggestions. 5.NEW TO USING AN ANSWERING SERVICE? The very large majority of our current answering service accounts switched to us from another service because of quality and/or cost problems. However, if you have not used a service before, you are not familiar with the options, benefits, and pitfalls. Our 30-day free trial provides you—and us—plenty of time to precisely refine your desired message-taking and delivery protocols; to get things exactly the way you want them to be without any financial risk, undue pressure, or obligation. 6.PRICING Starting at $150 per month, our rates lie in the mid-range of the industry. Note that we charge by the “transaction unit” rather than the duration of time spent handling calls. Large “mega-services” operating in the U.S. prefer time billing because it ensures the company is compensated for lower-paid/high-turnover — and thus slower — agents. _No matter the quality or how long they keep your callers on hold, they still make a profit_. And yes, it can get expensive, especially if caller on-hold time is also billed. In any answering service, it takes a long time for a new agent to become fast, efficient, and stable. At Centratel, we pamper and reward experienced agents (via high pay and great benefits) and therefore have extremely low staff turnover. Needless to say, experienced agents make fewer errors than trainees who learn on-the-job. And, transaction-unit billing is easy to understand. There is no room for fraud as in time-billing. We can easily document and explain any monthly billing we send you. 7.ACCURATELY COMPARING ANSWERING SERVICE PRICING IS COMPLICATED It’s apples and oranges. There isn’t an industry standard for billing, and each answering service has its own formula. Also, as noted above, some services charge by agent “time” while a few, like us, charge by “transaction units.” Some others combine the two. At Centratel, we charge for the work we do, not by the time we spend. The raw truth is that the only reliable way to determine monthly cost for a new service is to use that service for a solid month. Most answering services offer a 7-day free trial or no trial at all. With Centratel you get 30-days. 8. MONTHLY OR 28-DAY BILLING? Important! At Centratel, we use a “monthly” billing cycle in which invoices are compiled from the first day of a month through the last day of that month. When soliciting quotes from other services, be sure to ask if the base-rate charges are billed monthly or on a “28-day billing cycle.” There is no good reason for a 28-day billing cycle! It’s a sly manipulation by the answering service: customers billed on a 28-day cycle actually receive thirteen billings per year instead of twelve. 9.NO CONTRACT AND SIMPLE TERMS OF SERVICE We don’t ask for a term contract for service because you should be able to evaluate us in real time, without restraint. Our [terms of service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) are simple and straight-forward. 10.VALUABLE FREE GIFT FOR CONTACTING US If you take the time to discuss answering service with us, on that same day we will ship you a hardcover copy of Sam Carpenter’s bestselling book, [_Work The System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_](https://www.workthesystem.com/), now in its 5th edition. (Sam is Centatel’s very active CEO.) December 1st 2025 marked his forty first year of ownership.) * * * ## Footer ## Remote Job Opportunities https://www.centratel.com/employment-opportunities/remote-telephone-service-representative-full-time/2026-01-21T16:15:44+00:00https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/EmploymentOpportunities-ADs-header.jpg ## Remote Phone Service Jobs - [Skip to primary navigation](https://www.centratel.com/employment-opportunities/remote-telephone-service-representative-full-time/#genesis-mobile-nav-primary) - [Skip to main content](https://www.centratel.com/employment-opportunities/remote-telephone-service-representative-full-time/#genesis-content) - [Skip to footer](https://www.centratel.com/employment-opportunities/remote-telephone-service-representative-full-time/#genesis-footer-widgets) The Highest Quality Telephone Answering Service in the United States - [Make Payment](https://thepaymentportal.com/index.php?compcode=2C1A-9FF4-91CA-7F93) - [Client Login](https://oncall.centratel.com/) - [Follow Centratel on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centratel-answering-service/) - [Follow Centratel on Twitter](https://twitter.com/centratel) - [Follow Centratel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centratel) ![](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/EmploymentOpportunities-ADs-header.jpg) # Remote Telephone Service RepresentativeFull-time (Oregon, Texas, Idaho, Kentucky, Tennessee) * * * We are seeking telephone service agents to work from home for our great company. While prior call center or answering service experience is preferred, we are willing to train candidates who demonstrate strong communication skills and solid professionalism. Who are we? We are statistically the highest-quality “human first” telephone answering service in America. We’ve been in business for 41 years under a single owner and our headquarters are in Bend, Oregon. This is NOT a sales position, our TSRs process incoming calls only. **One very important point before you continue exploring this opportunity, and it has to do with the sensitive, private, and often urgent nature of the service we provide: An on-line 3rd-party, professionally administered drug test is part of the application process. Then, if you pass this initial test and are hired, you will be included in several more professionally administered company-wide tests per year, conducted at unannounced random intervals. If you fail a test, you will be immediately dismissed with this blemish appearing on your permanent work record.** _**If you use or plan to use illicit drugs, it is best that you do not apply for this position in the first place.**_ **The good news if you are drug-free? You will know for sure that your coworkers are also drug-free…an unusual working environment in our culture in these topsy-turvy times…** We hire people with professional warmth who possess a clear, empathetic demeanor.  They are pleasant, easy to understand, and confident in their decision-making. They are customer-centric and detail-oriented, with solid typing skills and strong linguistic skills (verbal and written). **An empathetic, confident comportment is an essential attribute.** **Voice tone and voice quality are critical:** We hire people with professional warmth and a decisive persona. They are pleasant, confident, and easy to understand. Our training is thorough, and the “people” skills that you’ll learn will prove valuable to you for the rest of your life. Paid-training is provided. And the benefits, 401K, health insurance, PTO, are great…. Another important point to consider is that, because of the nature of our 24/7/365 business, which creates heavy call traffic on weekends, you can expect to work both Saturdays and Sundays, as well as three consecutive days during the week. ## Job Description: You will process incoming calls for various businesses, including professional medical and veterinary offices, across the United States. The TSR’s task is to accurately and efficiently receive and then record messages, and then deliver that information to our clients per their individualized message-relay protocols. The Centratel TSR utilizes a proprietary telephone system specifically designed for answering services. Your training will be intense and thorough. The clients we serve include service businesses whose personnel are in the field and away from their business phones; and, as mentioned, medical and veterinary offices that receive emergency patient calls during and after normal business hours, property management companies, heating and air conditioning firms, funeral homes, hi-tech operations, and others. **Centratel is a great place to work! Many of our full-time staff members have work-tenures of 10, 20, and even 30 years. The CEO and owner, Sam Carpenter, has intensely operated Centratel as “the highest quality answering service in the United States” for over 41 years.** We carefully follow all non-discrimination rules and guidelines, yet approximately 95% of Centratel’s staff are women. (It’s always been that way…). ## Job Requirements: - Call-center experience preferred but not required - Per our typing test, type a minimum of 40 WPM - As noted above: _**Absolutely drug-free**. An initial monitored professional drug screening, and subsequent intensive random/unannounced/tightly monitored drug tests will be conducted_ - Understand basic internet navigation; messaging tools - Excellent oral and written communication skills - Adept at active listening. Can communicate efficiently - Empathetic, personable, yet professional demeanor. Sharp! - Reliable, dependable, and customer-centric. Focused, non-frenetic demeanor with a long attention span… - Disciplined and resourceful, personable - Receptive to feedback through regular one-on-one online meetings with supervisors and quality specialists - Able to patiently and calmly train remotely via our self-guided classroom programs - Can troubleshoot very basic internet connection challenges guided by our experienced and always-available tech team - Attend paid (virtual) monthly meetings ## Physical Requirements: - Important: Must have secured a separate workspace free of distractions and extraneous noise, for HIPAA compliance requirements - Up-to-date computer with Windows 10 Pro or higher operating system (Mac & Chromebooks are not supported) with 20 GB of hard space available, dual monitors, standard keyboard, and webcam with microphone - Provide a reliable high-speed (minimum 100mbps) broadband internet connection. No satellite connections - Reliable landline or Voice-over-Internet Protocol (VoIP) service. Must have a mobile phone with unlimited minutes as an emergency backup source ## Wages and Benefits: Starting wage is $26.00 per hour with quick escalation keyed to performance up to $30.00-$36.00 per hour. Paid online training takes 3-4 days. To meet the highest performance criteria typically takes 30-60 days. (Most of our trained TSRs earn at the $30.00-$36.00 per hour level). This pay scale is 25-30% higher than competitive answering services/call centers. Benefits are unmatched. - Full time: 40 hours per week - Overtime available at 1 1/2 times the hourly wage. - Beginning on the 1st day of employment, a 401K retirement plan with a 3% match - Fully paid health insurance, after 60 days. (Note: If you choose not to use our group health insurance, we add $200 per month to the above-described compensation) - Set schedules per seniority-based bidding process ## Example Shifts: Although your first shift schedule will probably not be your ultimate preference, as you gain seniority, your preferred schedule will emerge over time as newly available shifts are awarded based on seniority. (Note that shift-bidding occurs twice per year as well as every time a shift opens). Listed below are example shifts, which may or may not be currently available. Note: These shift times are listed per the Pacific Time Zone but we’ve also noted each example shift in Eastern Standard Time) * * * | | | | --- | --- | | MON | 4am – 1pm (7am-4pm EST) | | THU | 3am – Noon (6am-3pm EST) | | FRI | 3am – Noon (6am-3pm EST) | | SAT | 4am – 1pm (7am-4pm EST) | | SUN | 4am – 1pm (7am-4pm EST) | * * * | | | | --- | --- | | MON | 1130am – 830pm (230pm-1130pm EST) | | THURS | 1230pm – 930pm (330pm- 1230 am Friday EST) | | FRI | 1230pm – 930pm (330pm- 1230 am Saturday EST) | | SAT | 1130am – 830pm (230pm-1130pm EST) | | SUN | 1130am – 830pm (230pm-1130pm EST) | * * * | | | | --- | --- | | WED | 3pm-Midnight (6pm-3am Thursday EST) | | THURS | 3pm-Midnight (6pm-3am Friday EST) | | FRI | 2pm – 11pm (5pm-2am Saturday EST) | | SAT | 2pm – 11pm (5pm-2am Sunday EST) | | SUN | 2pm – 11pm (5pm-2am Monday EST) | * * * To apply, [fill out the application](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd-seYsZSt4STxHSNp1CdfKXEV9vVfQr081aeGmArybMbuotg/viewform?usp=dialog). If your application qualifies, we will contact you to arrange for an interview and aptitude testing. No phone calls please. ![Stephanie - Operations Support Specialist](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/CTS-Staff-Stephanie.jpg) ” I rose through the ranks to become a Floor Lead, then Operation Support Specialist, and now a Supervisor. I am a firm believer that you “get what you give” and Centratel has proven to me that hard work and dedication are recognized.” ### Stephanie ## Footer ## Centratel Answering Service - [Skip to primary navigation](https://www.centratel.com/#genesis-nav-primary) - [Skip to main content](https://www.centratel.com/#genesis-content) - [Skip to footer](https://www.centratel.com/#genesis-footer-widgets) The Highest Quality Telephone Answering Service in the United States - [Make Payment](https://thepaymentportal.com/index.php?compcode=2C1A-9FF4-91CA-7F93) - [Client Login](https://oncall.centratel.com/) - [Follow Centratel on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centratel-answering-service/) - [Follow Centratel on Twitter](https://twitter.com/centratel) - [Follow Centratel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centratel) ![The Centratel Telephone Answering Service building located in Bend, Oregon](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/centratel-banner.jpg) _Centratel HQ building, Bend, Oregon_ # 1/16/2026 # (You might find this refreshing: there is not a single AI-generated word in this website -sc.) We’re 100% U.S.-owned and operated, with a [41-year one-owner history](https://www.centratel.com/about-us/staff/). If you’re experiencing high costs and low quality with your current answering service (or if you’re thinking of using one for the first time), consider the following. It’s in a simple Q&A format. **Q:** _**Am I losing business because the people who call my office are met with voicemail (and/or artificial intelligence)?**_ **A:** Yes! From your own experience, you know it’s true: _people prefer talking to people_, not machines. **Q:** **_How has the “human-first”_** **\*** **_answering service industry changed in the last six years?_** **A:** It’s been a wipe-out. In early 2020, due to government-mandated COVID-6-foot distancing rules that suddenly made shoulder-to-shoulder agent cubicles illegal, most independent human-first telephone answering services were forced out of business, having no choice but to sell their customers at fire-sale prices to a handful of gigantic “mega-services,” several of which are foreign-owned. These operations now serve most of the U.S. answering service market…and virtually all of them offer AI, voicemail, and other automated services as primary offerings while “live answering” by a real person is ancillary. In the typical buy-out, call traffic was routed out of the purchased answering service’s local area for handling, sometimes overseas. In 2019 there were approximately 2,500 independent, local human-first answering services in the U.S. Now? Including Centratel, perhaps ten. [Here’s how we survived the 2020 COVID-19 debacle that devastated the U.S. answering service industry.](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-and-the-covid-essay/) **Q:** _**My current answering service’s quality is not good, and it seems expensive…**_ **A:** There is a good reason for this. _Most mega-service subsidiaries and every single one of the few surviving U.S. based independent services charge their clients via “time-billing_. This is the elapsed time that agents spend processing calls (and sometimes includes customer on-hold time). **This encourages the employment of low-paid agents because the longer it takes to process a call, the more the client is billed.** And at any answering service, new inexperienced agents are not just agonizingly slow as they learn on the job, they make errors. Not only that, the expensive charge-by-the-minute billing method is ripe for overcharging customers, with at least one instance of [customers winning a multi-million dollar class-action lawsuit against their own time-billing answering service](https://www.oregonlive.com/business/2021/04/settlement-in-ruby-receptionists-billing-lawsuit-valued-at-up-to-12-million.html) **!** Note that here at Centratel, 95% of our new customers come to us because of quality and/or billing problems with their high-staff-turnover mega-answering service subsidiary (which continues to advertise the name of the purchased service even though calls are exported elsewhere for processing). Yes, with elapsed-time billing, high cost and poor quality are inextricably connected. **Q:** _**So, how is Centratel different?**_ **A:** We bill our clients by the number of transactions processed, NOT by the elapsed time to process those transactions. This is called “transaction unit billing.” (And somewhat inaccurately, within the industry, this method is also called “message count” billing.) Our monthly billing statements are simple and understandable with no room for price gouging. We incentivize our career agents to handle calls efficiently and accurately, with up to 40% of their individual wages performance-based. **Our Centratel agents are mature, empathetic, drug-free,\*\* long-term, highly paid (by far, the highest pay in the industry), super-efficient professionals,\*\*\*** many with decades of tenure with the company. _So, for the last 25 years, statistically, we’ve been the highest quality human-first answering service in the U.S._ **_\*_\\*\\*\\*** **Q:** _**Cost?**_ **A:** Even with the high compensation we pay our agents, our billing strategy and sheer efficiency keep us in the low-to-mid level industry price range. See “ [Why Choose Centratel](https://www.centratel.com/gettingstarted/)” for more details. (And note our federally trademarked **[CLEAN-SCREEN®](https://www.centratel.com/cleanscreen/)** service that further contributes to our low cost and high quality.) **Q:** **_For call-processing, does_** _**Centratel use AI or “offshore” calls?**_ **_Is there a long-term contract?_** **A:** No, no, and no… To test our quality and get an estimate of cost, you’ll get a unique-within-the-industry, no-obligation, no-deposit, [30-day free trial](https://www.centratel.com/30-day-free-trial/). [Go here to get started](https://www.centratel.com/gettingstarted/). ## _-Sam Carpenter, CEO and owner_ \\* “Human-first” indicates an answering service in which incoming calls are answered directly by a human, not by AI or voicemail. \\*\\* Here in 2026, across a whole spectrum of industries, chronic drug use, particularly cannabis, is a major factor in less-than-satisfactory employee performance. Here’s a [medical abstract.](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3037578/) (And here’s a [statement from…Elton John](https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2024/12/13/elton-john-calls-marijuana-legalization-mistake/76966700007/).) \\*\\*\\* Centratel is a pure meritocracy. No Woke/DEI manipulations. \\*\\*\\*\\* Our most recent Customer Reported Error Rate (October through December, 2025) was 1 customer-reported error for every 7,017 message transactions processed. That’s a statistic far superior to any other answering service in the United States. [The Highest Quality in the United States? Who Says?](https://www.centratel.com/faq/#highest) ### 100% Fail-Safe Service Rare for an answering service, we have a fully redundant operation. In these days of uncertainty, the reliability and continuity of service is bullet-proof. ### No Long-term Contract This is philosophical: If your telephone answering service is a good value, you will choose to continue each month. Some of our clients have been with us for four decades. ### 100% U.S. Based Operations All of Centratel’s Telephone Service Representatives (TSRs) are located in the U.S. [Start your free trial today](https://www.centratel.com/30-day-free-trial/) ![Sam Carpenter - Founder and President of Centratel Telephone Answering Service](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20800%20533'%3E%3C/svg%3E) “ _For 41 years we’ve been delivering superb quality call-capture and message dispatch for select professions and businesses.”_ _— Sam Carpenter – Founder, President_ ## Business Specialties * * * [![Centratel's Medical Answering Service - HIPAA Compliant](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20400%20300'%3E%3C/svg%3E)](https://www.centratel.com/medical-answering-service/) ### [Medical](https://www.centratel.com/medical-answering-service/) Nights, weekends, after-hours, holidays, or the middle of a busy weekday, Centratel’s professional agents will provide HIPAA-compliant call coverage for emergencies as well as administrative backup. [![Centratel's Hospice Answering Service - HIPAA Compliant](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20400%20300'%3E%3C/svg%3E)](https://www.centratel.com/home-healthcare-hospice-answering-service/) ### [Home health and Hospice](https://www.centratel.com/home-healthcare-hospice-answering-service/) For decades Centratel has provided highest quality, professional, and compassionate assistance to hospice patients and family members all across the U.S. Our service is 24/7/365 and fully HIPAA-compliant. For recent marketing materials, go [here](https://www.centratel.com/home-healthcare-hospice-answering-service/marketing-materials/) [![Centratel's Veterinary Answering Service](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20400%20300'%3E%3C/svg%3E)](https://www.centratel.com/veterinary-answering-service/) ### [Veterinary](https://www.centratel.com/veterinary-answering-service/) Centratel has a long history of servicing the veterinary industry, handling overflow, daytime, after-hours and weekend calls with the utmost compassion, professionalism, and accuracy. For recent marketing materials, go [here](https://www.centratel.com/veterinary-answering-service/marketing-materials/) [![HVAC technician working while happy customer assists](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20400%20300'%3E%3C/svg%3E)](https://www.centratel.com/hvac-answering-service/) ### [HVAC](https://www.centratel.com/hvac-answering-service/) Heatwave or snowstorm, our agents will provide your HVAC business with the highest quality phone coverage, 24/7/365. In no time at all and at minimum cost, we’ll become a trusted part of your operation. For recent marketing materials, go [here](https://www.centratel.com/hvac-answering-service/marketing-materials/) [![Centratel's Property Management Answering Service](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20400%20300'%3E%3C/svg%3E)](https://www.centratel.com/property-management-answering-service/) ### [Property Management](https://www.centratel.com/property-management-answering-service/) With 24-hour support, Centratel agents will handle incoming calls with zero-defect, forwarding urgent calls to your on-call people while screening less important inquiries for later follow up by your office. For recent marketing materials, go [here](https://www.centratel.com/property-management-answering-service/marketing-materials/) [![Trade Services Answering Service](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20400%20300'%3E%3C/svg%3E)](https://www.centratel.com/trade-service-answering-service/) ### [Trade Service](https://www.centratel.com/trade-service-answering-service/) Centratel provides call-capture and emergency dispatch for trade service companies such as plumbers, electricians, emergency restoration businesses, and many more. Never again will an urgent call be missed! [![Centratel's 24/7 Business Answering Services](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20400%20300'%3E%3C/svg%3E)](https://www.centratel.com/24-7-business-answering-service/) ### [24/7 Business](https://www.centratel.com/24-7-business-answering-service/) Give your callers the same quality of service they receive when speaking directly to your office staff. Centratel will be an extension of your office. [![Centratel's Disaster Restoration Answering Service](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20400%20300'%3E%3C/svg%3E)](https://www.centratel.com/disaster-restoration-answering-service/) ### [Disaster Restoration](https://www.centratel.com/disaster-restoration-answering-service/) For four decades Centatel has been processing urgent calls for the disaster restoration industry. We understand the critical importance of precisely accurate messages delivered instantly. For recent marketing materials, go [here](https://www.centratel.com/disaster-restoration-answering-service/marketing-materials/) ![Plumbing Answering Service](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20300%20225'%3E%3C/svg%3E) ### [Plumbing](https://www.centratel.com/plumbing-answering-service/) 24/7 Centratel agents will process your calls with zero-defect, all the while enhancing your company image to customers and potential customers. For recent marketing materials, go [here](https://www.centratel.com/plumbing-answering-service/marketing-materials/) [![Centratel's Public and Private Utilities Answering Service](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20400%20300'%3E%3C/svg%3E)](https://www.centratel.com/public-and-private-utilities/) ### [Public and Private Utilities](https://www.centratel.com/public-and-private-utilities/) Our Telephone Service Representatives can expertly classify and coordinate each service call. ## Testimonials * * * ### Dr. R.C., pathologist, Portland, Or. * * * “Terrific. Every contact I have had with (Centratel) staff has been absolutely professional – a ‘ten’ in my book. I have used medical answering services for 15 years and this is the best experience I have ever had.” * * * ### Veterinarian, Manistee, Mi. * * * “I’m very impressed with your operation. Our last answering service (which was our second bad service) was such a disaster I thought I’d never again feel comfortable with an answering service. But with Centratel we feel very confident our rotation will be handled properly. Thanks so much.” * * * ### J.R., owner, property management company, Pepperpike, OH * * * “Fantastic! You have taken a huge weight off my shoulders. Thanks everyone!” * * * ### S.H., owner, HVAC company, Gurnee, Il. * * * “Since switching to your answering service seven months ago, we have not encountered a single problem or complaint from even one customer. All operators are extremely polite and professional. It’s a pleasure working with you. Keep up the good work!” * * * * * * [MORE TESTIMONIALS](https://www.centratel.com/client-testimonials/) ## Footer ## HVAC Efficiency Boost - [Skip to primary navigation](https://www.centratel.com/blog/hvac-answering-service/boosting-efficiency/#genesis-nav-primary) - [Skip to main content](https://www.centratel.com/blog/hvac-answering-service/boosting-efficiency/#genesis-content) - [Skip to footer](https://www.centratel.com/blog/hvac-answering-service/boosting-efficiency/#genesis-footer-widgets) The Highest Quality Telephone Answering Service in the United States - [Make Payment](https://thepaymentportal.com/index.php?compcode=2C1A-9FF4-91CA-7F93) - [Client Login](https://oncall.centratel.com/) - [Follow Centratel on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centratel-answering-service/) - [Follow Centratel on Twitter](https://twitter.com/centratel) - [Follow Centratel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centratel) ![hvac answering service](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/hvac-answering-service-3.jpg) # HVAC Answering Service: How to Boost Your Company’s Efficiency August 16, 2023 [HVAC](https://www.centratel.com/blog/hvac-answering-service/) By Centratel A well-run HVAC company always keeps customer comfort and satisfaction as its top priorities. To truly deliver exceptional service, you need to ensure smooth, timely communication with your customers. Unfortunately, many HVAC businesses find this challenging due to the volume of calls they receive, especially during peak seasons. This is where Centratel’s answering services can help. **Centratel** [**HVAC Answering Service**](https://www.centratel.com/hvac-answering-service/) has been designed with your HVAC business in mind. By working in tandem with your company, Centratel ensures every call is answered professionally and promptly, significantly reducing the chance of missed opportunities. This dedicated answering service frees your staff from constant call handling, allowing them to focus on what they do best – servicing and installing HVAC systems. ## Quick Response for HVAC Emergencies In the HVAC industry, emergencies are common. Whether it’s a furnace failure on a chilly winter night or an air conditioner breakdown during a summer heatwave, your customers need immediate assistance. [Centratel’s HVAC Answering Service](https://www.centratel.com/hvac-answering-service/) ensures that all emergency calls are answered swiftly, scheduling immediate appointments for your service technicians. This rapid response time not only satisfies your customers but also boosts your business’s reputation for reliability and efficiency. ## Seamless Call Routing Centratel’s advanced answering services integrate seamlessly with your existing HVAC business systems. Utilizing a sophisticated call-routing system, Centratel efficiently handles the volume of incoming calls, scheduling regular maintenance appointments, and providing information about your services. The result? Your HVAC business runs more smoothly, and you capture more revenue opportunities. ## Ensuring Quality Customer Service The quality of your customer service can make or break your HVAC business. According to a report from the American Express, 7 out of 10 U.S. consumers say they’ve spent more money to do business with a company that delivers great service. **Centratel’s answering services** enhance your customer service by ensuring each call is answered with professionalism and efficiency. ## 24/7 Availability [Centratel’s HVAC Answering Service](https://www.centratel.com/hvac-answering-service/) operates 24/7, providing round-the-clock support for your HVAC business. This ensures your customers receive the help they need at any time of the day or night, fostering a high level of customer satisfaction and loyalty. In conclusion, integrating Centratel’s answering services into your HVAC business operations can drastically enhance your efficiency, customer service, and overall profitability. Don’t miss out on the chance to take your HVAC business to new heights. [Request a price quote today](https://www.centratel.com/price-quote/) and see the difference Centratel can make. If you are unsure or need more information, [contact us](https://www.centratel.com/contact-us/) and one of our representatives will be more than happy to guide you through the process. Boost your HVAC business efficiency with Centratel’s Answering Services now! Image by [Freepik](https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/full-shot-man-working-with-equipment_13442562.htm#query=HVAC%20COMPANY&position=8&from_view=search&track=ais) ## Taking the Next Step * * * For a quick orientation on how we operate, take a moment to review one or more of the key points listed in Why Choose Centratel Q&A (scroll down the page if you are on a mobile phone) For more specifics on cost, to start the onboarding process, or if you have questions, fill out this form with your basic information and if it’s during regular working hours (M-F 8am to 8pm EST or 5am to 5pm PST), we’ll get back to you within minutes. Or, during the above hours, you can simply call us at 800-664-7159 or send us an email to [inquiry@centratel.com](mailto:inquiry@centratel.com). First Name \* Last Name \* Job Title Email \* Company \* Phone \* City \* State \*State \*AlabamaAlaskaArkansasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDistrict of ColumbiaDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming How did you hear about us? How did you hear about us? \*PostcardBook gift: Work the SystemLetterReferralOnline SearchWork The SystemFacebook Is your business one of our specialties \*Is your business one of our specialties \*MedicalHome Health/HospiceVeterinary24/7 BusinessHVACTrade ServiceProperty ManagementUtilityDisaster RestorationPlumbing What is your ONE primary concern with using an answering service? \*What is your primary concern with using an answering service? \*Professionalism of staffMessage delivery accuracy and timelinessConsistent high quality of serviceCost of serviceLiabilityConfidentialityOther Are you currently using a call center/telephone answering service? \* YesNo Requested service start date \*Requested service start date \*ASAPWithin 1 WeekWithin 2 WeeksWithin 1 MonthOther List any specific call requirements Submit [Terms of Service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) ### **Why Choose Centratel** **BY SAM CARPENTER** **February 1, 2026** 1.CENTRATEL’S UNIQUE 30-DAY FREE TRIAL Why is this important? Because it will provide you a truly accurate estimate of cost (we bill monthly), it will demonstrate our quality, and it gives both sides of this brand new relationship—you and Centratel—plenty of time to refine and perfect operational details. Here’s a testimonial from a new medical client that had just finished their 30-day trial: _“Of course, I love the cost as it is close to the amount I was allowed by the president of the company. I told him that if we did not continue with Centratel, I would resign as the Director of Customer Service, and I meant it. It’s a great fit. We have had NOT ONE complaint from a patient or in-house which, as you know, we received daily with our former answering service._ _I love you, Centratel, and the price. I’m ready to sign whatever documents you require._ _Thanks for the great service, and the free month_! _To a great partnership! -KB, Phoenix_“ 2.STATISTICALLY, THE BEST IN THE U.S.? Answering service quality is 100% dependent on human action and reaction, and in the course of a single day a multitude of human decisions are made by the people who process the calls: Telephone Service Representatives, or TSRs. (Some answering services refer to them as “agents.” Others, “operators.”) Like any other answering service, at Centratel we’re dealing with real live human beings and so human errors can occur. But within this labor intensive service industry that is historically known for marginal quality, Centratel’s error rate is light years ahead of established standards. Our most recent Customer Reported Error Rate (October through December, 2025) was 1 customer-reported error for every 7,017 message transactions processed. That statistic is unmatched. There’s no artificial intelligence manipulation, we do not offshore calls, and we were founded and have always operated within the United States. (Note that since early 2020, the COVID six-foot social distancing mandate drove thousands of small-to-medium sized answering services out of business. Large, often foreign-owned multi-nationals, disguised by the name of the local answering services they acquired, now thoroughly dominate the industry. Hence, an even further decline in general service quality. [See this analysis.](https://www.centratel.com/answering-service-phone-industry/)) 3.CUSTOMER SERVICE EXTRAORDINAIRE Your concerns will be instantly acted upon. It’s a work ethic that stands in stark contrast to the general decline in quality of human-to-human business communications. You’ve seen it yourself, all around. At Centratel you will know by name the customer service people you’re working with, appreciating their special listening abilities as well as their take-action-now comportment. e.g. see the testimonial in point #1 above. ‘Nuff said! 4.GETTING STARTED: IT’S SIMPLE AND FAST Getting your new Centratel answering service 30-day free trial up-and-running is accomplished within 24-48 hours. From the start, your “onboarding” customer service representative will be with you every step of the way **,** listening carefully to your concerns, answering questions and offering suggestions. 5.NEW TO USING AN ANSWERING SERVICE? The very large majority of our current answering service accounts switched to us from another service because of quality and/or cost problems. However, if you have not used a service before, you are not familiar with the options, benefits, and pitfalls. Our 30-day free trial provides you—and us—plenty of time to precisely refine your desired message-taking and delivery protocols; to get things exactly the way you want them to be without any financial risk, undue pressure, or obligation. 6.PRICING Starting at $150 per month, our rates lie in the mid-range of the industry. Note that we charge by the “transaction unit” rather than the duration of time spent handling calls. Large “mega-services” operating in the U.S. prefer time billing because it ensures the company is compensated for lower-paid/high-turnover — and thus slower — agents. _No matter the quality or how long they keep your callers on hold, they still make a profit_. And yes, it can get expensive, especially if caller on-hold time is also billed. In any answering service, it takes a long time for a new agent to become fast, efficient, and stable. At Centratel, we pamper and reward experienced agents (via high pay and great benefits) and therefore have extremely low staff turnover. Needless to say, experienced agents make fewer errors than trainees who learn on-the-job. And, transaction-unit billing is easy to understand. There is no room for fraud as in time-billing. We can easily document and explain any monthly billing we send you. 7.ACCURATELY COMPARING ANSWERING SERVICE PRICING IS COMPLICATED It’s apples and oranges. There isn’t an industry standard for billing, and each answering service has its own formula. Also, as noted above, some services charge by agent “time” while a few, like us, charge by “transaction units.” Some others combine the two. At Centratel, we charge for the work we do, not by the time we spend. The raw truth is that the only reliable way to determine monthly cost for a new service is to use that service for a solid month. Most answering services offer a 7-day free trial or no trial at all. With Centratel you get 30-days. 8. MONTHLY OR 28-DAY BILLING? Important! At Centratel, we use a “monthly” billing cycle in which invoices are compiled from the first day of a month through the last day of that month. When soliciting quotes from other services, be sure to ask if the base-rate charges are billed monthly or on a “28-day billing cycle.” There is no good reason for a 28-day billing cycle! It’s a sly manipulation by the answering service: customers billed on a 28-day cycle actually receive thirteen billings per year instead of twelve. 9.NO CONTRACT AND SIMPLE TERMS OF SERVICE We don’t ask for a term contract for service because you should be able to evaluate us in real time, without restraint. Our [terms of service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) are simple and straight-forward. 10.VALUABLE FREE GIFT FOR CONTACTING US If you take the time to discuss answering service with us, on that same day we will ship you a hardcover copy of Sam Carpenter’s bestselling book, [_Work The System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_](https://www.workthesystem.com/), now in its 5th edition. (Sam is Centatel’s very active CEO.) December 1st 2025 marked his forty first year of ownership.) * * * ## Footer ## 24/7 Answering Service - [Skip to primary navigation](https://www.centratel.com/blog/answering-service/24-7-business-answering-service-customers/#genesis-nav-primary) - [Skip to main content](https://www.centratel.com/blog/answering-service/24-7-business-answering-service-customers/#genesis-content) - [Skip to footer](https://www.centratel.com/blog/answering-service/24-7-business-answering-service-customers/#genesis-footer-widgets) The Highest Quality Telephone Answering Service in the United States - [Make Payment](https://thepaymentportal.com/index.php?compcode=2C1A-9FF4-91CA-7F93) - [Client Login](https://oncall.centratel.com/) - [Follow Centratel on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centratel-answering-service/) - [Follow Centratel on Twitter](https://twitter.com/centratel) - [Follow Centratel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centratel) ![24/7 Answering Service](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/247-Answering-Service-1.jpg) # Maximizing Customer Satisfaction with a 24/7 Business Answering Service August 22, 2023 [Answering Service](https://www.centratel.com/blog/answering-service/) By Centratel Today’s business landscape demands around-the-clock availability. With globalization and digitization blurring traditional time zone boundaries, businesses are expected to be available **24/7**. This is especially critical in industries like healthcare, eCommerce, hospitality, and tech support, where customers seek immediate responses regardless of the time of day or night. In such scenarios, maximizing customer satisfaction becomes a challenging endeavor, and [Centratel’s 24/7 business answering service](https://www.centratel.com/24-7-business-answering-service/) proves to be a game-changer. According to statistics, 82% of consumers expect an immediate response to sales or marketing questions, highlighting the significance of **24/7 availability**. Unfortunately, managing this constant customer engagement can drain resources and compromise the quality of service if not handled efficiently. That’s where Centratel steps in. We understand the unique dynamics of 24/7 operations and strive to ensure your customers’ inquiries are addressed promptly and professionally, even outside of typical business hours. Our team of experienced telephone agents is available around the clock, answering calls and managing customer interactions, allowing you to focus on your core business operations. Did you know 64% of people find customer experience more important than price? In a world where quality service is a defining factor, **Centratel’s 24/7 business answering service** can be your key to customer retention and business growth. Our team is committed to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, exhibiting exceptional interpersonal skills to create a positive customer experience. The result? **Increased customer satisfaction and loyalty, driving your business to new heights**. Whether it’s after-hours customer support, emergency hotline, appointment scheduling, or routine customer inquiries, we have got you covered. Our [24/7 answering service](https://www.centratel.com/24-7-business-answering-service/) provides a seamless extension to your business, making your customers feel valued and heard, any time of the day. Convinced of the advantages but wondering about the costs? No problem. At Centratel, we believe in transparent pricing. Use our [price quote request page](https://www.centratel.com/price-quote/) to get a custom quote tailored to your specific needs. The days of missed calls and lost business opportunities are over. With Centratel’s 24/7 business answering service, you are investing in a proven system that prioritizes customer satisfaction as the heart of your business. So, are you ready to take your customer service to the next level? **Maximize your customer satisfaction** with Centratel. Take the first step today, request a price quote on our [price quote request page](https://www.centratel.com/price-quote/). Don’t let time zones or business hours limit your success. Embrace the 24/7 business culture with Centratel. Your customers will thank you. [Image by pressfoto](https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/smiling-executive-using-headset_854929.htm#query=answering%20service&position=47&from_view=search&track=ais) on Freepik ## Taking the Next Step * * * For a quick orientation on how we operate, take a moment to review one or more of the key points listed in Why Choose Centratel Q&A (scroll down the page if you are on a mobile phone) For more specifics on cost, to start the onboarding process, or if you have questions, fill out this form with your basic information and if it’s during regular working hours (M-F 8am to 8pm EST or 5am to 5pm PST), we’ll get back to you within minutes. Or, during the above hours, you can simply call us at 800-664-7159 or send us an email to [inquiry@centratel.com](mailto:inquiry@centratel.com). First Name \* Last Name \* Job Title Email \* Company \* Phone \* City \* State \*State \*AlabamaAlaskaArkansasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDistrict of ColumbiaDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming How did you hear about us? How did you hear about us? \*PostcardBook gift: Work the SystemLetterReferralOnline SearchWork The SystemFacebook Is your business one of our specialties \*Is your business one of our specialties \*MedicalHome Health/HospiceVeterinary24/7 BusinessHVACTrade ServiceProperty ManagementUtilityDisaster RestorationPlumbing What is your ONE primary concern with using an answering service? \*What is your primary concern with using an answering service? \*Professionalism of staffMessage delivery accuracy and timelinessConsistent high quality of serviceCost of serviceLiabilityConfidentialityOther Are you currently using a call center/telephone answering service? \* YesNo Requested service start date \*Requested service start date \*ASAPWithin 1 WeekWithin 2 WeeksWithin 1 MonthOther List any specific call requirements Submit [Terms of Service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) ### **Why Choose Centratel** **BY SAM CARPENTER** **February 1, 2026** 1.CENTRATEL’S UNIQUE 30-DAY FREE TRIAL Why is this important? Because it will provide you a truly accurate estimate of cost (we bill monthly), it will demonstrate our quality, and it gives both sides of this brand new relationship—you and Centratel—plenty of time to refine and perfect operational details. Here’s a testimonial from a new medical client that had just finished their 30-day trial: _“Of course, I love the cost as it is close to the amount I was allowed by the president of the company. I told him that if we did not continue with Centratel, I would resign as the Director of Customer Service, and I meant it. It’s a great fit. We have had NOT ONE complaint from a patient or in-house which, as you know, we received daily with our former answering service._ _I love you, Centratel, and the price. I’m ready to sign whatever documents you require._ _Thanks for the great service, and the free month_! _To a great partnership! -KB, Phoenix_“ 2.STATISTICALLY, THE BEST IN THE U.S.? Answering service quality is 100% dependent on human action and reaction, and in the course of a single day a multitude of human decisions are made by the people who process the calls: Telephone Service Representatives, or TSRs. (Some answering services refer to them as “agents.” Others, “operators.”) Like any other answering service, at Centratel we’re dealing with real live human beings and so human errors can occur. But within this labor intensive service industry that is historically known for marginal quality, Centratel’s error rate is light years ahead of established standards. Our most recent Customer Reported Error Rate (October through December, 2025) was 1 customer-reported error for every 7,017 message transactions processed. That statistic is unmatched. There’s no artificial intelligence manipulation, we do not offshore calls, and we were founded and have always operated within the United States. (Note that since early 2020, the COVID six-foot social distancing mandate drove thousands of small-to-medium sized answering services out of business. Large, often foreign-owned multi-nationals, disguised by the name of the local answering services they acquired, now thoroughly dominate the industry. Hence, an even further decline in general service quality. [See this analysis.](https://www.centratel.com/answering-service-phone-industry/)) 3.CUSTOMER SERVICE EXTRAORDINAIRE Your concerns will be instantly acted upon. It’s a work ethic that stands in stark contrast to the general decline in quality of human-to-human business communications. You’ve seen it yourself, all around. At Centratel you will know by name the customer service people you’re working with, appreciating their special listening abilities as well as their take-action-now comportment. e.g. see the testimonial in point #1 above. ‘Nuff said! 4.GETTING STARTED: IT’S SIMPLE AND FAST Getting your new Centratel answering service 30-day free trial up-and-running is accomplished within 24-48 hours. From the start, your “onboarding” customer service representative will be with you every step of the way **,** listening carefully to your concerns, answering questions and offering suggestions. 5.NEW TO USING AN ANSWERING SERVICE? The very large majority of our current answering service accounts switched to us from another service because of quality and/or cost problems. However, if you have not used a service before, you are not familiar with the options, benefits, and pitfalls. Our 30-day free trial provides you—and us—plenty of time to precisely refine your desired message-taking and delivery protocols; to get things exactly the way you want them to be without any financial risk, undue pressure, or obligation. 6.PRICING Starting at $150 per month, our rates lie in the mid-range of the industry. Note that we charge by the “transaction unit” rather than the duration of time spent handling calls. Large “mega-services” operating in the U.S. prefer time billing because it ensures the company is compensated for lower-paid/high-turnover — and thus slower — agents. _No matter the quality or how long they keep your callers on hold, they still make a profit_. And yes, it can get expensive, especially if caller on-hold time is also billed. In any answering service, it takes a long time for a new agent to become fast, efficient, and stable. At Centratel, we pamper and reward experienced agents (via high pay and great benefits) and therefore have extremely low staff turnover. Needless to say, experienced agents make fewer errors than trainees who learn on-the-job. And, transaction-unit billing is easy to understand. There is no room for fraud as in time-billing. We can easily document and explain any monthly billing we send you. 7.ACCURATELY COMPARING ANSWERING SERVICE PRICING IS COMPLICATED It’s apples and oranges. There isn’t an industry standard for billing, and each answering service has its own formula. Also, as noted above, some services charge by agent “time” while a few, like us, charge by “transaction units.” Some others combine the two. At Centratel, we charge for the work we do, not by the time we spend. The raw truth is that the only reliable way to determine monthly cost for a new service is to use that service for a solid month. Most answering services offer a 7-day free trial or no trial at all. With Centratel you get 30-days. 8. MONTHLY OR 28-DAY BILLING? Important! At Centratel, we use a “monthly” billing cycle in which invoices are compiled from the first day of a month through the last day of that month. When soliciting quotes from other services, be sure to ask if the base-rate charges are billed monthly or on a “28-day billing cycle.” There is no good reason for a 28-day billing cycle! It’s a sly manipulation by the answering service: customers billed on a 28-day cycle actually receive thirteen billings per year instead of twelve. 9.NO CONTRACT AND SIMPLE TERMS OF SERVICE We don’t ask for a term contract for service because you should be able to evaluate us in real time, without restraint. Our [terms of service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) are simple and straight-forward. 10.VALUABLE FREE GIFT FOR CONTACTING US If you take the time to discuss answering service with us, on that same day we will ship you a hardcover copy of Sam Carpenter’s bestselling book, [_Work The System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_](https://www.workthesystem.com/), now in its 5th edition. (Sam is Centatel’s very active CEO.) December 1st 2025 marked his forty first year of ownership.) * * * ## Footer ## Trade Service Communication Solutions - [Skip to primary navigation](https://www.centratel.com/blog/trade-service-answering-service/elevate-operations/#genesis-nav-primary) - [Skip to main content](https://www.centratel.com/blog/trade-service-answering-service/elevate-operations/#genesis-content) - [Skip to footer](https://www.centratel.com/blog/trade-service-answering-service/elevate-operations/#genesis-footer-widgets) The Highest Quality Telephone Answering Service in the United States - [Make Payment](https://thepaymentportal.com/index.php?compcode=2C1A-9FF4-91CA-7F93) - [Client Login](https://oncall.centratel.com/) - [Follow Centratel on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centratel-answering-service/) - [Follow Centratel on Twitter](https://twitter.com/centratel) - [Follow Centratel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centratel) ![trade service answering service](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/trade-service-answering-service-2.jpg) # How a Trade Service Answering Service Can Elevate Your Business Operations August 21, 2023 [Trade Service](https://www.centratel.com/blog/trade-service-answering-service/) By Centratel The Trade Service sector, covering a broad spectrum of services including plumbing, electrical, HVAC, landscaping, and more, is built upon an unfailing commitment to customer service. **A customer’s first point of contact is usually a phone call, and the quality of that interaction can make or break a business relationship**. **Did you know that according to a study conducted by American Express, 68% of customers believe the key to great customer service is a pleasant representative?** While you may have the best technicians in the field, the initial impression of your business often hinges on the first phone call. This is where [Centratel’s Trade Service Answering Service](https://www.centratel.com/trade-service-answering-service/) comes into play. **Centratel’s trade service answering service is specifically tailored to elevate your operations** in several ways: 1. **First Impressions**: Centratel’s friendly and professional operators are dedicated to making a positive impression on every call. They are trained to handle inquiries, service calls, or emergencies, ensuring that your customers feel heard, valued, and taken care of. 2. **24/7 Coverage**: Our answering service operates around the clock, meaning your business is always “open.” This is crucial in the Trade Service sector, where emergencies can happen anytime. 3. **Specialized Knowledge**: Our operators have a deep understanding of the trade service industry, allowing them to provide accurate information to your clients. [Get a price quote for your business today!](https://www.centratel.com/price-quote/) **Further, a report from Forrester Research found that 73% of customers say valuing their time is the most important thing a company can do to provide good service**. With Centratel, you won’t keep customers waiting. Our efficient call handling and routing reduces hold times and ensures swift resolution of customer queries. What’s more, Centratel’s answering service helps alleviate the burden of administrative tasks, allowing your team to focus on what they do best – delivering outstanding trade services. Investing in a top-tier answering service such as Centratel can improve your customer service ratings, increase customer retention, and ultimately, boost your bottom line. In the trade service sector, being accessible, responsive, and efficient is vital to maintaining and growing a loyal customer base. [Centratel’s answering service](https://www.centratel.com/trade-service-answering-service/) is a game-changer, providing a premium communication channel that can revolutionize your business operations. **Ready to take your Trade Service Business to new heights?** [Request a price quote now!](https://www.centratel.com/price-quote/) Transform your customer interactions, boost efficiency, and set your business apart with Centratel. [Image by gpointstudio](https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/part-male-construction-worker_11230034.htm#query=plumber&position=3&from_view=search&track=sph) on Freepik ## Taking the Next Step * * * For a quick orientation on how we operate, take a moment to review one or more of the key points listed in Why Choose Centratel Q&A (scroll down the page if you are on a mobile phone) For more specifics on cost, to start the onboarding process, or if you have questions, fill out this form with your basic information and if it’s during regular working hours (M-F 8am to 8pm EST or 5am to 5pm PST), we’ll get back to you within minutes. Or, during the above hours, you can simply call us at 800-664-7159 or send us an email to [inquiry@centratel.com](mailto:inquiry@centratel.com). First Name \* Last Name \* Job Title Email \* Company \* Phone \* City \* State \*State \*AlabamaAlaskaArkansasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDistrict of ColumbiaDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming How did you hear about us? How did you hear about us? \*PostcardBook gift: Work the SystemLetterReferralOnline SearchWork The SystemFacebook Is your business one of our specialties \*Is your business one of our specialties \*MedicalHome Health/HospiceVeterinary24/7 BusinessHVACTrade ServiceProperty ManagementUtilityDisaster RestorationPlumbing What is your ONE primary concern with using an answering service? \*What is your primary concern with using an answering service? \*Professionalism of staffMessage delivery accuracy and timelinessConsistent high quality of serviceCost of serviceLiabilityConfidentialityOther Are you currently using a call center/telephone answering service? \* YesNo Requested service start date \*Requested service start date \*ASAPWithin 1 WeekWithin 2 WeeksWithin 1 MonthOther List any specific call requirements Submit [Terms of Service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) ### **Why Choose Centratel** **BY SAM CARPENTER** **February 1, 2026** 1.CENTRATEL’S UNIQUE 30-DAY FREE TRIAL Why is this important? Because it will provide you a truly accurate estimate of cost (we bill monthly), it will demonstrate our quality, and it gives both sides of this brand new relationship—you and Centratel—plenty of time to refine and perfect operational details. Here’s a testimonial from a new medical client that had just finished their 30-day trial: _“Of course, I love the cost as it is close to the amount I was allowed by the president of the company. I told him that if we did not continue with Centratel, I would resign as the Director of Customer Service, and I meant it. It’s a great fit. We have had NOT ONE complaint from a patient or in-house which, as you know, we received daily with our former answering service._ _I love you, Centratel, and the price. I’m ready to sign whatever documents you require._ _Thanks for the great service, and the free month_! _To a great partnership! -KB, Phoenix_“ 2.STATISTICALLY, THE BEST IN THE U.S.? Answering service quality is 100% dependent on human action and reaction, and in the course of a single day a multitude of human decisions are made by the people who process the calls: Telephone Service Representatives, or TSRs. (Some answering services refer to them as “agents.” Others, “operators.”) Like any other answering service, at Centratel we’re dealing with real live human beings and so human errors can occur. But within this labor intensive service industry that is historically known for marginal quality, Centratel’s error rate is light years ahead of established standards. Our most recent Customer Reported Error Rate (October through December, 2025) was 1 customer-reported error for every 7,017 message transactions processed. That statistic is unmatched. There’s no artificial intelligence manipulation, we do not offshore calls, and we were founded and have always operated within the United States. (Note that since early 2020, the COVID six-foot social distancing mandate drove thousands of small-to-medium sized answering services out of business. Large, often foreign-owned multi-nationals, disguised by the name of the local answering services they acquired, now thoroughly dominate the industry. Hence, an even further decline in general service quality. [See this analysis.](https://www.centratel.com/answering-service-phone-industry/)) 3.CUSTOMER SERVICE EXTRAORDINAIRE Your concerns will be instantly acted upon. It’s a work ethic that stands in stark contrast to the general decline in quality of human-to-human business communications. You’ve seen it yourself, all around. At Centratel you will know by name the customer service people you’re working with, appreciating their special listening abilities as well as their take-action-now comportment. e.g. see the testimonial in point #1 above. ‘Nuff said! 4.GETTING STARTED: IT’S SIMPLE AND FAST Getting your new Centratel answering service 30-day free trial up-and-running is accomplished within 24-48 hours. From the start, your “onboarding” customer service representative will be with you every step of the way **,** listening carefully to your concerns, answering questions and offering suggestions. 5.NEW TO USING AN ANSWERING SERVICE? The very large majority of our current answering service accounts switched to us from another service because of quality and/or cost problems. However, if you have not used a service before, you are not familiar with the options, benefits, and pitfalls. Our 30-day free trial provides you—and us—plenty of time to precisely refine your desired message-taking and delivery protocols; to get things exactly the way you want them to be without any financial risk, undue pressure, or obligation. 6.PRICING Starting at $150 per month, our rates lie in the mid-range of the industry. Note that we charge by the “transaction unit” rather than the duration of time spent handling calls. Large “mega-services” operating in the U.S. prefer time billing because it ensures the company is compensated for lower-paid/high-turnover — and thus slower — agents. _No matter the quality or how long they keep your callers on hold, they still make a profit_. And yes, it can get expensive, especially if caller on-hold time is also billed. In any answering service, it takes a long time for a new agent to become fast, efficient, and stable. At Centratel, we pamper and reward experienced agents (via high pay and great benefits) and therefore have extremely low staff turnover. Needless to say, experienced agents make fewer errors than trainees who learn on-the-job. And, transaction-unit billing is easy to understand. There is no room for fraud as in time-billing. We can easily document and explain any monthly billing we send you. 7.ACCURATELY COMPARING ANSWERING SERVICE PRICING IS COMPLICATED It’s apples and oranges. There isn’t an industry standard for billing, and each answering service has its own formula. Also, as noted above, some services charge by agent “time” while a few, like us, charge by “transaction units.” Some others combine the two. At Centratel, we charge for the work we do, not by the time we spend. The raw truth is that the only reliable way to determine monthly cost for a new service is to use that service for a solid month. Most answering services offer a 7-day free trial or no trial at all. With Centratel you get 30-days. 8. MONTHLY OR 28-DAY BILLING? Important! At Centratel, we use a “monthly” billing cycle in which invoices are compiled from the first day of a month through the last day of that month. When soliciting quotes from other services, be sure to ask if the base-rate charges are billed monthly or on a “28-day billing cycle.” There is no good reason for a 28-day billing cycle! It’s a sly manipulation by the answering service: customers billed on a 28-day cycle actually receive thirteen billings per year instead of twelve. 9.NO CONTRACT AND SIMPLE TERMS OF SERVICE We don’t ask for a term contract for service because you should be able to evaluate us in real time, without restraint. Our [terms of service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) are simple and straight-forward. 10.VALUABLE FREE GIFT FOR CONTACTING US If you take the time to discuss answering service with us, on that same day we will ship you a hardcover copy of Sam Carpenter’s bestselling book, [_Work The System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_](https://www.workthesystem.com/), now in its 5th edition. (Sam is Centatel’s very active CEO.) December 1st 2025 marked his forty first year of ownership.) * * * ## Footer ## Property Management Answering Service - [Skip to primary navigation](https://www.centratel.com/blog/property-management-answering-service/transform-business/#genesis-nav-primary) - [Skip to main content](https://www.centratel.com/blog/property-management-answering-service/transform-business/#genesis-content) - [Skip to footer](https://www.centratel.com/blog/property-management-answering-service/transform-business/#genesis-footer-widgets) The Highest Quality Telephone Answering Service in the United States - [Make Payment](https://thepaymentportal.com/index.php?compcode=2C1A-9FF4-91CA-7F93) - [Client Login](https://oncall.centratel.com/) - [Follow Centratel on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centratel-answering-service/) - [Follow Centratel on Twitter](https://twitter.com/centratel) - [Follow Centratel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centratel) ![property management answering service](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/property-management-answering-service-2.jpg) # How a Property Management Answering Service can Transform Your Business August 20, 2023 [Property Management](https://www.centratel.com/blog/property-management-answering-service/) By Centratel Are you constantly overwhelmed by incessant calls from tenants, prospective renters, and service providers? Are you looking for an innovative solution that can revolutionize the way you handle communication in your property management business? Look no further! **Centratel’s Property Management Answering Service** is designed to streamline your communications, reduce missed opportunities, and elevate the level of your customer service. ## Why Does Your Business Need a Property Management Answering Service? The property management sector is an intricate ecosystem of diverse stakeholders – owners, renters, vendors, and service providers. The **volume of communication** this generates is staggering, and it is crucial to handle it effectively to sustain a successful business. A study by Property Management Insider found that about 30% of calls to property management companies go unanswered. Centratel’s dedicated [property management answering service](https://www.centratel.com/property-management-answering-service/) ensures that you never miss another call. It provides a personalized, professional, and responsive communication solution that can **transform your property management business**. ## Maximize Efficiency and Productivity One of the most significant advantages of an answering service is **increased efficiency**. Centratel’s service allows your team to focus on other critical tasks such as property maintenance and tenant relationship management, while we take care of the calls. According to an MIT study, the average American worker spends about 13 hours per week on email alone, translating to 28% of the work week. Imagine reclaiming these hours for your property management business! ## Enhance Customer Service Providing superior customer service is paramount in the property management sector. With our answering service, your callers will always connect with a live, friendly, and professional voice. This can lead to increased **tenant satisfaction**, and in turn, improved tenant retention – a critical aspect in property management. ## 24/7 Support and Emergency Dispatch As a property manager, you understand the unpredictable nature of this industry. Emergencies can occur at any time, and quick response is essential. Our service guarantees 24/7 support, ensuring no urgent call goes unanswered. Our trained professionals will also efficiently handle **emergency dispatch**, contributing to the safety and satisfaction of your tenants. ## Get Started with Centratel’s Property Management Answering Service It’s time to revolutionize your communication strategy and **transform your property management business**. We invite you to try Centratel’s property management answering service and experience the difference. We’re confident you’ll appreciate the peace of mind and the time it affords you to concentrate on growing your business. Ready to get started? [Request a price quote](https://www.centratel.com/price-quote/) today and take the first step towards transforming your property management business. **In the competitive property management industry, every call matters. Don’t let another opportunity slip away**. Choose Centratel’s answering service – where every call is answered, every time! [Image by pressfoto](https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/broker-giving-keys_5766789.htm#query=property%20manager&position=48&from_view=search&track=ais) on Freepik ## Taking the Next Step * * * For a quick orientation on how we operate, take a moment to review one or more of the key points listed in Why Choose Centratel Q&A (scroll down the page if you are on a mobile phone) For more specifics on cost, to start the onboarding process, or if you have questions, fill out this form with your basic information and if it’s during regular working hours (M-F 8am to 8pm EST or 5am to 5pm PST), we’ll get back to you within minutes. Or, during the above hours, you can simply call us at 800-664-7159 or send us an email to [inquiry@centratel.com](mailto:inquiry@centratel.com). First Name \* Last Name \* Job Title Email \* Company \* Phone \* City \* State \*State \*AlabamaAlaskaArkansasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDistrict of ColumbiaDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming How did you hear about us? How did you hear about us? \*PostcardBook gift: Work the SystemLetterReferralOnline SearchWork The SystemFacebook Is your business one of our specialties \*Is your business one of our specialties \*MedicalHome Health/HospiceVeterinary24/7 BusinessHVACTrade ServiceProperty ManagementUtilityDisaster RestorationPlumbing What is your ONE primary concern with using an answering service? \*What is your primary concern with using an answering service? \*Professionalism of staffMessage delivery accuracy and timelinessConsistent high quality of serviceCost of serviceLiabilityConfidentialityOther Are you currently using a call center/telephone answering service? \* YesNo Requested service start date \*Requested service start date \*ASAPWithin 1 WeekWithin 2 WeeksWithin 1 MonthOther List any specific call requirements Submit [Terms of Service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) ### **Why Choose Centratel** **BY SAM CARPENTER** **February 1, 2026** 1.CENTRATEL’S UNIQUE 30-DAY FREE TRIAL Why is this important? Because it will provide you a truly accurate estimate of cost (we bill monthly), it will demonstrate our quality, and it gives both sides of this brand new relationship—you and Centratel—plenty of time to refine and perfect operational details. Here’s a testimonial from a new medical client that had just finished their 30-day trial: _“Of course, I love the cost as it is close to the amount I was allowed by the president of the company. I told him that if we did not continue with Centratel, I would resign as the Director of Customer Service, and I meant it. It’s a great fit. We have had NOT ONE complaint from a patient or in-house which, as you know, we received daily with our former answering service._ _I love you, Centratel, and the price. I’m ready to sign whatever documents you require._ _Thanks for the great service, and the free month_! _To a great partnership! -KB, Phoenix_“ 2.STATISTICALLY, THE BEST IN THE U.S.? Answering service quality is 100% dependent on human action and reaction, and in the course of a single day a multitude of human decisions are made by the people who process the calls: Telephone Service Representatives, or TSRs. (Some answering services refer to them as “agents.” Others, “operators.”) Like any other answering service, at Centratel we’re dealing with real live human beings and so human errors can occur. But within this labor intensive service industry that is historically known for marginal quality, Centratel’s error rate is light years ahead of established standards. Our most recent Customer Reported Error Rate (October through December, 2025) was 1 customer-reported error for every 7,017 message transactions processed. That statistic is unmatched. There’s no artificial intelligence manipulation, we do not offshore calls, and we were founded and have always operated within the United States. (Note that since early 2020, the COVID six-foot social distancing mandate drove thousands of small-to-medium sized answering services out of business. Large, often foreign-owned multi-nationals, disguised by the name of the local answering services they acquired, now thoroughly dominate the industry. Hence, an even further decline in general service quality. [See this analysis.](https://www.centratel.com/answering-service-phone-industry/)) 3.CUSTOMER SERVICE EXTRAORDINAIRE Your concerns will be instantly acted upon. It’s a work ethic that stands in stark contrast to the general decline in quality of human-to-human business communications. You’ve seen it yourself, all around. At Centratel you will know by name the customer service people you’re working with, appreciating their special listening abilities as well as their take-action-now comportment. e.g. see the testimonial in point #1 above. ‘Nuff said! 4.GETTING STARTED: IT’S SIMPLE AND FAST Getting your new Centratel answering service 30-day free trial up-and-running is accomplished within 24-48 hours. From the start, your “onboarding” customer service representative will be with you every step of the way **,** listening carefully to your concerns, answering questions and offering suggestions. 5.NEW TO USING AN ANSWERING SERVICE? The very large majority of our current answering service accounts switched to us from another service because of quality and/or cost problems. However, if you have not used a service before, you are not familiar with the options, benefits, and pitfalls. Our 30-day free trial provides you—and us—plenty of time to precisely refine your desired message-taking and delivery protocols; to get things exactly the way you want them to be without any financial risk, undue pressure, or obligation. 6.PRICING Starting at $150 per month, our rates lie in the mid-range of the industry. Note that we charge by the “transaction unit” rather than the duration of time spent handling calls. Large “mega-services” operating in the U.S. prefer time billing because it ensures the company is compensated for lower-paid/high-turnover — and thus slower — agents. _No matter the quality or how long they keep your callers on hold, they still make a profit_. And yes, it can get expensive, especially if caller on-hold time is also billed. In any answering service, it takes a long time for a new agent to become fast, efficient, and stable. At Centratel, we pamper and reward experienced agents (via high pay and great benefits) and therefore have extremely low staff turnover. Needless to say, experienced agents make fewer errors than trainees who learn on-the-job. And, transaction-unit billing is easy to understand. There is no room for fraud as in time-billing. We can easily document and explain any monthly billing we send you. 7.ACCURATELY COMPARING ANSWERING SERVICE PRICING IS COMPLICATED It’s apples and oranges. There isn’t an industry standard for billing, and each answering service has its own formula. Also, as noted above, some services charge by agent “time” while a few, like us, charge by “transaction units.” Some others combine the two. At Centratel, we charge for the work we do, not by the time we spend. The raw truth is that the only reliable way to determine monthly cost for a new service is to use that service for a solid month. Most answering services offer a 7-day free trial or no trial at all. With Centratel you get 30-days. 8. MONTHLY OR 28-DAY BILLING? Important! At Centratel, we use a “monthly” billing cycle in which invoices are compiled from the first day of a month through the last day of that month. When soliciting quotes from other services, be sure to ask if the base-rate charges are billed monthly or on a “28-day billing cycle.” There is no good reason for a 28-day billing cycle! It’s a sly manipulation by the answering service: customers billed on a 28-day cycle actually receive thirteen billings per year instead of twelve. 9.NO CONTRACT AND SIMPLE TERMS OF SERVICE We don’t ask for a term contract for service because you should be able to evaluate us in real time, without restraint. Our [terms of service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) are simple and straight-forward. 10.VALUABLE FREE GIFT FOR CONTACTING US If you take the time to discuss answering service with us, on that same day we will ship you a hardcover copy of Sam Carpenter’s bestselling book, [_Work The System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_](https://www.workthesystem.com/), now in its 5th edition. (Sam is Centatel’s very active CEO.) December 1st 2025 marked his forty first year of ownership.) * * * ## Footer ## Veterinary Answering Service - [Skip to primary navigation](https://www.centratel.com/blog/veterinary-answering-service/vet-client-service/#genesis-nav-primary) - [Skip to main content](https://www.centratel.com/blog/veterinary-answering-service/vet-client-service/#genesis-content) - [Skip to footer](https://www.centratel.com/blog/veterinary-answering-service/vet-client-service/#genesis-footer-widgets) The Highest Quality Telephone Answering Service in the United States - [Make Payment](https://thepaymentportal.com/index.php?compcode=2C1A-9FF4-91CA-7F93) - [Client Login](https://oncall.centratel.com/) - [Follow Centratel on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centratel-answering-service/) - [Follow Centratel on Twitter](https://twitter.com/centratel) - [Follow Centratel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centratel) ![veterinary answering service](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/veterinary-answering-service-3.jpg) # Improving Client Service with a Veterinary Answering Service August 19, 2023 [Veterinary](https://www.centratel.com/blog/veterinary-answering-service/) By Centratel As the veterinary healthcare sector continues to evolve, practices are increasingly recognizing the importance of providing exceptional client service. In the midst of caring for patients and managing the business, communication can often be compromised. However, with [Centratel’s Veterinary Answering Service](https://www.centratel.com/veterinary-answering-service/), your veterinary clinic can ensure that every client call is handled with the utmost professionalism and efficiency. Research shows that [62% of callers will stop doing business with a company after a poor customer service experience](https://www.inc.com/andrew-thomas/the-hidden-ratio-that-could-make-or-break-your-company.html). This figure underscores the importance of delivering top-notch client service every time your phone rings. By leveraging Centratel’s specialized veterinary answering service, your clinic can not only maintain a high level of client service but also experience a wealth of other benefits. ## Increase Efficiency and Productivity The **telecommunication aspect of a veterinary practice can be time-consuming** and may distract from the primary goal – caring for your animal patients. By utilizing Centratel’s veterinary answering service, your team can concentrate on providing quality veterinary care without interruptions, thereby boosting productivity. [Maximize Your Clinic’s Efficiency with Centratel](https://www.centratel.com/veterinary-answering-service/) ## Ensure 24/7 Accessibility Veterinary emergencies don’t follow a 9-5 schedule. With Centratel’s service, your clients can reach a live, friendly voice at any time of the day or night, ensuring **continuous support and accessibility**. This round-the-clock service can greatly enhance your clinic’s reputation and client satisfaction. [24/7 Accessibility with Centratel’s Veterinary Answering Service](https://www.centratel.com/veterinary-answering-service/) ## Enhance Client Experience Providing an exceptional client experience is crucial in retaining existing customers and attracting new ones. Centratel’s professional and compassionate telecommunication service can elevate your clinic’s client experience, making your business more appealing to pet owners. [Upgrade Your Client Experience with Centratel](https://www.centratel.com/veterinary-answering-service/) ## Improve Staff Workflow By handling all incoming calls, Centratel’s answering service can significantly reduce your staff’s workload, allowing them to focus on in-clinic tasks. This not only improves efficiency but also reduces the risk of burnout among staff members. Centratel’s Veterinary Answering Service provides an unparalleled opportunity to **improve client communication, streamline your operations, and enhance overall client satisfaction**. [Get a price quote today](https://www.centratel.com/price-quote/) and see how Centratel can transform your clinic’s client service. Image by [Freepik](https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/portrait-dog-with-bandage-table_3186862.htm#query=veterinary%20reception&position=39&from_view=search&track=ais) ## Taking the Next Step * * * For a quick orientation on how we operate, take a moment to review one or more of the key points listed in Why Choose Centratel Q&A (scroll down the page if you are on a mobile phone) For more specifics on cost, to start the onboarding process, or if you have questions, fill out this form with your basic information and if it’s during regular working hours (M-F 8am to 8pm EST or 5am to 5pm PST), we’ll get back to you within minutes. Or, during the above hours, you can simply call us at 800-664-7159 or send us an email to [inquiry@centratel.com](mailto:inquiry@centratel.com). First Name \* Last Name \* Job Title Email \* Company \* Phone \* City \* State \*State \*AlabamaAlaskaArkansasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDistrict of ColumbiaDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming How did you hear about us? How did you hear about us? \*PostcardBook gift: Work the SystemLetterReferralOnline SearchWork The SystemFacebook Is your business one of our specialties \*Is your business one of our specialties \*MedicalHome Health/HospiceVeterinary24/7 BusinessHVACTrade ServiceProperty ManagementUtilityDisaster RestorationPlumbing What is your ONE primary concern with using an answering service? \*What is your primary concern with using an answering service? \*Professionalism of staffMessage delivery accuracy and timelinessConsistent high quality of serviceCost of serviceLiabilityConfidentialityOther Are you currently using a call center/telephone answering service? \* YesNo Requested service start date \*Requested service start date \*ASAPWithin 1 WeekWithin 2 WeeksWithin 1 MonthOther List any specific call requirements Submit [Terms of Service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) ### **Why Choose Centratel** **BY SAM CARPENTER** **February 1, 2026** 1.CENTRATEL’S UNIQUE 30-DAY FREE TRIAL Why is this important? Because it will provide you a truly accurate estimate of cost (we bill monthly), it will demonstrate our quality, and it gives both sides of this brand new relationship—you and Centratel—plenty of time to refine and perfect operational details. Here’s a testimonial from a new medical client that had just finished their 30-day trial: _“Of course, I love the cost as it is close to the amount I was allowed by the president of the company. I told him that if we did not continue with Centratel, I would resign as the Director of Customer Service, and I meant it. It’s a great fit. We have had NOT ONE complaint from a patient or in-house which, as you know, we received daily with our former answering service._ _I love you, Centratel, and the price. I’m ready to sign whatever documents you require._ _Thanks for the great service, and the free month_! _To a great partnership! -KB, Phoenix_“ 2.STATISTICALLY, THE BEST IN THE U.S.? Answering service quality is 100% dependent on human action and reaction, and in the course of a single day a multitude of human decisions are made by the people who process the calls: Telephone Service Representatives, or TSRs. (Some answering services refer to them as “agents.” Others, “operators.”) Like any other answering service, at Centratel we’re dealing with real live human beings and so human errors can occur. But within this labor intensive service industry that is historically known for marginal quality, Centratel’s error rate is light years ahead of established standards. Our most recent Customer Reported Error Rate (October through December, 2025) was 1 customer-reported error for every 7,017 message transactions processed. That statistic is unmatched. There’s no artificial intelligence manipulation, we do not offshore calls, and we were founded and have always operated within the United States. (Note that since early 2020, the COVID six-foot social distancing mandate drove thousands of small-to-medium sized answering services out of business. Large, often foreign-owned multi-nationals, disguised by the name of the local answering services they acquired, now thoroughly dominate the industry. Hence, an even further decline in general service quality. [See this analysis.](https://www.centratel.com/answering-service-phone-industry/)) 3.CUSTOMER SERVICE EXTRAORDINAIRE Your concerns will be instantly acted upon. It’s a work ethic that stands in stark contrast to the general decline in quality of human-to-human business communications. You’ve seen it yourself, all around. At Centratel you will know by name the customer service people you’re working with, appreciating their special listening abilities as well as their take-action-now comportment. e.g. see the testimonial in point #1 above. ‘Nuff said! 4.GETTING STARTED: IT’S SIMPLE AND FAST Getting your new Centratel answering service 30-day free trial up-and-running is accomplished within 24-48 hours. From the start, your “onboarding” customer service representative will be with you every step of the way **,** listening carefully to your concerns, answering questions and offering suggestions. 5.NEW TO USING AN ANSWERING SERVICE? The very large majority of our current answering service accounts switched to us from another service because of quality and/or cost problems. However, if you have not used a service before, you are not familiar with the options, benefits, and pitfalls. Our 30-day free trial provides you—and us—plenty of time to precisely refine your desired message-taking and delivery protocols; to get things exactly the way you want them to be without any financial risk, undue pressure, or obligation. 6.PRICING Starting at $150 per month, our rates lie in the mid-range of the industry. Note that we charge by the “transaction unit” rather than the duration of time spent handling calls. Large “mega-services” operating in the U.S. prefer time billing because it ensures the company is compensated for lower-paid/high-turnover — and thus slower — agents. _No matter the quality or how long they keep your callers on hold, they still make a profit_. And yes, it can get expensive, especially if caller on-hold time is also billed. In any answering service, it takes a long time for a new agent to become fast, efficient, and stable. At Centratel, we pamper and reward experienced agents (via high pay and great benefits) and therefore have extremely low staff turnover. Needless to say, experienced agents make fewer errors than trainees who learn on-the-job. And, transaction-unit billing is easy to understand. There is no room for fraud as in time-billing. We can easily document and explain any monthly billing we send you. 7.ACCURATELY COMPARING ANSWERING SERVICE PRICING IS COMPLICATED It’s apples and oranges. There isn’t an industry standard for billing, and each answering service has its own formula. Also, as noted above, some services charge by agent “time” while a few, like us, charge by “transaction units.” Some others combine the two. At Centratel, we charge for the work we do, not by the time we spend. The raw truth is that the only reliable way to determine monthly cost for a new service is to use that service for a solid month. Most answering services offer a 7-day free trial or no trial at all. With Centratel you get 30-days. 8. MONTHLY OR 28-DAY BILLING? Important! At Centratel, we use a “monthly” billing cycle in which invoices are compiled from the first day of a month through the last day of that month. When soliciting quotes from other services, be sure to ask if the base-rate charges are billed monthly or on a “28-day billing cycle.” There is no good reason for a 28-day billing cycle! It’s a sly manipulation by the answering service: customers billed on a 28-day cycle actually receive thirteen billings per year instead of twelve. 9.NO CONTRACT AND SIMPLE TERMS OF SERVICE We don’t ask for a term contract for service because you should be able to evaluate us in real time, without restraint. Our [terms of service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) are simple and straight-forward. 10.VALUABLE FREE GIFT FOR CONTACTING US If you take the time to discuss answering service with us, on that same day we will ship you a hardcover copy of Sam Carpenter’s bestselling book, [_Work The System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_](https://www.workthesystem.com/), now in its 5th edition. (Sam is Centatel’s very active CEO.) December 1st 2025 marked his forty first year of ownership.) * * * ## Footer ## HIPAA-Compliant Answering Service - [Skip to primary navigation](https://www.centratel.com/blog/home-healthcare-hospice-answering-service/hipaa-compliant-difference/#genesis-nav-primary) - [Skip to main content](https://www.centratel.com/blog/home-healthcare-hospice-answering-service/hipaa-compliant-difference/#genesis-content) - [Skip to footer](https://www.centratel.com/blog/home-healthcare-hospice-answering-service/hipaa-compliant-difference/#genesis-footer-widgets) The Highest Quality Telephone Answering Service in the United States - [Make Payment](https://thepaymentportal.com/index.php?compcode=2C1A-9FF4-91CA-7F93) - [Client Login](https://oncall.centratel.com/) - [Follow Centratel on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centratel-answering-service/) - [Follow Centratel on Twitter](https://twitter.com/centratel) - [Follow Centratel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centratel) ![hopsice answering service](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/hopsice-answering-service.jpg) # HIPAA-Compliant Home Health and Hospice Answering Service August 18, 2023 [Home Healthcare & Hospice](https://www.centratel.com/blog/home-healthcare-hospice-answering-service/) By Centratel For those in the **Home Health and Hospice sector**, maintaining **HIPAA compliance** isn’t just a legal requirement – it’s a commitment to patient privacy, quality of care, and industry excellence. At Centratel, we understand the complexity of this commitment. That’s why we’re proud to offer our specialized [Home Healthcare and Hospice Answering Service](https://www.centratel.com/home-healthcare-hospice-answering-service/), designed with strict adherence to HIPAA guidelines, promoting seamless communication within the Home Health and Hospice community. **Centratel’s Answering Services** are not just about taking calls; they’re about building bridges of trust with patients and their loved ones while effectively meeting all HIPAA compliance requirements. According to a **2018 study published by JAMA**, nearly 30% of all medical calls were found to have **potential HIPAA violations**. This alarming statistic showcases the critical need for HIPAA-compliant telephone answering services within the healthcare sector, particularly within Home Health and Hospice care. ## Understanding HIPAA Compliance in Home Health and Hospice Care The **Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)** has set the standard for sensitive patient data protection. Organizations dealing with protected health information (PHI) must ensure they have physical, network, and process security measures in place. This requirement is especially pertinent in the **Home Health and Hospice industry**, where sensitive information about patient conditions and end-of-life care are frequently shared. At Centratel, we’re committed to upholding these standards, providing HIPAA-compliant communication solutions tailored to the unique needs of Home Health and Hospice providers. [Learn more about how we make a difference](https://www.centratel.com/home-healthcare-hospice-answering-service/). ## The Centratel Difference: A Commitment to Compliance and Quality We have made a commitment to uphold the highest levels of HIPAA compliance in all of our services. We understand the severity of potential violations, not just in terms of legal repercussions, but also regarding the erosion of trust between healthcare providers, patients, and their families. Every call handled by Centratel is dealt with the utmost discretion, ensuring patient confidentiality and meeting all HIPAA regulations. Our trained staff is well-versed in HIPAA’s privacy and security rules, providing assurance to our Home Health and Hospice clients that their patients’ information is safeguarded. Our compliance efforts go beyond just meeting regulatory requirements. **We strive to exceed industry standards**, continually improving our processes and training our staff to stay ahead of evolving data protection needs. Interested in understanding how we can transform your communication processes while ensuring HIPAA compliance? [Request a price quote today](https://www.centratel.com/price-quote/). ## Centratel: A Reliable Partner for Home Health and Hospice Providers Centratel’s comprehensive services aren’t limited to just answering calls. We serve as an extension of your team, providing necessary support for efficient patient care coordination, emergency dispatch, and more. Our [Home Healthcare and Hospice Answering Services](https://www.centratel.com/home-healthcare-hospice-answering-service/) help ensure seamless communication, vital in the Home Health and Hospice industry where real-time, accurate information exchange can significantly affect patient care. Choose Centratel as your trusted partner in maintaining HIPAA compliance, enhancing patient communication, and improving overall patient satisfaction. [Get a price quote now](https://www.centratel.com/price-quote/) and let’s make a difference together in the Home Health and Hospice sector. In the highly sensitive and critical field of Home Health and Hospice, HIPAA compliance isn’t optional—it’s essential. And at Centratel, we make it seamless. **Trust in our commitment to quality and confidentiality**; experience the Centratel difference. Image by [Freepik](https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/man-smiling-nurse-nursing-home_2013580.htm#page=2&query=home%20health&position=14&from_view=search&track=ais) ## Taking the Next Step * * * For a quick orientation on how we operate, take a moment to review one or more of the key points listed in Why Choose Centratel Q&A (scroll down the page if you are on a mobile phone) For more specifics on cost, to start the onboarding process, or if you have questions, fill out this form with your basic information and if it’s during regular working hours (M-F 8am to 8pm EST or 5am to 5pm PST), we’ll get back to you within minutes. Or, during the above hours, you can simply call us at 800-664-7159 or send us an email to [inquiry@centratel.com](mailto:inquiry@centratel.com). First Name \* Last Name \* Job Title Email \* Company \* Phone \* City \* State \*State \*AlabamaAlaskaArkansasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDistrict of ColumbiaDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming How did you hear about us? How did you hear about us? \*PostcardBook gift: Work the SystemLetterReferralOnline SearchWork The SystemFacebook Is your business one of our specialties \*Is your business one of our specialties \*MedicalHome Health/HospiceVeterinary24/7 BusinessHVACTrade ServiceProperty ManagementUtilityDisaster RestorationPlumbing What is your ONE primary concern with using an answering service? \*What is your primary concern with using an answering service? \*Professionalism of staffMessage delivery accuracy and timelinessConsistent high quality of serviceCost of serviceLiabilityConfidentialityOther Are you currently using a call center/telephone answering service? \* YesNo Requested service start date \*Requested service start date \*ASAPWithin 1 WeekWithin 2 WeeksWithin 1 MonthOther List any specific call requirements Submit [Terms of Service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) ### **Why Choose Centratel** **BY SAM CARPENTER** **February 1, 2026** 1.CENTRATEL’S UNIQUE 30-DAY FREE TRIAL Why is this important? Because it will provide you a truly accurate estimate of cost (we bill monthly), it will demonstrate our quality, and it gives both sides of this brand new relationship—you and Centratel—plenty of time to refine and perfect operational details. Here’s a testimonial from a new medical client that had just finished their 30-day trial: _“Of course, I love the cost as it is close to the amount I was allowed by the president of the company. I told him that if we did not continue with Centratel, I would resign as the Director of Customer Service, and I meant it. It’s a great fit. We have had NOT ONE complaint from a patient or in-house which, as you know, we received daily with our former answering service._ _I love you, Centratel, and the price. I’m ready to sign whatever documents you require._ _Thanks for the great service, and the free month_! _To a great partnership! -KB, Phoenix_“ 2.STATISTICALLY, THE BEST IN THE U.S.? Answering service quality is 100% dependent on human action and reaction, and in the course of a single day a multitude of human decisions are made by the people who process the calls: Telephone Service Representatives, or TSRs. (Some answering services refer to them as “agents.” Others, “operators.”) Like any other answering service, at Centratel we’re dealing with real live human beings and so human errors can occur. But within this labor intensive service industry that is historically known for marginal quality, Centratel’s error rate is light years ahead of established standards. Our most recent Customer Reported Error Rate (October through December, 2025) was 1 customer-reported error for every 7,017 message transactions processed. That statistic is unmatched. There’s no artificial intelligence manipulation, we do not offshore calls, and we were founded and have always operated within the United States. (Note that since early 2020, the COVID six-foot social distancing mandate drove thousands of small-to-medium sized answering services out of business. Large, often foreign-owned multi-nationals, disguised by the name of the local answering services they acquired, now thoroughly dominate the industry. Hence, an even further decline in general service quality. [See this analysis.](https://www.centratel.com/answering-service-phone-industry/)) 3.CUSTOMER SERVICE EXTRAORDINAIRE Your concerns will be instantly acted upon. It’s a work ethic that stands in stark contrast to the general decline in quality of human-to-human business communications. You’ve seen it yourself, all around. At Centratel you will know by name the customer service people you’re working with, appreciating their special listening abilities as well as their take-action-now comportment. e.g. see the testimonial in point #1 above. ‘Nuff said! 4.GETTING STARTED: IT’S SIMPLE AND FAST Getting your new Centratel answering service 30-day free trial up-and-running is accomplished within 24-48 hours. From the start, your “onboarding” customer service representative will be with you every step of the way **,** listening carefully to your concerns, answering questions and offering suggestions. 5.NEW TO USING AN ANSWERING SERVICE? The very large majority of our current answering service accounts switched to us from another service because of quality and/or cost problems. However, if you have not used a service before, you are not familiar with the options, benefits, and pitfalls. Our 30-day free trial provides you—and us—plenty of time to precisely refine your desired message-taking and delivery protocols; to get things exactly the way you want them to be without any financial risk, undue pressure, or obligation. 6.PRICING Starting at $150 per month, our rates lie in the mid-range of the industry. Note that we charge by the “transaction unit” rather than the duration of time spent handling calls. Large “mega-services” operating in the U.S. prefer time billing because it ensures the company is compensated for lower-paid/high-turnover — and thus slower — agents. _No matter the quality or how long they keep your callers on hold, they still make a profit_. And yes, it can get expensive, especially if caller on-hold time is also billed. In any answering service, it takes a long time for a new agent to become fast, efficient, and stable. At Centratel, we pamper and reward experienced agents (via high pay and great benefits) and therefore have extremely low staff turnover. Needless to say, experienced agents make fewer errors than trainees who learn on-the-job. And, transaction-unit billing is easy to understand. There is no room for fraud as in time-billing. We can easily document and explain any monthly billing we send you. 7.ACCURATELY COMPARING ANSWERING SERVICE PRICING IS COMPLICATED It’s apples and oranges. There isn’t an industry standard for billing, and each answering service has its own formula. Also, as noted above, some services charge by agent “time” while a few, like us, charge by “transaction units.” Some others combine the two. At Centratel, we charge for the work we do, not by the time we spend. The raw truth is that the only reliable way to determine monthly cost for a new service is to use that service for a solid month. Most answering services offer a 7-day free trial or no trial at all. With Centratel you get 30-days. 8. MONTHLY OR 28-DAY BILLING? Important! At Centratel, we use a “monthly” billing cycle in which invoices are compiled from the first day of a month through the last day of that month. When soliciting quotes from other services, be sure to ask if the base-rate charges are billed monthly or on a “28-day billing cycle.” There is no good reason for a 28-day billing cycle! It’s a sly manipulation by the answering service: customers billed on a 28-day cycle actually receive thirteen billings per year instead of twelve. 9.NO CONTRACT AND SIMPLE TERMS OF SERVICE We don’t ask for a term contract for service because you should be able to evaluate us in real time, without restraint. Our [terms of service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) are simple and straight-forward. 10.VALUABLE FREE GIFT FOR CONTACTING US If you take the time to discuss answering service with us, on that same day we will ship you a hardcover copy of Sam Carpenter’s bestselling book, [_Work The System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_](https://www.workthesystem.com/), now in its 5th edition. (Sam is Centatel’s very active CEO.) December 1st 2025 marked his forty first year of ownership.) * * * ## Footer ## HIPAA Secure Answering Service - [Skip to primary navigation](https://www.centratel.com/blog/medical-answering-service/hipaa-secure-and-reliable/#genesis-nav-primary) - [Skip to main content](https://www.centratel.com/blog/medical-answering-service/hipaa-secure-and-reliable/#genesis-content) - [Skip to footer](https://www.centratel.com/blog/medical-answering-service/hipaa-secure-and-reliable/#genesis-footer-widgets) The Highest Quality Telephone Answering Service in the United States - [Make Payment](https://thepaymentportal.com/index.php?compcode=2C1A-9FF4-91CA-7F93) - [Client Login](https://oncall.centratel.com/) - [Follow Centratel on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centratel-answering-service/) - [Follow Centratel on Twitter](https://twitter.com/centratel) - [Follow Centratel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centratel) ![medical answering service](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/medical-answering-service.jpg) # Secure and Reliable: HIPAA-Compliant Medical Answering Service August 17, 2023 [Medical](https://www.centratel.com/blog/medical-answering-service/) By Centratel Running a medical practice requires an exceptional level of patient care and confidentiality. It’s not just about providing excellent medical services but also ensuring seamless communication and maintaining the **highest standards of privacy**. [Centratel’s HIPAA-Compliant Medical Answering Service](https://www.centratel.com/medical-answering-service/) is the solution you need, offering a **HIPAA-compliant service** that ensures confidentiality and reliability. A recent study published in the American Journal of Managed Care found that 47% of patient callbacks occurred after clinic hours. It’s not always possible for in-house staff to manage these calls efficiently while preserving privacy and compliance with federal laws. But, with Centratel, you don’t have to worry about that. Our **24/7 support** ensures that your patients are heard and addressed promptly and professionally. ## Why Centratel’s Medical Answering Service? Centratel’s medical answering service provides more than just a voice at the end of the line. We offer **comprehensive communication solutions** tailored for the medical industry. Here’s what makes our service secure and reliable: 1. **HIPAA Compliance**: The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) sets the standard for sensitive patient data protection. Companies that deal with protected health information (PHI) must ensure they meet these standards. Centratel goes above and beyond to ensure we are not just compliant, but that we **exceed HIPAA requirements**, ensuring your patients’ data is secure. 2. **Trained Professionals**: Our team consists of highly trained professionals, familiar with the specific requirements of the medical industry. They understand **medical terminologies** and most importantly, know how to handle emergency calls. 3. **Secure Data Handling**: In a 2021 healthcare data breach report, it was found that over 41 million patient records were breached. We understand the importance of data security in the healthcare sector. At Centratel, we **prioritize secure data handling** to protect your patients’ information. 4. **Reliable Communication**: Our services ensure smooth communication between your clinic and your patients. From managing after-hours calls to coordinating appointments, we offer a **dependable communication bridge**. ## Embrace the Benefits of Centratel’s Medical Answering Service Outsourcing your telephone answering service to Centratel doesn’t just streamline your operations; it helps build trust with your patients. They know their calls will be handled promptly, their data handled securely, and their issues addressed professionally. Centratel’s [HIPAA-compliant Medical Answering Service](https://www.centratel.com/medical-answering-service/) is built to address your unique needs. Our **customizable packages** provide the best value for clinics of all sizes. ## Ready to Transform Your Medical Practice? Take the next step towards improving your clinic’s efficiency, patient satisfaction, and data security. Reach out to us for a [price quote](https://www.centratel.com/price-quote/) today, and let Centratel take care of your communication needs, so you can focus on what matters the most – providing quality care for your patients. Choose **security**. Choose **reliability**. Choose **Centratel**. [Image by peoplecreations](https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/surgeons-performing-operation-operation-room_1008428.htm#query=medical&position=42&from_view=search&track=sph) on Freepik ## Taking the Next Step * * * For a quick orientation on how we operate, take a moment to review one or more of the key points listed in Why Choose Centratel Q&A (scroll down the page if you are on a mobile phone) For more specifics on cost, to start the onboarding process, or if you have questions, fill out this form with your basic information and if it’s during regular working hours (M-F 8am to 8pm EST or 5am to 5pm PST), we’ll get back to you within minutes. Or, during the above hours, you can simply call us at 800-664-7159 or send us an email to [inquiry@centratel.com](mailto:inquiry@centratel.com). First Name \* Last Name \* Job Title Email \* Company \* Phone \* City \* State \*State \*AlabamaAlaskaArkansasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDistrict of ColumbiaDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming How did you hear about us? How did you hear about us? \*PostcardBook gift: Work the SystemLetterReferralOnline SearchWork The SystemFacebook Is your business one of our specialties \*Is your business one of our specialties \*MedicalHome Health/HospiceVeterinary24/7 BusinessHVACTrade ServiceProperty ManagementUtilityDisaster RestorationPlumbing What is your ONE primary concern with using an answering service? \*What is your primary concern with using an answering service? \*Professionalism of staffMessage delivery accuracy and timelinessConsistent high quality of serviceCost of serviceLiabilityConfidentialityOther Are you currently using a call center/telephone answering service? \* YesNo Requested service start date \*Requested service start date \*ASAPWithin 1 WeekWithin 2 WeeksWithin 1 MonthOther List any specific call requirements Submit [Terms of Service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) ### **Why Choose Centratel** **BY SAM CARPENTER** **February 1, 2026** 1.CENTRATEL’S UNIQUE 30-DAY FREE TRIAL Why is this important? Because it will provide you a truly accurate estimate of cost (we bill monthly), it will demonstrate our quality, and it gives both sides of this brand new relationship—you and Centratel—plenty of time to refine and perfect operational details. Here’s a testimonial from a new medical client that had just finished their 30-day trial: _“Of course, I love the cost as it is close to the amount I was allowed by the president of the company. I told him that if we did not continue with Centratel, I would resign as the Director of Customer Service, and I meant it. It’s a great fit. We have had NOT ONE complaint from a patient or in-house which, as you know, we received daily with our former answering service._ _I love you, Centratel, and the price. I’m ready to sign whatever documents you require._ _Thanks for the great service, and the free month_! _To a great partnership! -KB, Phoenix_“ 2.STATISTICALLY, THE BEST IN THE U.S.? Answering service quality is 100% dependent on human action and reaction, and in the course of a single day a multitude of human decisions are made by the people who process the calls: Telephone Service Representatives, or TSRs. (Some answering services refer to them as “agents.” Others, “operators.”) Like any other answering service, at Centratel we’re dealing with real live human beings and so human errors can occur. But within this labor intensive service industry that is historically known for marginal quality, Centratel’s error rate is light years ahead of established standards. Our most recent Customer Reported Error Rate (October through December, 2025) was 1 customer-reported error for every 7,017 message transactions processed. That statistic is unmatched. There’s no artificial intelligence manipulation, we do not offshore calls, and we were founded and have always operated within the United States. (Note that since early 2020, the COVID six-foot social distancing mandate drove thousands of small-to-medium sized answering services out of business. Large, often foreign-owned multi-nationals, disguised by the name of the local answering services they acquired, now thoroughly dominate the industry. Hence, an even further decline in general service quality. [See this analysis.](https://www.centratel.com/answering-service-phone-industry/)) 3.CUSTOMER SERVICE EXTRAORDINAIRE Your concerns will be instantly acted upon. It’s a work ethic that stands in stark contrast to the general decline in quality of human-to-human business communications. You’ve seen it yourself, all around. At Centratel you will know by name the customer service people you’re working with, appreciating their special listening abilities as well as their take-action-now comportment. e.g. see the testimonial in point #1 above. ‘Nuff said! 4.GETTING STARTED: IT’S SIMPLE AND FAST Getting your new Centratel answering service 30-day free trial up-and-running is accomplished within 24-48 hours. From the start, your “onboarding” customer service representative will be with you every step of the way **,** listening carefully to your concerns, answering questions and offering suggestions. 5.NEW TO USING AN ANSWERING SERVICE? The very large majority of our current answering service accounts switched to us from another service because of quality and/or cost problems. However, if you have not used a service before, you are not familiar with the options, benefits, and pitfalls. Our 30-day free trial provides you—and us—plenty of time to precisely refine your desired message-taking and delivery protocols; to get things exactly the way you want them to be without any financial risk, undue pressure, or obligation. 6.PRICING Starting at $150 per month, our rates lie in the mid-range of the industry. Note that we charge by the “transaction unit” rather than the duration of time spent handling calls. Large “mega-services” operating in the U.S. prefer time billing because it ensures the company is compensated for lower-paid/high-turnover — and thus slower — agents. _No matter the quality or how long they keep your callers on hold, they still make a profit_. And yes, it can get expensive, especially if caller on-hold time is also billed. In any answering service, it takes a long time for a new agent to become fast, efficient, and stable. At Centratel, we pamper and reward experienced agents (via high pay and great benefits) and therefore have extremely low staff turnover. Needless to say, experienced agents make fewer errors than trainees who learn on-the-job. And, transaction-unit billing is easy to understand. There is no room for fraud as in time-billing. We can easily document and explain any monthly billing we send you. 7.ACCURATELY COMPARING ANSWERING SERVICE PRICING IS COMPLICATED It’s apples and oranges. There isn’t an industry standard for billing, and each answering service has its own formula. Also, as noted above, some services charge by agent “time” while a few, like us, charge by “transaction units.” Some others combine the two. At Centratel, we charge for the work we do, not by the time we spend. The raw truth is that the only reliable way to determine monthly cost for a new service is to use that service for a solid month. Most answering services offer a 7-day free trial or no trial at all. With Centratel you get 30-days. 8. MONTHLY OR 28-DAY BILLING? Important! At Centratel, we use a “monthly” billing cycle in which invoices are compiled from the first day of a month through the last day of that month. When soliciting quotes from other services, be sure to ask if the base-rate charges are billed monthly or on a “28-day billing cycle.” There is no good reason for a 28-day billing cycle! It’s a sly manipulation by the answering service: customers billed on a 28-day cycle actually receive thirteen billings per year instead of twelve. 9.NO CONTRACT AND SIMPLE TERMS OF SERVICE We don’t ask for a term contract for service because you should be able to evaluate us in real time, without restraint. Our [terms of service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) are simple and straight-forward. 10.VALUABLE FREE GIFT FOR CONTACTING US If you take the time to discuss answering service with us, on that same day we will ship you a hardcover copy of Sam Carpenter’s bestselling book, [_Work The System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_](https://www.workthesystem.com/), now in its 5th edition. (Sam is Centatel’s very active CEO.) December 1st 2025 marked his forty first year of ownership.) * * * ## Footer ## Oil and Gas Services - [Skip to primary navigation](https://www.centratel.com/blog/utility-answering-service/oil-and-gas-answering/#genesis-nav-primary) - [Skip to main content](https://www.centratel.com/blog/utility-answering-service/oil-and-gas-answering/#genesis-content) - [Skip to footer](https://www.centratel.com/blog/utility-answering-service/oil-and-gas-answering/#genesis-footer-widgets) The Highest Quality Telephone Answering Service in the United States - [Make Payment](https://thepaymentportal.com/index.php?compcode=2C1A-9FF4-91CA-7F93) - [Client Login](https://oncall.centratel.com/) - [Follow Centratel on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centratel-answering-service/) - [Follow Centratel on Twitter](https://twitter.com/centratel) - [Follow Centratel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centratel) ![Public and Private utilites answering service](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Public-and-Private-utilites-answering-service.jpg) # Public and Private Utilities Answering Service: The Oil and Gas Industry August 15, 2023 [Utility](https://www.centratel.com/blog/utility-answering-service/) By Centratel In the volatile landscape of the **oil and gas industry**, maintaining robust customer relations is critical. Whether it’s handling inquiries regarding exploration efforts, managing appointments for drill site visits, or resolving disputes about crude oil delivery schedules, excellent communication lies at the heart of efficient operations. This is where Centratel’s specialized [public and private utilities answering service](https://www.centratel.com/public-and-private-utilities-answering-service/) comes into play. **Quality communication is more than just answering phone calls** – it’s about providing a seamless, positive experience to your stakeholders, thereby fuelling customer satisfaction. A report from Salesforce indicated that **75% of consumers expect companies to provide a consistent experience wherever they engage** (e.g., department to department or channel to channel). In the world of oil and gas, where operations extend from remote extraction sites to downtown corporate offices, this consistency is all the more crucial. **Enter Centratel** – Our high-quality, 24/7 answering service ensures that no call goes unanswered, no query unresolved, and no customer interaction falls short of expectations. Leveraging **cutting-edge technology and industry-specific expertise**, our team offers the best in class service dedicated to oil companies. No more missed opportunities, and no more unresolved queries. We understand that in the oil sector, the nature of inquiries can range from highly technical questions about **drilling operations** to inquiries about **pipeline projects, commodity pricing**, and **environmental regulations**. With Centratel, you don’t just get an answering service – you get a team that speaks your language and understands the nuances of your industry. With an efficient answering service like Centratel, you can significantly **reduce downtime and enhance efficiency.** A study by Velaro found that customers are 82% more likely to perceive their experience as “good” if their issues are resolved quickly. And here’s where it gets better: We don’t just cater to the traditional oil and gas sectors. Whether your organization focuses on **upstream activities** (exploration and production), **midstream activities** (storage and transportation), or **downstream activities** (refining and marketing), we’ve got you covered. Our tailored communication solutions go beyond just phone calls. We integrate multi-channel communication like emails, text messaging, and live chat, ensuring that your stakeholders can reach you anytime, anywhere. Ready to give your communication a much-needed upgrade? [Get a price quote](https://www.centratel.com/price-quote/) today to discover how our [public and private utilities answering service](https://www.centratel.com/public-and-private-utilities-answering-service/) can fuel your success in the oil and gas industry. With Centratel’s comprehensive, industry-specific answering service, you can turn each call into an opportunity to fuel customer satisfaction and boost your bottom line. Whether you’re an established oil corporation or a growing startup, **our mission is to help you keep the energy flowing**. In an industry as dynamic and complex as oil and gas, don’t let your customer interactions be an afterthought. **Invest in Centratel today** to experience the difference a professional answering service can make. [Request a price quote](https://www.centratel.com/price-quote/) and begin your journey to enhanced customer satisfaction and communication efficiency. [Image by atlascompany](https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/worker-oil-rig-sunset-created-with-generative-ai-technology_40871170.htm#page=2&query=oil%20and%20gas&position=1&from_view=search&track=ais) on Freepik ## Taking the Next Step * * * For a quick orientation on how we operate, take a moment to review one or more of the key points listed in Why Choose Centratel Q&A (scroll down the page if you are on a mobile phone) For more specifics on cost, to start the onboarding process, or if you have questions, fill out this form with your basic information and if it’s during regular working hours (M-F 8am to 8pm EST or 5am to 5pm PST), we’ll get back to you within minutes. Or, during the above hours, you can simply call us at 800-664-7159 or send us an email to [inquiry@centratel.com](mailto:inquiry@centratel.com). First Name \* Last Name \* Job Title Email \* Company \* Phone \* City \* State \*State \*AlabamaAlaskaArkansasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDistrict of ColumbiaDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming How did you hear about us? How did you hear about us? \*PostcardBook gift: Work the SystemLetterReferralOnline SearchWork The SystemFacebook Is your business one of our specialties \*Is your business one of our specialties \*MedicalHome Health/HospiceVeterinary24/7 BusinessHVACTrade ServiceProperty ManagementUtilityDisaster RestorationPlumbing What is your ONE primary concern with using an answering service? \*What is your primary concern with using an answering service? \*Professionalism of staffMessage delivery accuracy and timelinessConsistent high quality of serviceCost of serviceLiabilityConfidentialityOther Are you currently using a call center/telephone answering service? \* YesNo Requested service start date \*Requested service start date \*ASAPWithin 1 WeekWithin 2 WeeksWithin 1 MonthOther List any specific call requirements Submit [Terms of Service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) ### **Why Choose Centratel** **BY SAM CARPENTER** **February 1, 2026** 1.CENTRATEL’S UNIQUE 30-DAY FREE TRIAL Why is this important? Because it will provide you a truly accurate estimate of cost (we bill monthly), it will demonstrate our quality, and it gives both sides of this brand new relationship—you and Centratel—plenty of time to refine and perfect operational details. Here’s a testimonial from a new medical client that had just finished their 30-day trial: _“Of course, I love the cost as it is close to the amount I was allowed by the president of the company. I told him that if we did not continue with Centratel, I would resign as the Director of Customer Service, and I meant it. It’s a great fit. We have had NOT ONE complaint from a patient or in-house which, as you know, we received daily with our former answering service._ _I love you, Centratel, and the price. I’m ready to sign whatever documents you require._ _Thanks for the great service, and the free month_! _To a great partnership! -KB, Phoenix_“ 2.STATISTICALLY, THE BEST IN THE U.S.? Answering service quality is 100% dependent on human action and reaction, and in the course of a single day a multitude of human decisions are made by the people who process the calls: Telephone Service Representatives, or TSRs. (Some answering services refer to them as “agents.” Others, “operators.”) Like any other answering service, at Centratel we’re dealing with real live human beings and so human errors can occur. But within this labor intensive service industry that is historically known for marginal quality, Centratel’s error rate is light years ahead of established standards. Our most recent Customer Reported Error Rate (October through December, 2025) was 1 customer-reported error for every 7,017 message transactions processed. That statistic is unmatched. There’s no artificial intelligence manipulation, we do not offshore calls, and we were founded and have always operated within the United States. (Note that since early 2020, the COVID six-foot social distancing mandate drove thousands of small-to-medium sized answering services out of business. Large, often foreign-owned multi-nationals, disguised by the name of the local answering services they acquired, now thoroughly dominate the industry. Hence, an even further decline in general service quality. [See this analysis.](https://www.centratel.com/answering-service-phone-industry/)) 3.CUSTOMER SERVICE EXTRAORDINAIRE Your concerns will be instantly acted upon. It’s a work ethic that stands in stark contrast to the general decline in quality of human-to-human business communications. You’ve seen it yourself, all around. At Centratel you will know by name the customer service people you’re working with, appreciating their special listening abilities as well as their take-action-now comportment. e.g. see the testimonial in point #1 above. ‘Nuff said! 4.GETTING STARTED: IT’S SIMPLE AND FAST Getting your new Centratel answering service 30-day free trial up-and-running is accomplished within 24-48 hours. From the start, your “onboarding” customer service representative will be with you every step of the way **,** listening carefully to your concerns, answering questions and offering suggestions. 5.NEW TO USING AN ANSWERING SERVICE? The very large majority of our current answering service accounts switched to us from another service because of quality and/or cost problems. However, if you have not used a service before, you are not familiar with the options, benefits, and pitfalls. Our 30-day free trial provides you—and us—plenty of time to precisely refine your desired message-taking and delivery protocols; to get things exactly the way you want them to be without any financial risk, undue pressure, or obligation. 6.PRICING Starting at $150 per month, our rates lie in the mid-range of the industry. Note that we charge by the “transaction unit” rather than the duration of time spent handling calls. Large “mega-services” operating in the U.S. prefer time billing because it ensures the company is compensated for lower-paid/high-turnover — and thus slower — agents. _No matter the quality or how long they keep your callers on hold, they still make a profit_. And yes, it can get expensive, especially if caller on-hold time is also billed. In any answering service, it takes a long time for a new agent to become fast, efficient, and stable. At Centratel, we pamper and reward experienced agents (via high pay and great benefits) and therefore have extremely low staff turnover. Needless to say, experienced agents make fewer errors than trainees who learn on-the-job. And, transaction-unit billing is easy to understand. There is no room for fraud as in time-billing. We can easily document and explain any monthly billing we send you. 7.ACCURATELY COMPARING ANSWERING SERVICE PRICING IS COMPLICATED It’s apples and oranges. There isn’t an industry standard for billing, and each answering service has its own formula. Also, as noted above, some services charge by agent “time” while a few, like us, charge by “transaction units.” Some others combine the two. At Centratel, we charge for the work we do, not by the time we spend. The raw truth is that the only reliable way to determine monthly cost for a new service is to use that service for a solid month. Most answering services offer a 7-day free trial or no trial at all. With Centratel you get 30-days. 8. MONTHLY OR 28-DAY BILLING? Important! At Centratel, we use a “monthly” billing cycle in which invoices are compiled from the first day of a month through the last day of that month. When soliciting quotes from other services, be sure to ask if the base-rate charges are billed monthly or on a “28-day billing cycle.” There is no good reason for a 28-day billing cycle! It’s a sly manipulation by the answering service: customers billed on a 28-day cycle actually receive thirteen billings per year instead of twelve. 9.NO CONTRACT AND SIMPLE TERMS OF SERVICE We don’t ask for a term contract for service because you should be able to evaluate us in real time, without restraint. Our [terms of service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) are simple and straight-forward. 10.VALUABLE FREE GIFT FOR CONTACTING US If you take the time to discuss answering service with us, on that same day we will ship you a hardcover copy of Sam Carpenter’s bestselling book, [_Work The System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_](https://www.workthesystem.com/), now in its 5th edition. (Sam is Centatel’s very active CEO.) December 1st 2025 marked his forty first year of ownership.) * * * ## Footer ## Never Miss Calls - [Skip to primary navigation](https://www.centratel.com/blog/answering-service/never-miss-a-call/#genesis-nav-primary) - [Skip to main content](https://www.centratel.com/blog/answering-service/never-miss-a-call/#genesis-content) - [Skip to footer](https://www.centratel.com/blog/answering-service/never-miss-a-call/#genesis-footer-widgets) The Highest Quality Telephone Answering Service in the United States - [Make Payment](https://thepaymentportal.com/index.php?compcode=2C1A-9FF4-91CA-7F93) - [Client Login](https://oncall.centratel.com/) - [Follow Centratel on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centratel-answering-service/) - [Follow Centratel on Twitter](https://twitter.com/centratel) - [Follow Centratel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centratel) ![24/7 Answering Service](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/247-Answering-Service.jpg) # Never Miss a Call: Our 24/7 Business Answering Service August 14, 2023 [Answering Service](https://www.centratel.com/blog/answering-service/) By Centratel In today’s globalized world, businesses are no longer confined to the traditional 9-5 working hours. As a result, more and more businesses are adapting to a **24/7 operational model**. In the competitive marketplace, being available for your clients anytime they need is crucial. However, constant availability can be taxing and costly for businesses to manage in-house. That’s where [Centratel’s 24/7 Business Answering Service](https://www.centratel.com/24-7-business-answering-service/) comes in to revolutionize your communication approach. ## Improved Customer Service First and foremost, the most significant advantage of a [24/7 business answering service](https://www.centratel.com/24-7-business-answering-service/) is the enhanced customer service. **Never missing a call means never missing a customer**. A study by Harvard Business Review showed that businesses that respond within an hour of an inquiry are nearly seven times more likely to qualify the lead than those who respond even an hour later. It’s clear; time is of the essence in customer service. Centratel’s 24/7 answering service ensures that there’s always a professional ready to take your customers’ calls, answering their queries, solving their problems, and providing them with the information they need when they need it. ## Reduced Operating Costs Hiring and maintaining a 24/7 in-house call center can be expensive. But with Centratel’s [24/7 business answering service](https://www.centratel.com/24-7-business-answering-service/), businesses can **drastically reduce operating costs**. Instead of bearing the costs of hiring, training, and maintaining a full-time staff, businesses can pay a fraction of the cost for professional service round-the-clock. ## Increased Efficiency and Productivity Offloading the task of handling customer calls to a professional service means your team can focus on their core responsibilities. This results in **increased efficiency and productivity**, which can have a significant impact on your bottom line. ## Better Business Reputation Availability and prompt responses can significantly **enhance your business reputation**. By never missing a call, you show your customers that you value their time and are always ready to cater to their needs. Businesses are rapidly recognizing the importance of having a 24/7 answering service. According to a report by Grand View Research, the global call center market size is expected to reach $496.2 billion by 2027, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.7% from 2020. With all these advantages, it’s time to rethink how your business handles customer calls. Consider [Centratel’s 24/7 Business Answering Service](https://www.centratel.com/24-7-business-answering-service/) to never miss a call and transform your business. Ready to take the first step? Request a [price quote](https://www.centratel.com/price-quote/) today and take your business to the next level of customer service, productivity, and efficiency. Remember, every missed call is a missed opportunity. Don’t let your business miss out. Get started with [Centratel’s 24/7 Business Answering Service](https://www.centratel.com/24-7-business-answering-service/) now! [Image by topntp26](https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/closeup-clock_1254649.htm#query=night%2024-7&position=2&from_view=search&track=ais) on Freepik ## Taking the Next Step * * * For a quick orientation on how we operate, take a moment to review one or more of the key points listed in Why Choose Centratel Q&A (scroll down the page if you are on a mobile phone) For more specifics on cost, to start the onboarding process, or if you have questions, fill out this form with your basic information and if it’s during regular working hours (M-F 8am to 8pm EST or 5am to 5pm PST), we’ll get back to you within minutes. Or, during the above hours, you can simply call us at 800-664-7159 or send us an email to [inquiry@centratel.com](mailto:inquiry@centratel.com). First Name \* Last Name \* Job Title Email \* Company \* Phone \* City \* State \*State \*AlabamaAlaskaArkansasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDistrict of ColumbiaDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming How did you hear about us? How did you hear about us? \*PostcardBook gift: Work the SystemLetterReferralOnline SearchWork The SystemFacebook Is your business one of our specialties \*Is your business one of our specialties \*MedicalHome Health/HospiceVeterinary24/7 BusinessHVACTrade ServiceProperty ManagementUtilityDisaster RestorationPlumbing What is your ONE primary concern with using an answering service? \*What is your primary concern with using an answering service? \*Professionalism of staffMessage delivery accuracy and timelinessConsistent high quality of serviceCost of serviceLiabilityConfidentialityOther Are you currently using a call center/telephone answering service? \* YesNo Requested service start date \*Requested service start date \*ASAPWithin 1 WeekWithin 2 WeeksWithin 1 MonthOther List any specific call requirements Submit [Terms of Service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) ### **Why Choose Centratel** **BY SAM CARPENTER** **February 1, 2026** 1.CENTRATEL’S UNIQUE 30-DAY FREE TRIAL Why is this important? Because it will provide you a truly accurate estimate of cost (we bill monthly), it will demonstrate our quality, and it gives both sides of this brand new relationship—you and Centratel—plenty of time to refine and perfect operational details. Here’s a testimonial from a new medical client that had just finished their 30-day trial: _“Of course, I love the cost as it is close to the amount I was allowed by the president of the company. I told him that if we did not continue with Centratel, I would resign as the Director of Customer Service, and I meant it. It’s a great fit. We have had NOT ONE complaint from a patient or in-house which, as you know, we received daily with our former answering service._ _I love you, Centratel, and the price. I’m ready to sign whatever documents you require._ _Thanks for the great service, and the free month_! _To a great partnership! -KB, Phoenix_“ 2.STATISTICALLY, THE BEST IN THE U.S.? Answering service quality is 100% dependent on human action and reaction, and in the course of a single day a multitude of human decisions are made by the people who process the calls: Telephone Service Representatives, or TSRs. (Some answering services refer to them as “agents.” Others, “operators.”) Like any other answering service, at Centratel we’re dealing with real live human beings and so human errors can occur. But within this labor intensive service industry that is historically known for marginal quality, Centratel’s error rate is light years ahead of established standards. Our most recent Customer Reported Error Rate (October through December, 2025) was 1 customer-reported error for every 7,017 message transactions processed. That statistic is unmatched. There’s no artificial intelligence manipulation, we do not offshore calls, and we were founded and have always operated within the United States. (Note that since early 2020, the COVID six-foot social distancing mandate drove thousands of small-to-medium sized answering services out of business. Large, often foreign-owned multi-nationals, disguised by the name of the local answering services they acquired, now thoroughly dominate the industry. Hence, an even further decline in general service quality. [See this analysis.](https://www.centratel.com/answering-service-phone-industry/)) 3.CUSTOMER SERVICE EXTRAORDINAIRE Your concerns will be instantly acted upon. It’s a work ethic that stands in stark contrast to the general decline in quality of human-to-human business communications. You’ve seen it yourself, all around. At Centratel you will know by name the customer service people you’re working with, appreciating their special listening abilities as well as their take-action-now comportment. e.g. see the testimonial in point #1 above. ‘Nuff said! 4.GETTING STARTED: IT’S SIMPLE AND FAST Getting your new Centratel answering service 30-day free trial up-and-running is accomplished within 24-48 hours. From the start, your “onboarding” customer service representative will be with you every step of the way **,** listening carefully to your concerns, answering questions and offering suggestions. 5.NEW TO USING AN ANSWERING SERVICE? The very large majority of our current answering service accounts switched to us from another service because of quality and/or cost problems. However, if you have not used a service before, you are not familiar with the options, benefits, and pitfalls. Our 30-day free trial provides you—and us—plenty of time to precisely refine your desired message-taking and delivery protocols; to get things exactly the way you want them to be without any financial risk, undue pressure, or obligation. 6.PRICING Starting at $150 per month, our rates lie in the mid-range of the industry. Note that we charge by the “transaction unit” rather than the duration of time spent handling calls. Large “mega-services” operating in the U.S. prefer time billing because it ensures the company is compensated for lower-paid/high-turnover — and thus slower — agents. _No matter the quality or how long they keep your callers on hold, they still make a profit_. And yes, it can get expensive, especially if caller on-hold time is also billed. In any answering service, it takes a long time for a new agent to become fast, efficient, and stable. At Centratel, we pamper and reward experienced agents (via high pay and great benefits) and therefore have extremely low staff turnover. Needless to say, experienced agents make fewer errors than trainees who learn on-the-job. And, transaction-unit billing is easy to understand. There is no room for fraud as in time-billing. We can easily document and explain any monthly billing we send you. 7.ACCURATELY COMPARING ANSWERING SERVICE PRICING IS COMPLICATED It’s apples and oranges. There isn’t an industry standard for billing, and each answering service has its own formula. Also, as noted above, some services charge by agent “time” while a few, like us, charge by “transaction units.” Some others combine the two. At Centratel, we charge for the work we do, not by the time we spend. The raw truth is that the only reliable way to determine monthly cost for a new service is to use that service for a solid month. Most answering services offer a 7-day free trial or no trial at all. With Centratel you get 30-days. 8. MONTHLY OR 28-DAY BILLING? Important! At Centratel, we use a “monthly” billing cycle in which invoices are compiled from the first day of a month through the last day of that month. When soliciting quotes from other services, be sure to ask if the base-rate charges are billed monthly or on a “28-day billing cycle.” There is no good reason for a 28-day billing cycle! It’s a sly manipulation by the answering service: customers billed on a 28-day cycle actually receive thirteen billings per year instead of twelve. 9.NO CONTRACT AND SIMPLE TERMS OF SERVICE We don’t ask for a term contract for service because you should be able to evaluate us in real time, without restraint. Our [terms of service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) are simple and straight-forward. 10.VALUABLE FREE GIFT FOR CONTACTING US If you take the time to discuss answering service with us, on that same day we will ship you a hardcover copy of Sam Carpenter’s bestselling book, [_Work The System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_](https://www.workthesystem.com/), now in its 5th edition. (Sam is Centatel’s very active CEO.) December 1st 2025 marked his forty first year of ownership.) * * * ## Footer ## Trade Service Answering Service - [Skip to primary navigation](https://www.centratel.com/blog/trade-service-answering-service/strategic-advantages/#genesis-nav-primary) - [Skip to main content](https://www.centratel.com/blog/trade-service-answering-service/strategic-advantages/#genesis-content) - [Skip to footer](https://www.centratel.com/blog/trade-service-answering-service/strategic-advantages/#genesis-footer-widgets) The Highest Quality Telephone Answering Service in the United States - [Make Payment](https://thepaymentportal.com/index.php?compcode=2C1A-9FF4-91CA-7F93) - [Client Login](https://oncall.centratel.com/) - [Follow Centratel on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centratel-answering-service/) - [Follow Centratel on Twitter](https://twitter.com/centratel) - [Follow Centratel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centratel) ![trade service answering service](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/trade-service-answering-service.jpg) # Strategic Advantages of a Trade Service Answering Service August 13, 2023 [Trade Service](https://www.centratel.com/blog/trade-service-answering-service/) By Centratel Operating in the trade service industry, you know that excellent customer service is the lifeblood of your business. Plumbing, electrical, HVAC, landscaping — no matter what your trade, **impeccable call handling** is critical to securing new clients and maintaining loyal ones. But, do you have the bandwidth to handle this task effectively, 24/7? Enter, [Centratel’s Trade Service Answering Service](https://www.centratel.com/trade-service-answering-service/). **Centratel is not just another call answering service**. We are a strategic partner aimed at empowering your trade service business, helping you to manage telephone calls with utmost efficiency and professionalism. ## The Significance of a Trade Service Answering Service As a trade service professional, missed calls or delayed responses can mean the difference between a satisfied customer and a lost opportunity. A survey conducted by UK Webhost Review reveals that **59% of customers** say that they would switch to a new company for better customer service. Moreover, research by Small Biz Trends states that an alarming **80% of businesses overestimate** the quality of their customer service. Thus, the risk of falling short on customer expectations is high. ## Boost Efficiency and Profitability with Centratel At Centratel, we understand these challenges. Our [Trade Service Answering Service](https://centratel.com/trade-service-answering-service/) is designed to alleviate these pain points. We specialize in prompt call answering, accurate message taking, and delivering exceptional customer service — all this while reducing your operational costs. The strategic advantage of partnering with Centratel’s answering service includes: 1. **24/7 Call Answering**: We make sure you never miss a business opportunity. With our service, your customers can reach you anytime, even during off-hours or holidays. 2. **Professional and Courteous Staff**: Our staff is trained to handle calls professionally, ensuring every client is treated with the utmost respect and courtesy. 3. **Reduced Overhead Costs**: With our service, you can cut down on hiring additional staff, enabling you to focus on your core competencies. ## Take Your Trade Service Business to the Next Level Whether you are an electrician, plumber, HVAC technician, or landscaper, your business needs to focus on providing the best services in your field. With Centratel’s [Trade Service Answering Service](https://centratel.com/trade-service-answering-service/), you can focus on what you do best — we’ll handle the rest. Want to know more? **Request a** [**price quote**](https://www.centratel.com/price-quote/) **today** and discover how Centratel’s Answering Service can propel your trade service business to the forefront of the industry. The time is now. Don’t let calls go unanswered or be mishandled. **Leverage the strategic advantage of Centratel’s answering service** and elevate your business to new heights. **Ready to give it a try? Request a** [**price quote**](https://www.centratel.com/price-quote/) **right now!** [Image by pvproductions](https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/man-electrical-technician-working-switchboard-with-fuses_32646468.htm#query=plumbing%20electrician&position=13&from_view=search&track=ais) on Freepik ## Taking the Next Step * * * For a quick orientation on how we operate, take a moment to review one or more of the key points listed in Why Choose Centratel Q&A (scroll down the page if you are on a mobile phone) For more specifics on cost, to start the onboarding process, or if you have questions, fill out this form with your basic information and if it’s during regular working hours (M-F 8am to 8pm EST or 5am to 5pm PST), we’ll get back to you within minutes. Or, during the above hours, you can simply call us at 800-664-7159 or send us an email to [inquiry@centratel.com](mailto:inquiry@centratel.com). First Name \* Last Name \* Job Title Email \* Company \* Phone \* City \* State \*State \*AlabamaAlaskaArkansasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDistrict of ColumbiaDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming How did you hear about us? How did you hear about us? \*PostcardBook gift: Work the SystemLetterReferralOnline SearchWork The SystemFacebook Is your business one of our specialties \*Is your business one of our specialties \*MedicalHome Health/HospiceVeterinary24/7 BusinessHVACTrade ServiceProperty ManagementUtilityDisaster RestorationPlumbing What is your ONE primary concern with using an answering service? \*What is your primary concern with using an answering service? \*Professionalism of staffMessage delivery accuracy and timelinessConsistent high quality of serviceCost of serviceLiabilityConfidentialityOther Are you currently using a call center/telephone answering service? \* YesNo Requested service start date \*Requested service start date \*ASAPWithin 1 WeekWithin 2 WeeksWithin 1 MonthOther List any specific call requirements Submit [Terms of Service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) ### **Why Choose Centratel** **BY SAM CARPENTER** **February 1, 2026** 1.CENTRATEL’S UNIQUE 30-DAY FREE TRIAL Why is this important? Because it will provide you a truly accurate estimate of cost (we bill monthly), it will demonstrate our quality, and it gives both sides of this brand new relationship—you and Centratel—plenty of time to refine and perfect operational details. Here’s a testimonial from a new medical client that had just finished their 30-day trial: _“Of course, I love the cost as it is close to the amount I was allowed by the president of the company. I told him that if we did not continue with Centratel, I would resign as the Director of Customer Service, and I meant it. It’s a great fit. We have had NOT ONE complaint from a patient or in-house which, as you know, we received daily with our former answering service._ _I love you, Centratel, and the price. I’m ready to sign whatever documents you require._ _Thanks for the great service, and the free month_! _To a great partnership! -KB, Phoenix_“ 2.STATISTICALLY, THE BEST IN THE U.S.? Answering service quality is 100% dependent on human action and reaction, and in the course of a single day a multitude of human decisions are made by the people who process the calls: Telephone Service Representatives, or TSRs. (Some answering services refer to them as “agents.” Others, “operators.”) Like any other answering service, at Centratel we’re dealing with real live human beings and so human errors can occur. But within this labor intensive service industry that is historically known for marginal quality, Centratel’s error rate is light years ahead of established standards. Our most recent Customer Reported Error Rate (October through December, 2025) was 1 customer-reported error for every 7,017 message transactions processed. That statistic is unmatched. There’s no artificial intelligence manipulation, we do not offshore calls, and we were founded and have always operated within the United States. (Note that since early 2020, the COVID six-foot social distancing mandate drove thousands of small-to-medium sized answering services out of business. Large, often foreign-owned multi-nationals, disguised by the name of the local answering services they acquired, now thoroughly dominate the industry. Hence, an even further decline in general service quality. [See this analysis.](https://www.centratel.com/answering-service-phone-industry/)) 3.CUSTOMER SERVICE EXTRAORDINAIRE Your concerns will be instantly acted upon. It’s a work ethic that stands in stark contrast to the general decline in quality of human-to-human business communications. You’ve seen it yourself, all around. At Centratel you will know by name the customer service people you’re working with, appreciating their special listening abilities as well as their take-action-now comportment. e.g. see the testimonial in point #1 above. ‘Nuff said! 4.GETTING STARTED: IT’S SIMPLE AND FAST Getting your new Centratel answering service 30-day free trial up-and-running is accomplished within 24-48 hours. From the start, your “onboarding” customer service representative will be with you every step of the way **,** listening carefully to your concerns, answering questions and offering suggestions. 5.NEW TO USING AN ANSWERING SERVICE? The very large majority of our current answering service accounts switched to us from another service because of quality and/or cost problems. However, if you have not used a service before, you are not familiar with the options, benefits, and pitfalls. Our 30-day free trial provides you—and us—plenty of time to precisely refine your desired message-taking and delivery protocols; to get things exactly the way you want them to be without any financial risk, undue pressure, or obligation. 6.PRICING Starting at $150 per month, our rates lie in the mid-range of the industry. Note that we charge by the “transaction unit” rather than the duration of time spent handling calls. Large “mega-services” operating in the U.S. prefer time billing because it ensures the company is compensated for lower-paid/high-turnover — and thus slower — agents. _No matter the quality or how long they keep your callers on hold, they still make a profit_. And yes, it can get expensive, especially if caller on-hold time is also billed. In any answering service, it takes a long time for a new agent to become fast, efficient, and stable. At Centratel, we pamper and reward experienced agents (via high pay and great benefits) and therefore have extremely low staff turnover. Needless to say, experienced agents make fewer errors than trainees who learn on-the-job. And, transaction-unit billing is easy to understand. There is no room for fraud as in time-billing. We can easily document and explain any monthly billing we send you. 7.ACCURATELY COMPARING ANSWERING SERVICE PRICING IS COMPLICATED It’s apples and oranges. There isn’t an industry standard for billing, and each answering service has its own formula. Also, as noted above, some services charge by agent “time” while a few, like us, charge by “transaction units.” Some others combine the two. At Centratel, we charge for the work we do, not by the time we spend. The raw truth is that the only reliable way to determine monthly cost for a new service is to use that service for a solid month. Most answering services offer a 7-day free trial or no trial at all. With Centratel you get 30-days. 8. MONTHLY OR 28-DAY BILLING? Important! At Centratel, we use a “monthly” billing cycle in which invoices are compiled from the first day of a month through the last day of that month. When soliciting quotes from other services, be sure to ask if the base-rate charges are billed monthly or on a “28-day billing cycle.” There is no good reason for a 28-day billing cycle! It’s a sly manipulation by the answering service: customers billed on a 28-day cycle actually receive thirteen billings per year instead of twelve. 9.NO CONTRACT AND SIMPLE TERMS OF SERVICE We don’t ask for a term contract for service because you should be able to evaluate us in real time, without restraint. Our [terms of service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) are simple and straight-forward. 10.VALUABLE FREE GIFT FOR CONTACTING US If you take the time to discuss answering service with us, on that same day we will ship you a hardcover copy of Sam Carpenter’s bestselling book, [_Work The System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_](https://www.workthesystem.com/), now in its 5th edition. (Sam is Centatel’s very active CEO.) December 1st 2025 marked his forty first year of ownership.) * * * ## Footer ## Property Management Services - [Skip to primary navigation](https://www.centratel.com/blog/property-management-answering-service/boosting-efficency/#genesis-nav-primary) - [Skip to main content](https://www.centratel.com/blog/property-management-answering-service/boosting-efficency/#genesis-content) - [Skip to footer](https://www.centratel.com/blog/property-management-answering-service/boosting-efficency/#genesis-footer-widgets) The Highest Quality Telephone Answering Service in the United States - [Make Payment](https://thepaymentportal.com/index.php?compcode=2C1A-9FF4-91CA-7F93) - [Client Login](https://oncall.centratel.com/) - [Follow Centratel on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centratel-answering-service/) - [Follow Centratel on Twitter](https://twitter.com/centratel) - [Follow Centratel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centratel) ![property management answering service](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/property-management-answering-service.jpg) # Boosting Efficiency with a Property Management Answering Service August 12, 2023 [Property Management](https://www.centratel.com/blog/property-management-answering-service/) By Centratel The **property management industry** is fast-paced, requiring quick thinking, effective communication, and efficient handling of various responsibilities from rent collection, maintenance requests, tenant complaints to leasing contracts. **In a 2018 study by the Property Management Association, 78% of property managers cited that efficient communication is a key factor in tenant satisfaction**. However, achieving this level of efficiency can be daunting, especially when juggling multiple tasks. This is where **Centratel’s** [**Property Management Answering Service**](https://www.centratel.com/property-management-answering-service/) comes into play. As a top-tier telephone answering service, [Centratel](https://www.centratel.com/) offers unmatched support to property managers. We manage your calls, allowing you to focus on core functions such as property maintenance, tenant relationship management, financial administration, and legal compliance. **Why should a property management company utilize Centratel’s** [**property management answering service**](https://www.centratel.com/property-management-answering-service/) **?** 1. **Professional, 24/7 call handling**: In the property management business, emergencies can occur at any time. Our skilled operators are available 24/7 to ensure that all calls, including **emergency maintenance requests** and **after-hours tenant complaints**, are addressed promptly and professionally. 2. **High-quality customer service**: According to a survey by American Express, more than half of Americans have scrapped a planned purchase or transaction because of bad service. With Centratel, you won’t have this worry. Our team is trained to provide excellent customer service, resulting in improved tenant satisfaction and retention. 3. **Increased productivity**: Free from constant phone interruptions, your team can concentrate on key tasks such as managing contracts, overseeing property maintenance, or resolving complex tenant issues. [Centratel’s property management answering service](https://www.centratel.com/property-management-answering-service/) is more than just a call answering solution. It’s a strategic tool to boost your business efficiency, enhance tenant satisfaction, and give you the edge in today’s competitive marketplace. By leveraging Centratel’s professional answering services, property managers can spend their time more effectively, addressing the specific needs of their properties and tenants. **In an industry where time is money, Centratel provides the perfect solution to maximize productivity and optimize communication flow.** Whether you are a residential, commercial, or real estate investment property manager, Centratel’s answering service can be customized to fit your unique needs. We understand the unique challenges of the property management sector and offer tailored solutions for all. Don’t let your valuable time be consumed by handling calls. **Discover the benefits of Centratel’s answering service and let us help you enhance your operational efficiency**. To get started, we invite you to [request a price quote](https://www.centratel.com/price-quote/) today and explore how Centratel can take your property management operations to the next level. [Request a price quote](https://www.centratel.com/price-quote/) now and start transforming your business with Centratel, where efficiency meets excellence in communication. [Image by Drazen Zigic](https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/smiling-real-estate-agent-talking-with-couple-interested-buying-new-home_26345014.htm#query=Property%20Management&position=0&from_view=search&track=ais) on Freepik ## Taking the Next Step * * * For a quick orientation on how we operate, take a moment to review one or more of the key points listed in Why Choose Centratel Q&A (scroll down the page if you are on a mobile phone) For more specifics on cost, to start the onboarding process, or if you have questions, fill out this form with your basic information and if it’s during regular working hours (M-F 8am to 8pm EST or 5am to 5pm PST), we’ll get back to you within minutes. Or, during the above hours, you can simply call us at 800-664-7159 or send us an email to [inquiry@centratel.com](mailto:inquiry@centratel.com). First Name \* Last Name \* Job Title Email \* Company \* Phone \* City \* State \*State \*AlabamaAlaskaArkansasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDistrict of ColumbiaDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming How did you hear about us? How did you hear about us? \*PostcardBook gift: Work the SystemLetterReferralOnline SearchWork The SystemFacebook Is your business one of our specialties \*Is your business one of our specialties \*MedicalHome Health/HospiceVeterinary24/7 BusinessHVACTrade ServiceProperty ManagementUtilityDisaster RestorationPlumbing What is your ONE primary concern with using an answering service? \*What is your primary concern with using an answering service? \*Professionalism of staffMessage delivery accuracy and timelinessConsistent high quality of serviceCost of serviceLiabilityConfidentialityOther Are you currently using a call center/telephone answering service? \* YesNo Requested service start date \*Requested service start date \*ASAPWithin 1 WeekWithin 2 WeeksWithin 1 MonthOther List any specific call requirements Submit [Terms of Service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) ### **Why Choose Centratel** **BY SAM CARPENTER** **February 1, 2026** 1.CENTRATEL’S UNIQUE 30-DAY FREE TRIAL Why is this important? Because it will provide you a truly accurate estimate of cost (we bill monthly), it will demonstrate our quality, and it gives both sides of this brand new relationship—you and Centratel—plenty of time to refine and perfect operational details. Here’s a testimonial from a new medical client that had just finished their 30-day trial: _“Of course, I love the cost as it is close to the amount I was allowed by the president of the company. I told him that if we did not continue with Centratel, I would resign as the Director of Customer Service, and I meant it. It’s a great fit. We have had NOT ONE complaint from a patient or in-house which, as you know, we received daily with our former answering service._ _I love you, Centratel, and the price. I’m ready to sign whatever documents you require._ _Thanks for the great service, and the free month_! _To a great partnership! -KB, Phoenix_“ 2.STATISTICALLY, THE BEST IN THE U.S.? Answering service quality is 100% dependent on human action and reaction, and in the course of a single day a multitude of human decisions are made by the people who process the calls: Telephone Service Representatives, or TSRs. (Some answering services refer to them as “agents.” Others, “operators.”) Like any other answering service, at Centratel we’re dealing with real live human beings and so human errors can occur. But within this labor intensive service industry that is historically known for marginal quality, Centratel’s error rate is light years ahead of established standards. Our most recent Customer Reported Error Rate (October through December, 2025) was 1 customer-reported error for every 7,017 message transactions processed. That statistic is unmatched. There’s no artificial intelligence manipulation, we do not offshore calls, and we were founded and have always operated within the United States. (Note that since early 2020, the COVID six-foot social distancing mandate drove thousands of small-to-medium sized answering services out of business. Large, often foreign-owned multi-nationals, disguised by the name of the local answering services they acquired, now thoroughly dominate the industry. Hence, an even further decline in general service quality. [See this analysis.](https://www.centratel.com/answering-service-phone-industry/)) 3.CUSTOMER SERVICE EXTRAORDINAIRE Your concerns will be instantly acted upon. It’s a work ethic that stands in stark contrast to the general decline in quality of human-to-human business communications. You’ve seen it yourself, all around. At Centratel you will know by name the customer service people you’re working with, appreciating their special listening abilities as well as their take-action-now comportment. e.g. see the testimonial in point #1 above. ‘Nuff said! 4.GETTING STARTED: IT’S SIMPLE AND FAST Getting your new Centratel answering service 30-day free trial up-and-running is accomplished within 24-48 hours. From the start, your “onboarding” customer service representative will be with you every step of the way **,** listening carefully to your concerns, answering questions and offering suggestions. 5.NEW TO USING AN ANSWERING SERVICE? The very large majority of our current answering service accounts switched to us from another service because of quality and/or cost problems. However, if you have not used a service before, you are not familiar with the options, benefits, and pitfalls. Our 30-day free trial provides you—and us—plenty of time to precisely refine your desired message-taking and delivery protocols; to get things exactly the way you want them to be without any financial risk, undue pressure, or obligation. 6.PRICING Starting at $150 per month, our rates lie in the mid-range of the industry. Note that we charge by the “transaction unit” rather than the duration of time spent handling calls. Large “mega-services” operating in the U.S. prefer time billing because it ensures the company is compensated for lower-paid/high-turnover — and thus slower — agents. _No matter the quality or how long they keep your callers on hold, they still make a profit_. And yes, it can get expensive, especially if caller on-hold time is also billed. In any answering service, it takes a long time for a new agent to become fast, efficient, and stable. At Centratel, we pamper and reward experienced agents (via high pay and great benefits) and therefore have extremely low staff turnover. Needless to say, experienced agents make fewer errors than trainees who learn on-the-job. And, transaction-unit billing is easy to understand. There is no room for fraud as in time-billing. We can easily document and explain any monthly billing we send you. 7.ACCURATELY COMPARING ANSWERING SERVICE PRICING IS COMPLICATED It’s apples and oranges. There isn’t an industry standard for billing, and each answering service has its own formula. Also, as noted above, some services charge by agent “time” while a few, like us, charge by “transaction units.” Some others combine the two. At Centratel, we charge for the work we do, not by the time we spend. The raw truth is that the only reliable way to determine monthly cost for a new service is to use that service for a solid month. Most answering services offer a 7-day free trial or no trial at all. With Centratel you get 30-days. 8. MONTHLY OR 28-DAY BILLING? Important! At Centratel, we use a “monthly” billing cycle in which invoices are compiled from the first day of a month through the last day of that month. When soliciting quotes from other services, be sure to ask if the base-rate charges are billed monthly or on a “28-day billing cycle.” There is no good reason for a 28-day billing cycle! It’s a sly manipulation by the answering service: customers billed on a 28-day cycle actually receive thirteen billings per year instead of twelve. 9.NO CONTRACT AND SIMPLE TERMS OF SERVICE We don’t ask for a term contract for service because you should be able to evaluate us in real time, without restraint. Our [terms of service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) are simple and straight-forward. 10.VALUABLE FREE GIFT FOR CONTACTING US If you take the time to discuss answering service with us, on that same day we will ship you a hardcover copy of Sam Carpenter’s bestselling book, [_Work The System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_](https://www.workthesystem.com/), now in its 5th edition. (Sam is Centatel’s very active CEO.) December 1st 2025 marked his forty first year of ownership.) * * * ## Footer ## Veterinary Answering Services - [Skip to primary navigation](https://www.centratel.com/blog/veterinary-answering-service/advantages-over-in-house/#genesis-nav-primary) - [Skip to main content](https://www.centratel.com/blog/veterinary-answering-service/advantages-over-in-house/#genesis-content) - [Skip to footer](https://www.centratel.com/blog/veterinary-answering-service/advantages-over-in-house/#genesis-footer-widgets) The Highest Quality Telephone Answering Service in the United States - [Make Payment](https://thepaymentportal.com/index.php?compcode=2C1A-9FF4-91CA-7F93) - [Client Login](https://oncall.centratel.com/) - [Follow Centratel on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centratel-answering-service/) - [Follow Centratel on Twitter](https://twitter.com/centratel) - [Follow Centratel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centratel) ![veterinary answering service](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/veterinary-answering-service-1.jpg) # The Benefits of a Veterinary Answering Service Over In House Reception August 11, 2023 [Veterinary](https://www.centratel.com/blog/veterinary-answering-service/) By Centratel In the dynamic and ever-evolving **veterinary industry**, efficient communication has become a cornerstone of success. With an increasing client base and high call volume, many veterinary clinics are seeking practical solutions for managing their client interactions. One solution that has proven highly effective is outsourcing phone handling to professional [veterinary answering services](https://www.centratel.com/veterinary-answering-service/), like **Centratel**. There are several compelling reasons why a growing number of veterinary clinics are choosing Centratel’s veterinary answering service over traditional in-house reception. Let’s delve into these reasons: ## Enhanced Client Satisfaction Statistics show that **60% of clients prefer to contact businesses by phone** compared to other methods of communication. The professional staff at [Centratel](https://www.centratel.com/) understands this preference and the specific needs of the veterinary sector. Our team is trained to handle emergency calls, ensuring that your clients receive the attention they need when they need it. This leads to **improved client satisfaction** and helps in building long-term client relationships. ## Streamlined Operations Running a veterinary clinic involves many tasks beyond the medical care of pets. Managing phone calls, scheduling appointments, handling emergencies, and more, can consume a significant portion of your day. By choosing Centratel’s answering service, veterinary clinics can **streamline their operations**, leaving more time for the essential tasks at hand. This leads to increased efficiency and productivity within the clinic. ## Veterinary Answering Service – A Cost-Effective Solution Outsourcing your reception tasks to Centratel is a **cost-effective solution**. With Centratel’s veterinary answering service, there’s no need to worry about the costs associated with hiring, training, and maintaining an in-house reception team. This cost saving can be substantial, allowing you to redirect your resources to areas where they are most needed in your clinic. ## 24/7 Availability In the veterinary industry, emergencies can occur at any time of the day or night. With Centratel’s answering service, your clinic is assured of **24/7 availability**. Clients will appreciate the around-the-clock assistance, and this service will set your clinic apart in terms of customer care. ## Tailored Services Finally, Centratel offers services that are **specifically tailored** to the veterinary sector. This means they understand the unique challenges and demands of your industry, and their services are designed to meet these specific needs. In conclusion, the benefits of [Centratel’s veterinary answering service](https://www.centratel.com/veterinary-answering-service/) are clear: **enhanced client satisfaction, streamlined operations, cost-effective solutions, 24/7 availability, and tailored services**. **Ready to explore the benefits for your clinic?** Request a [price quote](https://www.centratel.com/price-quote/) from Centratel today and take the first step towards improved client communication and streamlined operations. Remember, it’s not just about answering calls; it’s about building relationships, boosting efficiency, and fostering growth in your veterinary clinic. With Centratel, you can achieve all this and more. [Get your price quote now](https://www.centratel.com/price-quote/) and find out why more and more veterinary clinics are making the switch to Centratel’s answering service. Image by [Freepik](https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/close-up-veterinary-doctor-taking-care-pet_22548389.htm#query=veterinary%20cat&position=0&from_view=search&track=ais#position=0&query=veterinary%20cat) ## Taking the Next Step * * * For a quick orientation on how we operate, take a moment to review one or more of the key points listed in Why Choose Centratel Q&A (scroll down the page if you are on a mobile phone) For more specifics on cost, to start the onboarding process, or if you have questions, fill out this form with your basic information and if it’s during regular working hours (M-F 8am to 8pm EST or 5am to 5pm PST), we’ll get back to you within minutes. Or, during the above hours, you can simply call us at 800-664-7159 or send us an email to [inquiry@centratel.com](mailto:inquiry@centratel.com). First Name \* Last Name \* Job Title Email \* Company \* Phone \* City \* State \*State \*AlabamaAlaskaArkansasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDistrict of ColumbiaDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming How did you hear about us? How did you hear about us? \*PostcardBook gift: Work the SystemLetterReferralOnline SearchWork The SystemFacebook Is your business one of our specialties \*Is your business one of our specialties \*MedicalHome Health/HospiceVeterinary24/7 BusinessHVACTrade ServiceProperty ManagementUtilityDisaster RestorationPlumbing What is your ONE primary concern with using an answering service? \*What is your primary concern with using an answering service? \*Professionalism of staffMessage delivery accuracy and timelinessConsistent high quality of serviceCost of serviceLiabilityConfidentialityOther Are you currently using a call center/telephone answering service? \* YesNo Requested service start date \*Requested service start date \*ASAPWithin 1 WeekWithin 2 WeeksWithin 1 MonthOther List any specific call requirements Submit [Terms of Service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) ### **Why Choose Centratel** **BY SAM CARPENTER** **February 1, 2026** 1.CENTRATEL’S UNIQUE 30-DAY FREE TRIAL Why is this important? Because it will provide you a truly accurate estimate of cost (we bill monthly), it will demonstrate our quality, and it gives both sides of this brand new relationship—you and Centratel—plenty of time to refine and perfect operational details. Here’s a testimonial from a new medical client that had just finished their 30-day trial: _“Of course, I love the cost as it is close to the amount I was allowed by the president of the company. I told him that if we did not continue with Centratel, I would resign as the Director of Customer Service, and I meant it. It’s a great fit. We have had NOT ONE complaint from a patient or in-house which, as you know, we received daily with our former answering service._ _I love you, Centratel, and the price. I’m ready to sign whatever documents you require._ _Thanks for the great service, and the free month_! _To a great partnership! -KB, Phoenix_“ 2.STATISTICALLY, THE BEST IN THE U.S.? Answering service quality is 100% dependent on human action and reaction, and in the course of a single day a multitude of human decisions are made by the people who process the calls: Telephone Service Representatives, or TSRs. (Some answering services refer to them as “agents.” Others, “operators.”) Like any other answering service, at Centratel we’re dealing with real live human beings and so human errors can occur. But within this labor intensive service industry that is historically known for marginal quality, Centratel’s error rate is light years ahead of established standards. Our most recent Customer Reported Error Rate (October through December, 2025) was 1 customer-reported error for every 7,017 message transactions processed. That statistic is unmatched. There’s no artificial intelligence manipulation, we do not offshore calls, and we were founded and have always operated within the United States. (Note that since early 2020, the COVID six-foot social distancing mandate drove thousands of small-to-medium sized answering services out of business. Large, often foreign-owned multi-nationals, disguised by the name of the local answering services they acquired, now thoroughly dominate the industry. Hence, an even further decline in general service quality. [See this analysis.](https://www.centratel.com/answering-service-phone-industry/)) 3.CUSTOMER SERVICE EXTRAORDINAIRE Your concerns will be instantly acted upon. It’s a work ethic that stands in stark contrast to the general decline in quality of human-to-human business communications. You’ve seen it yourself, all around. At Centratel you will know by name the customer service people you’re working with, appreciating their special listening abilities as well as their take-action-now comportment. e.g. see the testimonial in point #1 above. ‘Nuff said! 4.GETTING STARTED: IT’S SIMPLE AND FAST Getting your new Centratel answering service 30-day free trial up-and-running is accomplished within 24-48 hours. From the start, your “onboarding” customer service representative will be with you every step of the way **,** listening carefully to your concerns, answering questions and offering suggestions. 5.NEW TO USING AN ANSWERING SERVICE? The very large majority of our current answering service accounts switched to us from another service because of quality and/or cost problems. However, if you have not used a service before, you are not familiar with the options, benefits, and pitfalls. Our 30-day free trial provides you—and us—plenty of time to precisely refine your desired message-taking and delivery protocols; to get things exactly the way you want them to be without any financial risk, undue pressure, or obligation. 6.PRICING Starting at $150 per month, our rates lie in the mid-range of the industry. Note that we charge by the “transaction unit” rather than the duration of time spent handling calls. Large “mega-services” operating in the U.S. prefer time billing because it ensures the company is compensated for lower-paid/high-turnover — and thus slower — agents. _No matter the quality or how long they keep your callers on hold, they still make a profit_. And yes, it can get expensive, especially if caller on-hold time is also billed. In any answering service, it takes a long time for a new agent to become fast, efficient, and stable. At Centratel, we pamper and reward experienced agents (via high pay and great benefits) and therefore have extremely low staff turnover. Needless to say, experienced agents make fewer errors than trainees who learn on-the-job. And, transaction-unit billing is easy to understand. There is no room for fraud as in time-billing. We can easily document and explain any monthly billing we send you. 7.ACCURATELY COMPARING ANSWERING SERVICE PRICING IS COMPLICATED It’s apples and oranges. There isn’t an industry standard for billing, and each answering service has its own formula. Also, as noted above, some services charge by agent “time” while a few, like us, charge by “transaction units.” Some others combine the two. At Centratel, we charge for the work we do, not by the time we spend. The raw truth is that the only reliable way to determine monthly cost for a new service is to use that service for a solid month. Most answering services offer a 7-day free trial or no trial at all. With Centratel you get 30-days. 8. MONTHLY OR 28-DAY BILLING? Important! At Centratel, we use a “monthly” billing cycle in which invoices are compiled from the first day of a month through the last day of that month. When soliciting quotes from other services, be sure to ask if the base-rate charges are billed monthly or on a “28-day billing cycle.” There is no good reason for a 28-day billing cycle! It’s a sly manipulation by the answering service: customers billed on a 28-day cycle actually receive thirteen billings per year instead of twelve. 9.NO CONTRACT AND SIMPLE TERMS OF SERVICE We don’t ask for a term contract for service because you should be able to evaluate us in real time, without restraint. Our [terms of service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) are simple and straight-forward. 10.VALUABLE FREE GIFT FOR CONTACTING US If you take the time to discuss answering service with us, on that same day we will ship you a hardcover copy of Sam Carpenter’s bestselling book, [_Work The System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_](https://www.workthesystem.com/), now in its 5th edition. (Sam is Centatel’s very active CEO.) December 1st 2025 marked his forty first year of ownership.) * * * ## Footer ## Hospice Care Communication - [Skip to primary navigation](https://www.centratel.com/blog/home-healthcare-hospice-answering-service/hospice-care-communication/#genesis-nav-primary) - [Skip to main content](https://www.centratel.com/blog/home-healthcare-hospice-answering-service/hospice-care-communication/#genesis-content) - [Skip to footer](https://www.centratel.com/blog/home-healthcare-hospice-answering-service/hospice-care-communication/#genesis-footer-widgets) The Highest Quality Telephone Answering Service in the United States - [Make Payment](https://thepaymentportal.com/index.php?compcode=2C1A-9FF4-91CA-7F93) - [Client Login](https://oncall.centratel.com/) - [Follow Centratel on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centratel-answering-service/) - [Follow Centratel on Twitter](https://twitter.com/centratel) - [Follow Centratel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centratel) ![hospice care communication](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/hospice-care-communication.jpg) # Your Partner in Providing Secure and Efficient Hospice Care Communication August 10, 2023 [Home Healthcare & Hospice](https://www.centratel.com/blog/home-healthcare-hospice-answering-service/) By Centratel Centratel stands as a proven leader in the telephone answering service industry, specializing in Home Health and Hospice care **communication**. With a track record of over four decades and having handled more than 20 million calls, we understand the importance of clear, compassionate, and secure communication. Our tailor-made solutions facilitate high-quality patient support, reliable care coordination, and stringent HIPAA compliance in **hospice care communication**. ## Key Features of Centratel’s Home Healthcare & Hospice Answering Service - **Patient-Centric Response**: Every interaction is critical in palliative care and end-of-life communication. Our expertise ensures each call is handled with empathy and professionalism. [Discover more about our services](https://www.centratel.com/home-healthcare-hospice-answering-service/). - **Specialized Training**: Our team is expertly trained to navigate the unique demands of home health and hospice care, including care transition management, medication administration coordination, HIPAA compliance, and secure data handling. - **Data Security**: We prioritize patient confidentiality and HIPAA-compliant data security in every interaction, offering unmatched peace of mind to patients and caregivers. - **24/7 Support**: Hospice care is round-the-clock. So is our team, ensuring every call, at any time, is promptly answered, enhancing caregiver response times and improving patient satisfaction scores. ## Why Choose Centratel? The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization reports over 1.5 million Americans receive hospice care annually, a number set to rise. With our extensive experience, Centratel’s services enable your home health and hospice business to manage growing communication needs effectively while focusing on providing compassionate care. Our robust infrastructure ensures seamless and secure care coordination and patient-provider communication. See how we can support your Home Health and Hospice communication needs by [requesting a price quote](https://www.centratel.com/price-quote/) today. ## Partner with Centratel Trust Centratel to handle your communication needs with utmost care, professionalism, and industry-specific knowledge. From facilitating efficient case management to ensuring stringent data security protocols, we’ve got you covered. [Contact us](https://www.centratel.com/contact-us/) today to learn how we can fortify your Home Health and Hospice operations. [Image by Drazen Zigic](https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/happy-senior-woman-shaking-hands-with-surgeon-hospital-hallway_26144110.htm#query=hospice%20business&position=2&from_view=search&track=ais) on Freepik ## Taking the Next Step * * * For a quick orientation on how we operate, take a moment to review one or more of the key points listed in Why Choose Centratel Q&A (scroll down the page if you are on a mobile phone) For more specifics on cost, to start the onboarding process, or if you have questions, fill out this form with your basic information and if it’s during regular working hours (M-F 8am to 8pm EST or 5am to 5pm PST), we’ll get back to you within minutes. Or, during the above hours, you can simply call us at 800-664-7159 or send us an email to [inquiry@centratel.com](mailto:inquiry@centratel.com). First Name \* Last Name \* Job Title Email \* Company \* Phone \* City \* State \*State \*AlabamaAlaskaArkansasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDistrict of ColumbiaDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming How did you hear about us? How did you hear about us? \*PostcardBook gift: Work the SystemLetterReferralOnline SearchWork The SystemFacebook Is your business one of our specialties \*Is your business one of our specialties \*MedicalHome Health/HospiceVeterinary24/7 BusinessHVACTrade ServiceProperty ManagementUtilityDisaster RestorationPlumbing What is your ONE primary concern with using an answering service? \*What is your primary concern with using an answering service? \*Professionalism of staffMessage delivery accuracy and timelinessConsistent high quality of serviceCost of serviceLiabilityConfidentialityOther Are you currently using a call center/telephone answering service? \* YesNo Requested service start date \*Requested service start date \*ASAPWithin 1 WeekWithin 2 WeeksWithin 1 MonthOther List any specific call requirements Submit [Terms of Service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) ### **Why Choose Centratel** **BY SAM CARPENTER** **February 1, 2026** 1.CENTRATEL’S UNIQUE 30-DAY FREE TRIAL Why is this important? Because it will provide you a truly accurate estimate of cost (we bill monthly), it will demonstrate our quality, and it gives both sides of this brand new relationship—you and Centratel—plenty of time to refine and perfect operational details. Here’s a testimonial from a new medical client that had just finished their 30-day trial: _“Of course, I love the cost as it is close to the amount I was allowed by the president of the company. I told him that if we did not continue with Centratel, I would resign as the Director of Customer Service, and I meant it. It’s a great fit. We have had NOT ONE complaint from a patient or in-house which, as you know, we received daily with our former answering service._ _I love you, Centratel, and the price. I’m ready to sign whatever documents you require._ _Thanks for the great service, and the free month_! _To a great partnership! -KB, Phoenix_“ 2.STATISTICALLY, THE BEST IN THE U.S.? Answering service quality is 100% dependent on human action and reaction, and in the course of a single day a multitude of human decisions are made by the people who process the calls: Telephone Service Representatives, or TSRs. (Some answering services refer to them as “agents.” Others, “operators.”) Like any other answering service, at Centratel we’re dealing with real live human beings and so human errors can occur. But within this labor intensive service industry that is historically known for marginal quality, Centratel’s error rate is light years ahead of established standards. Our most recent Customer Reported Error Rate (October through December, 2025) was 1 customer-reported error for every 7,017 message transactions processed. That statistic is unmatched. There’s no artificial intelligence manipulation, we do not offshore calls, and we were founded and have always operated within the United States. (Note that since early 2020, the COVID six-foot social distancing mandate drove thousands of small-to-medium sized answering services out of business. Large, often foreign-owned multi-nationals, disguised by the name of the local answering services they acquired, now thoroughly dominate the industry. Hence, an even further decline in general service quality. [See this analysis.](https://www.centratel.com/answering-service-phone-industry/)) 3.CUSTOMER SERVICE EXTRAORDINAIRE Your concerns will be instantly acted upon. It’s a work ethic that stands in stark contrast to the general decline in quality of human-to-human business communications. You’ve seen it yourself, all around. At Centratel you will know by name the customer service people you’re working with, appreciating their special listening abilities as well as their take-action-now comportment. e.g. see the testimonial in point #1 above. ‘Nuff said! 4.GETTING STARTED: IT’S SIMPLE AND FAST Getting your new Centratel answering service 30-day free trial up-and-running is accomplished within 24-48 hours. From the start, your “onboarding” customer service representative will be with you every step of the way **,** listening carefully to your concerns, answering questions and offering suggestions. 5.NEW TO USING AN ANSWERING SERVICE? The very large majority of our current answering service accounts switched to us from another service because of quality and/or cost problems. However, if you have not used a service before, you are not familiar with the options, benefits, and pitfalls. Our 30-day free trial provides you—and us—plenty of time to precisely refine your desired message-taking and delivery protocols; to get things exactly the way you want them to be without any financial risk, undue pressure, or obligation. 6.PRICING Starting at $150 per month, our rates lie in the mid-range of the industry. Note that we charge by the “transaction unit” rather than the duration of time spent handling calls. Large “mega-services” operating in the U.S. prefer time billing because it ensures the company is compensated for lower-paid/high-turnover — and thus slower — agents. _No matter the quality or how long they keep your callers on hold, they still make a profit_. And yes, it can get expensive, especially if caller on-hold time is also billed. In any answering service, it takes a long time for a new agent to become fast, efficient, and stable. At Centratel, we pamper and reward experienced agents (via high pay and great benefits) and therefore have extremely low staff turnover. Needless to say, experienced agents make fewer errors than trainees who learn on-the-job. And, transaction-unit billing is easy to understand. There is no room for fraud as in time-billing. We can easily document and explain any monthly billing we send you. 7.ACCURATELY COMPARING ANSWERING SERVICE PRICING IS COMPLICATED It’s apples and oranges. There isn’t an industry standard for billing, and each answering service has its own formula. Also, as noted above, some services charge by agent “time” while a few, like us, charge by “transaction units.” Some others combine the two. At Centratel, we charge for the work we do, not by the time we spend. The raw truth is that the only reliable way to determine monthly cost for a new service is to use that service for a solid month. Most answering services offer a 7-day free trial or no trial at all. With Centratel you get 30-days. 8. MONTHLY OR 28-DAY BILLING? Important! At Centratel, we use a “monthly” billing cycle in which invoices are compiled from the first day of a month through the last day of that month. When soliciting quotes from other services, be sure to ask if the base-rate charges are billed monthly or on a “28-day billing cycle.” There is no good reason for a 28-day billing cycle! It’s a sly manipulation by the answering service: customers billed on a 28-day cycle actually receive thirteen billings per year instead of twelve. 9.NO CONTRACT AND SIMPLE TERMS OF SERVICE We don’t ask for a term contract for service because you should be able to evaluate us in real time, without restraint. Our [terms of service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) are simple and straight-forward. 10.VALUABLE FREE GIFT FOR CONTACTING US If you take the time to discuss answering service with us, on that same day we will ship you a hardcover copy of Sam Carpenter’s bestselling book, [_Work The System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_](https://www.workthesystem.com/), now in its 5th edition. (Sam is Centatel’s very active CEO.) December 1st 2025 marked his forty first year of ownership.) * * * ## Footer ## Medical Answering Service - [Skip to primary navigation](https://www.centratel.com/blog/medical-answering-service/medical-emergencies-hipaa-compliant/#genesis-nav-primary) - [Skip to main content](https://www.centratel.com/blog/medical-answering-service/medical-emergencies-hipaa-compliant/#genesis-content) - [Skip to footer](https://www.centratel.com/blog/medical-answering-service/medical-emergencies-hipaa-compliant/#genesis-footer-widgets) The Highest Quality Telephone Answering Service in the United States - [Make Payment](https://thepaymentportal.com/index.php?compcode=2C1A-9FF4-91CA-7F93) - [Client Login](https://oncall.centratel.com/) - [Follow Centratel on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centratel-answering-service/) - [Follow Centratel on Twitter](https://twitter.com/centratel) - [Follow Centratel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centratel) ![HIPAA-Compliant Answering Service](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/HIPAA-Compliant-Answering-Service.jpg) # How a Medical Answering Service can help in Emergencies August 9, 2023 [Medical](https://www.centratel.com/blog/medical-answering-service/) By Centratel Today’s healthcare sector is a fast-paced environment where **communication is critical**. Every call, whether it’s a routine appointment setting or a high-pressure emergency situation, needs handling with the utmost care and professionalism. **Centratel’s** [**Medical Answering Service**](https://www.centratel.com/medical-answering-service/) **emerges as the ideal solution**, providing efficient, precise, and compassionate communication assistance to medical practices across the country. ## Effective Communication – The Bedrock of Quality Healthcare In the medical sector, **clear and prompt communication can make all the difference**. Be it a patient calling about an unusual symptom, a pharmacy confirming a prescription, or a specialist doctor wanting to discuss a complex case, every conversation matters. Our dedicated **HIPAA-compliant answering service** ensures that no call goes unanswered, and that every message is delivered accurately and timely, helping your medical staff focus on what they do best – caring for patients. ## HIPAA Compliance – A Non-Negotiable Factor As an answering service for medical clinics, we understand that **patient privacy and data security are of utmost importance**. Ensuring that your patients’ health information is protected is not just a legal requirement but a core element of effective patient care. Centratel’s answering service is fully compliant with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), maintaining the highest level of data protection and confidentiality. ## Emergency Calls – Special Attention Required Handling emergency calls is a crucial aspect of any medical answering service. Our trained operators are equipped to manage these situations with **professionalism, compassion, and efficiency**, ensuring that critical information is passed on to the relevant personnel without delay. We provide 24/7 support, guaranteeing that your patients always have someone to turn to when in need. ## Why Centratel’s Medical Answering Service Stands Out What sets us apart from others in the industry is our **commitment to exceptional service**. With over 35 years of experience, we understand the specific requirements of the healthcare sector and are dedicated to providing **personalized and cost-effective** communication solutions. By choosing Centratel, you’re selecting a partner that’s committed to your clinic’s success. ## Ready to Transform Your Medical Clinic’s Communication System? Invest in Centratel’s medical answering service today and experience the difference in the quality of your patient interactions. [**Request a price quote**](https://www.centratel.com/price-quote/) **today** and take the first step towards improved patient care and satisfaction. Centratel’s answering service doesn’t just handle calls – it serves as a reliable extension of your medical practice. **Enhance your communication** with our HIPAA-compliant medical answering service, and ensure that your patients always receive the attention, respect, and care they deserve. [**Start your journey with Centratel today.**](https://www.centratel.com/price-quote/) [Image by wavebreakmedia\_micro](https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/doctors-examining-patient-corridor_8236577.htm#query=medical%20emergency&position=9&from_view=search&track=ais) on Freepik ## Taking the Next Step * * * For a quick orientation on how we operate, take a moment to review one or more of the key points listed in Why Choose Centratel Q&A (scroll down the page if you are on a mobile phone) For more specifics on cost, to start the onboarding process, or if you have questions, fill out this form with your basic information and if it’s during regular working hours (M-F 8am to 8pm EST or 5am to 5pm PST), we’ll get back to you within minutes. Or, during the above hours, you can simply call us at 800-664-7159 or send us an email to [inquiry@centratel.com](mailto:inquiry@centratel.com). First Name \* Last Name \* Job Title Email \* Company \* Phone \* City \* State \*State \*AlabamaAlaskaArkansasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDistrict of ColumbiaDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming How did you hear about us? How did you hear about us? \*PostcardBook gift: Work the SystemLetterReferralOnline SearchWork The SystemFacebook Is your business one of our specialties \*Is your business one of our specialties \*MedicalHome Health/HospiceVeterinary24/7 BusinessHVACTrade ServiceProperty ManagementUtilityDisaster RestorationPlumbing What is your ONE primary concern with using an answering service? \*What is your primary concern with using an answering service? \*Professionalism of staffMessage delivery accuracy and timelinessConsistent high quality of serviceCost of serviceLiabilityConfidentialityOther Are you currently using a call center/telephone answering service? \* YesNo Requested service start date \*Requested service start date \*ASAPWithin 1 WeekWithin 2 WeeksWithin 1 MonthOther List any specific call requirements Submit [Terms of Service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) ### **Why Choose Centratel** **BY SAM CARPENTER** **February 1, 2026** 1.CENTRATEL’S UNIQUE 30-DAY FREE TRIAL Why is this important? Because it will provide you a truly accurate estimate of cost (we bill monthly), it will demonstrate our quality, and it gives both sides of this brand new relationship—you and Centratel—plenty of time to refine and perfect operational details. Here’s a testimonial from a new medical client that had just finished their 30-day trial: _“Of course, I love the cost as it is close to the amount I was allowed by the president of the company. I told him that if we did not continue with Centratel, I would resign as the Director of Customer Service, and I meant it. It’s a great fit. We have had NOT ONE complaint from a patient or in-house which, as you know, we received daily with our former answering service._ _I love you, Centratel, and the price. I’m ready to sign whatever documents you require._ _Thanks for the great service, and the free month_! _To a great partnership! -KB, Phoenix_“ 2.STATISTICALLY, THE BEST IN THE U.S.? Answering service quality is 100% dependent on human action and reaction, and in the course of a single day a multitude of human decisions are made by the people who process the calls: Telephone Service Representatives, or TSRs. (Some answering services refer to them as “agents.” Others, “operators.”) Like any other answering service, at Centratel we’re dealing with real live human beings and so human errors can occur. But within this labor intensive service industry that is historically known for marginal quality, Centratel’s error rate is light years ahead of established standards. Our most recent Customer Reported Error Rate (October through December, 2025) was 1 customer-reported error for every 7,017 message transactions processed. That statistic is unmatched. There’s no artificial intelligence manipulation, we do not offshore calls, and we were founded and have always operated within the United States. (Note that since early 2020, the COVID six-foot social distancing mandate drove thousands of small-to-medium sized answering services out of business. Large, often foreign-owned multi-nationals, disguised by the name of the local answering services they acquired, now thoroughly dominate the industry. Hence, an even further decline in general service quality. [See this analysis.](https://www.centratel.com/answering-service-phone-industry/)) 3.CUSTOMER SERVICE EXTRAORDINAIRE Your concerns will be instantly acted upon. It’s a work ethic that stands in stark contrast to the general decline in quality of human-to-human business communications. You’ve seen it yourself, all around. At Centratel you will know by name the customer service people you’re working with, appreciating their special listening abilities as well as their take-action-now comportment. e.g. see the testimonial in point #1 above. ‘Nuff said! 4.GETTING STARTED: IT’S SIMPLE AND FAST Getting your new Centratel answering service 30-day free trial up-and-running is accomplished within 24-48 hours. From the start, your “onboarding” customer service representative will be with you every step of the way **,** listening carefully to your concerns, answering questions and offering suggestions. 5.NEW TO USING AN ANSWERING SERVICE? The very large majority of our current answering service accounts switched to us from another service because of quality and/or cost problems. However, if you have not used a service before, you are not familiar with the options, benefits, and pitfalls. Our 30-day free trial provides you—and us—plenty of time to precisely refine your desired message-taking and delivery protocols; to get things exactly the way you want them to be without any financial risk, undue pressure, or obligation. 6.PRICING Starting at $150 per month, our rates lie in the mid-range of the industry. Note that we charge by the “transaction unit” rather than the duration of time spent handling calls. Large “mega-services” operating in the U.S. prefer time billing because it ensures the company is compensated for lower-paid/high-turnover — and thus slower — agents. _No matter the quality or how long they keep your callers on hold, they still make a profit_. And yes, it can get expensive, especially if caller on-hold time is also billed. In any answering service, it takes a long time for a new agent to become fast, efficient, and stable. At Centratel, we pamper and reward experienced agents (via high pay and great benefits) and therefore have extremely low staff turnover. Needless to say, experienced agents make fewer errors than trainees who learn on-the-job. And, transaction-unit billing is easy to understand. There is no room for fraud as in time-billing. We can easily document and explain any monthly billing we send you. 7.ACCURATELY COMPARING ANSWERING SERVICE PRICING IS COMPLICATED It’s apples and oranges. There isn’t an industry standard for billing, and each answering service has its own formula. Also, as noted above, some services charge by agent “time” while a few, like us, charge by “transaction units.” Some others combine the two. At Centratel, we charge for the work we do, not by the time we spend. The raw truth is that the only reliable way to determine monthly cost for a new service is to use that service for a solid month. Most answering services offer a 7-day free trial or no trial at all. With Centratel you get 30-days. 8. MONTHLY OR 28-DAY BILLING? Important! At Centratel, we use a “monthly” billing cycle in which invoices are compiled from the first day of a month through the last day of that month. When soliciting quotes from other services, be sure to ask if the base-rate charges are billed monthly or on a “28-day billing cycle.” There is no good reason for a 28-day billing cycle! It’s a sly manipulation by the answering service: customers billed on a 28-day cycle actually receive thirteen billings per year instead of twelve. 9.NO CONTRACT AND SIMPLE TERMS OF SERVICE We don’t ask for a term contract for service because you should be able to evaluate us in real time, without restraint. Our [terms of service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) are simple and straight-forward. 10.VALUABLE FREE GIFT FOR CONTACTING US If you take the time to discuss answering service with us, on that same day we will ship you a hardcover copy of Sam Carpenter’s bestselling book, [_Work The System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_](https://www.workthesystem.com/), now in its 5th edition. (Sam is Centatel’s very active CEO.) December 1st 2025 marked his forty first year of ownership.) * * * ## Footer ## HVAC Answering Services - [Skip to primary navigation](https://www.centratel.com/blog/hvac-answering-service/the-peak-hvac-season/#genesis-nav-primary) - [Skip to main content](https://www.centratel.com/blog/hvac-answering-service/the-peak-hvac-season/#genesis-content) - [Skip to footer](https://www.centratel.com/blog/hvac-answering-service/the-peak-hvac-season/#genesis-footer-widgets) The Highest Quality Telephone Answering Service in the United States - [Make Payment](https://thepaymentportal.com/index.php?compcode=2C1A-9FF4-91CA-7F93) - [Client Login](https://oncall.centratel.com/) - [Follow Centratel on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centratel-answering-service/) - [Follow Centratel on Twitter](https://twitter.com/centratel) - [Follow Centratel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centratel) ![hvac answering service](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/hvac-answering-service.jpg) # The Peak HVAC Season: How an HVAC Answering Service Can Help August 8, 2023 [HVAC](https://www.centratel.com/blog/hvac-answering-service/) By Centratel For many HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) companies, peak seasons can mean a deluge of calls. You’re not just managing your regular operations; you’re also coping with an influx of emergencies, troubleshooting, and customer inquiries. **How can you handle the increase in call volumes without sacrificing the quality of your service?** The solution: employing a professional [HVACanswering service](https://www.centratel.com/hvac-answering-service/) such as Centratel. ## Why HVAC Companies Need an Answering Service During Peak Seasons During the peak HVAC season, your phones are buzzing non-stop. **Customers want immediate responses, but your staff is overwhelmed with calls.** This scenario can lead to delays, missed opportunities, and, most importantly, unhappy clients. At [Centratel](https://www.centratel.com/), we provide a top-tier HVAC answering service that bridges the gap between high demand and efficient customer service. Our team can handle your excess calls, ensuring no customer is left unanswered. ## The Value of a Professional HVAC Answering Service Imagine if every call was handled promptly, every emergency dealt with swiftly, and all inquiries responded to with utmost professionalism, even during your busiest season. This level of service is possible with a dedicated [HVAC answering service](https://www.centratel.com/hvac-answering-service/). **Our answering service offers several benefits:** 1. **24/7 availability**: A professional answering service is always there for your customers, even during off-peak hours. 2. **Reduced wait times**: Quick response times lead to satisfied customers. 3. **Expert call handling**: Our trained representatives understand HVAC terminology and can effectively communicate with your customers. ## How Centratel’s Answering Service Works At Centratel, we don’t just answer calls. We strive to become an integral part of your team, representing your brand with the same care and professionalism as your in-house staff. When a call comes in, one of our friendly, knowledgeable operators answers on your behalf. They’re trained to handle HVAC calls specifically, and they can book appointments, dispatch technicians, or relay urgent messages. **You’ll never have to worry about missed calls or missed opportunities again.** **Ready to see how our answering service can benefit your HVAC business during the peak season?** [**Request a price quote today**](https://www.centratel.com/price-quote/) **.** ## Conclusion Peak HVAC season can be a challenging time for your business. However, with a professional answering service like Centratel, you don’t have to navigate it alone. **We’re here to manage your call volumes and ensure every customer receives top-notch service.** Don’t let another peak season overwhelm your team. Explore how Centratel can help. [Get your price quote now!](https://www.centratel.com/price-quote/) [Image by DCStudio](https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/skilled-electrician-contracted-check-up-outdoor-air-conditioner-starting-work-shift-trained-worker-wearing-protective-gear-preparing-service-faulty-external-hvac-system_50105684.htm#page=3&query=hvac&position=1&from_view=search&track=sph) on Freepik ## Taking the Next Step * * * For a quick orientation on how we operate, take a moment to review one or more of the key points listed in Why Choose Centratel Q&A (scroll down the page if you are on a mobile phone) For more specifics on cost, to start the onboarding process, or if you have questions, fill out this form with your basic information and if it’s during regular working hours (M-F 8am to 8pm EST or 5am to 5pm PST), we’ll get back to you within minutes. Or, during the above hours, you can simply call us at 800-664-7159 or send us an email to [inquiry@centratel.com](mailto:inquiry@centratel.com). First Name \* Last Name \* Job Title Email \* Company \* Phone \* City \* State \*State \*AlabamaAlaskaArkansasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDistrict of ColumbiaDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming How did you hear about us? How did you hear about us? \*PostcardBook gift: Work the SystemLetterReferralOnline SearchWork The SystemFacebook Is your business one of our specialties \*Is your business one of our specialties \*MedicalHome Health/HospiceVeterinary24/7 BusinessHVACTrade ServiceProperty ManagementUtilityDisaster RestorationPlumbing What is your ONE primary concern with using an answering service? \*What is your primary concern with using an answering service? \*Professionalism of staffMessage delivery accuracy and timelinessConsistent high quality of serviceCost of serviceLiabilityConfidentialityOther Are you currently using a call center/telephone answering service? \* YesNo Requested service start date \*Requested service start date \*ASAPWithin 1 WeekWithin 2 WeeksWithin 1 MonthOther List any specific call requirements Submit [Terms of Service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) ### **Why Choose Centratel** **BY SAM CARPENTER** **February 1, 2026** 1.CENTRATEL’S UNIQUE 30-DAY FREE TRIAL Why is this important? Because it will provide you a truly accurate estimate of cost (we bill monthly), it will demonstrate our quality, and it gives both sides of this brand new relationship—you and Centratel—plenty of time to refine and perfect operational details. Here’s a testimonial from a new medical client that had just finished their 30-day trial: _“Of course, I love the cost as it is close to the amount I was allowed by the president of the company. I told him that if we did not continue with Centratel, I would resign as the Director of Customer Service, and I meant it. It’s a great fit. We have had NOT ONE complaint from a patient or in-house which, as you know, we received daily with our former answering service._ _I love you, Centratel, and the price. I’m ready to sign whatever documents you require._ _Thanks for the great service, and the free month_! _To a great partnership! -KB, Phoenix_“ 2.STATISTICALLY, THE BEST IN THE U.S.? Answering service quality is 100% dependent on human action and reaction, and in the course of a single day a multitude of human decisions are made by the people who process the calls: Telephone Service Representatives, or TSRs. (Some answering services refer to them as “agents.” Others, “operators.”) Like any other answering service, at Centratel we’re dealing with real live human beings and so human errors can occur. But within this labor intensive service industry that is historically known for marginal quality, Centratel’s error rate is light years ahead of established standards. Our most recent Customer Reported Error Rate (October through December, 2025) was 1 customer-reported error for every 7,017 message transactions processed. That statistic is unmatched. There’s no artificial intelligence manipulation, we do not offshore calls, and we were founded and have always operated within the United States. (Note that since early 2020, the COVID six-foot social distancing mandate drove thousands of small-to-medium sized answering services out of business. Large, often foreign-owned multi-nationals, disguised by the name of the local answering services they acquired, now thoroughly dominate the industry. Hence, an even further decline in general service quality. [See this analysis.](https://www.centratel.com/answering-service-phone-industry/)) 3.CUSTOMER SERVICE EXTRAORDINAIRE Your concerns will be instantly acted upon. It’s a work ethic that stands in stark contrast to the general decline in quality of human-to-human business communications. You’ve seen it yourself, all around. At Centratel you will know by name the customer service people you’re working with, appreciating their special listening abilities as well as their take-action-now comportment. e.g. see the testimonial in point #1 above. ‘Nuff said! 4.GETTING STARTED: IT’S SIMPLE AND FAST Getting your new Centratel answering service 30-day free trial up-and-running is accomplished within 24-48 hours. From the start, your “onboarding” customer service representative will be with you every step of the way **,** listening carefully to your concerns, answering questions and offering suggestions. 5.NEW TO USING AN ANSWERING SERVICE? The very large majority of our current answering service accounts switched to us from another service because of quality and/or cost problems. However, if you have not used a service before, you are not familiar with the options, benefits, and pitfalls. Our 30-day free trial provides you—and us—plenty of time to precisely refine your desired message-taking and delivery protocols; to get things exactly the way you want them to be without any financial risk, undue pressure, or obligation. 6.PRICING Starting at $150 per month, our rates lie in the mid-range of the industry. Note that we charge by the “transaction unit” rather than the duration of time spent handling calls. Large “mega-services” operating in the U.S. prefer time billing because it ensures the company is compensated for lower-paid/high-turnover — and thus slower — agents. _No matter the quality or how long they keep your callers on hold, they still make a profit_. And yes, it can get expensive, especially if caller on-hold time is also billed. In any answering service, it takes a long time for a new agent to become fast, efficient, and stable. At Centratel, we pamper and reward experienced agents (via high pay and great benefits) and therefore have extremely low staff turnover. Needless to say, experienced agents make fewer errors than trainees who learn on-the-job. And, transaction-unit billing is easy to understand. There is no room for fraud as in time-billing. We can easily document and explain any monthly billing we send you. 7.ACCURATELY COMPARING ANSWERING SERVICE PRICING IS COMPLICATED It’s apples and oranges. There isn’t an industry standard for billing, and each answering service has its own formula. Also, as noted above, some services charge by agent “time” while a few, like us, charge by “transaction units.” Some others combine the two. At Centratel, we charge for the work we do, not by the time we spend. The raw truth is that the only reliable way to determine monthly cost for a new service is to use that service for a solid month. Most answering services offer a 7-day free trial or no trial at all. With Centratel you get 30-days. 8. MONTHLY OR 28-DAY BILLING? Important! At Centratel, we use a “monthly” billing cycle in which invoices are compiled from the first day of a month through the last day of that month. When soliciting quotes from other services, be sure to ask if the base-rate charges are billed monthly or on a “28-day billing cycle.” There is no good reason for a 28-day billing cycle! It’s a sly manipulation by the answering service: customers billed on a 28-day cycle actually receive thirteen billings per year instead of twelve. 9.NO CONTRACT AND SIMPLE TERMS OF SERVICE We don’t ask for a term contract for service because you should be able to evaluate us in real time, without restraint. Our [terms of service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) are simple and straight-forward. 10.VALUABLE FREE GIFT FOR CONTACTING US If you take the time to discuss answering service with us, on that same day we will ship you a hardcover copy of Sam Carpenter’s bestselling book, [_Work The System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_](https://www.workthesystem.com/), now in its 5th edition. (Sam is Centatel’s very active CEO.) December 1st 2025 marked his forty first year of ownership.) * * * ## Footer ## Utility Answering Service - [Skip to primary navigation](https://www.centratel.com/blog/utility-answering-service/answering-service-for-water-utility-companies/#genesis-nav-primary) - [Skip to main content](https://www.centratel.com/blog/utility-answering-service/answering-service-for-water-utility-companies/#genesis-content) - [Skip to footer](https://www.centratel.com/blog/utility-answering-service/answering-service-for-water-utility-companies/#genesis-footer-widgets) The Highest Quality Telephone Answering Service in the United States - [Make Payment](https://thepaymentportal.com/index.php?compcode=2C1A-9FF4-91CA-7F93) - [Client Login](https://oncall.centratel.com/) - [Follow Centratel on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centratel-answering-service/) - [Follow Centratel on Twitter](https://twitter.com/centratel) - [Follow Centratel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centratel) ![Answering Service for Water Utility Companies](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Answering-Service-for-Water-Utility-Companies.jpg) # Keeping the Flow: Answering Service for Water Utility Companies August 7, 2023 [Utility](https://www.centratel.com/blog/utility-answering-service/) By Centratel In the highly demanding world of water utility companies, efficient communication and prompt response to customer inquiries is vital. **[Answering Service for Water Utility Companies](https://www.centratel.com/public-and-private-utilities-answering-service/)** can make this critical difference, transforming communication pathways and ensuring no call goes unanswered. **Centratel**, a leading national telephone answering service, has a reputation for delivering superior call center solutions for various industries, including [public and private utilities](https://www.centratel.com/public-and-private-utilities-answering-service/). We understand that water utility companies, like yours, are on the front lines of ensuring the community’s health and welfare. Interruptions in service or emergencies can result in serious implications for consumers and businesses alike. Here, our **24/7 live answering service** can provide the support you need to keep the flow going. Our dedicated team of professional receptionists is specially trained to handle all types of utility-related calls, from routine customer service inquiries to emergency dispatch. With **[Answering Service for Water Utility Companies](https://www.centratel.com/public-and-private-utilities-answering-service/)**, you can be confident that your customer calls are in capable and caring hands. ## Enhancing Customer Experience A missed call can result in a missed opportunity to assist a customer, potentially leading to dissatisfaction and even customer attrition. **Our live answering service ensures every call is attended**, providing your customers with instant, reliable assistance anytime they need it. Remember, a happy customer translates to a smoother flow in your operations. [Request a price quote here](https://www.centratel.com/price-quote/) to find out how our service can enhance your customer experience. ## Reducing Response Times In the utilities sector, time is crucial. A delay in response could escalate a minor issue into a major problem. By relying on **[Answering Service for Water Utility Companies](https://www.centratel.com/public-and-private-utilities-answering-service/)**, you will have dedicated professionals ready to take calls and assist your customers promptly, reducing your response times significantly. ## Boosting Efficiency Our tailored approach to answering service allows your company to manage its resources better. While our team handles your calls, your staff can focus on their primary tasks, improving overall efficiency and productivity. We invite you to [explore our services](https://www.centratel.com/public-and-private-utilities-answering-service/) to find out how we can boost your operations’ efficiency. ## Providing Emergency Dispatch Services Emergencies can occur at any time, and swift action is essential to mitigate damage. With our answering service, emergencies are promptly relayed to the right personnel, ensuring immediate action and effective management of the situation. ## Keep the Flow Going with Centratel In conclusion, effective communication is key in the water utilities sector, and **[Answering Service for Water Utility Companies](https://www.centratel.com/public-and-private-utilities-answering-service/)** is the optimal solution for managing your calls. We’ll keep your lines open, your customers satisfied, and your operations flowing smoothly. Are you ready to improve your customer communication? [Request a price quote](https://www.centratel.com/price-quote/) today and let us demonstrate how **Centratel** can help your water utility company keep the flow going. Image by [Freepik](https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/full-shot-engineers-standing-near-river_25128688.htm#query=water%20utility%20company&position=15&from_view=search&track=ais) ## Taking the Next Step * * * For a quick orientation on how we operate, take a moment to review one or more of the key points listed in Why Choose Centratel Q&A (scroll down the page if you are on a mobile phone) For more specifics on cost, to start the onboarding process, or if you have questions, fill out this form with your basic information and if it’s during regular working hours (M-F 8am to 8pm EST or 5am to 5pm PST), we’ll get back to you within minutes. Or, during the above hours, you can simply call us at 800-664-7159 or send us an email to [inquiry@centratel.com](mailto:inquiry@centratel.com). First Name \* Last Name \* Job Title Email \* Company \* Phone \* City \* State \*State \*AlabamaAlaskaArkansasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDistrict of ColumbiaDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming How did you hear about us? How did you hear about us? \*PostcardBook gift: Work the SystemLetterReferralOnline SearchWork The SystemFacebook Is your business one of our specialties \*Is your business one of our specialties \*MedicalHome Health/HospiceVeterinary24/7 BusinessHVACTrade ServiceProperty ManagementUtilityDisaster RestorationPlumbing What is your ONE primary concern with using an answering service? \*What is your primary concern with using an answering service? \*Professionalism of staffMessage delivery accuracy and timelinessConsistent high quality of serviceCost of serviceLiabilityConfidentialityOther Are you currently using a call center/telephone answering service? \* YesNo Requested service start date \*Requested service start date \*ASAPWithin 1 WeekWithin 2 WeeksWithin 1 MonthOther List any specific call requirements Submit [Terms of Service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) ### **Why Choose Centratel** **BY SAM CARPENTER** **February 1, 2026** 1.CENTRATEL’S UNIQUE 30-DAY FREE TRIAL Why is this important? Because it will provide you a truly accurate estimate of cost (we bill monthly), it will demonstrate our quality, and it gives both sides of this brand new relationship—you and Centratel—plenty of time to refine and perfect operational details. Here’s a testimonial from a new medical client that had just finished their 30-day trial: _“Of course, I love the cost as it is close to the amount I was allowed by the president of the company. I told him that if we did not continue with Centratel, I would resign as the Director of Customer Service, and I meant it. It’s a great fit. We have had NOT ONE complaint from a patient or in-house which, as you know, we received daily with our former answering service._ _I love you, Centratel, and the price. I’m ready to sign whatever documents you require._ _Thanks for the great service, and the free month_! _To a great partnership! -KB, Phoenix_“ 2.STATISTICALLY, THE BEST IN THE U.S.? Answering service quality is 100% dependent on human action and reaction, and in the course of a single day a multitude of human decisions are made by the people who process the calls: Telephone Service Representatives, or TSRs. (Some answering services refer to them as “agents.” Others, “operators.”) Like any other answering service, at Centratel we’re dealing with real live human beings and so human errors can occur. But within this labor intensive service industry that is historically known for marginal quality, Centratel’s error rate is light years ahead of established standards. Our most recent Customer Reported Error Rate (October through December, 2025) was 1 customer-reported error for every 7,017 message transactions processed. That statistic is unmatched. There’s no artificial intelligence manipulation, we do not offshore calls, and we were founded and have always operated within the United States. (Note that since early 2020, the COVID six-foot social distancing mandate drove thousands of small-to-medium sized answering services out of business. Large, often foreign-owned multi-nationals, disguised by the name of the local answering services they acquired, now thoroughly dominate the industry. Hence, an even further decline in general service quality. [See this analysis.](https://www.centratel.com/answering-service-phone-industry/)) 3.CUSTOMER SERVICE EXTRAORDINAIRE Your concerns will be instantly acted upon. It’s a work ethic that stands in stark contrast to the general decline in quality of human-to-human business communications. You’ve seen it yourself, all around. At Centratel you will know by name the customer service people you’re working with, appreciating their special listening abilities as well as their take-action-now comportment. e.g. see the testimonial in point #1 above. ‘Nuff said! 4.GETTING STARTED: IT’S SIMPLE AND FAST Getting your new Centratel answering service 30-day free trial up-and-running is accomplished within 24-48 hours. From the start, your “onboarding” customer service representative will be with you every step of the way **,** listening carefully to your concerns, answering questions and offering suggestions. 5.NEW TO USING AN ANSWERING SERVICE? The very large majority of our current answering service accounts switched to us from another service because of quality and/or cost problems. However, if you have not used a service before, you are not familiar with the options, benefits, and pitfalls. Our 30-day free trial provides you—and us—plenty of time to precisely refine your desired message-taking and delivery protocols; to get things exactly the way you want them to be without any financial risk, undue pressure, or obligation. 6.PRICING Starting at $150 per month, our rates lie in the mid-range of the industry. Note that we charge by the “transaction unit” rather than the duration of time spent handling calls. Large “mega-services” operating in the U.S. prefer time billing because it ensures the company is compensated for lower-paid/high-turnover — and thus slower — agents. _No matter the quality or how long they keep your callers on hold, they still make a profit_. And yes, it can get expensive, especially if caller on-hold time is also billed. In any answering service, it takes a long time for a new agent to become fast, efficient, and stable. At Centratel, we pamper and reward experienced agents (via high pay and great benefits) and therefore have extremely low staff turnover. Needless to say, experienced agents make fewer errors than trainees who learn on-the-job. And, transaction-unit billing is easy to understand. There is no room for fraud as in time-billing. We can easily document and explain any monthly billing we send you. 7.ACCURATELY COMPARING ANSWERING SERVICE PRICING IS COMPLICATED It’s apples and oranges. There isn’t an industry standard for billing, and each answering service has its own formula. Also, as noted above, some services charge by agent “time” while a few, like us, charge by “transaction units.” Some others combine the two. At Centratel, we charge for the work we do, not by the time we spend. The raw truth is that the only reliable way to determine monthly cost for a new service is to use that service for a solid month. Most answering services offer a 7-day free trial or no trial at all. With Centratel you get 30-days. 8. MONTHLY OR 28-DAY BILLING? Important! At Centratel, we use a “monthly” billing cycle in which invoices are compiled from the first day of a month through the last day of that month. When soliciting quotes from other services, be sure to ask if the base-rate charges are billed monthly or on a “28-day billing cycle.” There is no good reason for a 28-day billing cycle! It’s a sly manipulation by the answering service: customers billed on a 28-day cycle actually receive thirteen billings per year instead of twelve. 9.NO CONTRACT AND SIMPLE TERMS OF SERVICE We don’t ask for a term contract for service because you should be able to evaluate us in real time, without restraint. Our [terms of service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) are simple and straight-forward. 10.VALUABLE FREE GIFT FOR CONTACTING US If you take the time to discuss answering service with us, on that same day we will ship you a hardcover copy of Sam Carpenter’s bestselling book, [_Work The System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_](https://www.workthesystem.com/), now in its 5th edition. (Sam is Centatel’s very active CEO.) December 1st 2025 marked his forty first year of ownership.) * * * ## Footer ## 24/7 Answering Service - [Skip to primary navigation](https://www.centratel.com/blog/answering-service/24-7-answering-service-businesses/#genesis-nav-primary) - [Skip to main content](https://www.centratel.com/blog/answering-service/24-7-answering-service-businesses/#genesis-content) - [Skip to footer](https://www.centratel.com/blog/answering-service/24-7-answering-service-businesses/#genesis-footer-widgets) The Highest Quality Telephone Answering Service in the United States - [Make Payment](https://thepaymentportal.com/index.php?compcode=2C1A-9FF4-91CA-7F93) - [Client Login](https://oncall.centratel.com/) - [Follow Centratel on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centratel-answering-service/) - [Follow Centratel on Twitter](https://twitter.com/centratel) - [Follow Centratel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centratel) ![An ](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/feat-image-6.jpg) # The Advantages of a 24/7 Answering Service for Round-the-Clock Businesses August 6, 2023 [Answering Service](https://www.centratel.com/blog/answering-service/) By Centratel In an era where customer expectations are higher than ever, offering round-the-clock support is not just an option—it’s an expectation. Meeting these demands can be a challenge, but **Centratel’s [24/7 answering service](https://www.centratel.com/24-7-business-answering-service/)** presents the perfect solution. At **Centratel**, we offer a comprehensive 24/7 business answering service that caters to businesses operating around the clock, ensuring they can maintain superior customer service and manage operational costs effectively. ## The Need for 24/7 Support The demands of today’s consumers are pretty straightforward: they require **accessibility, immediate attention, and quick resolution**, no matter the time of day or night. Companies that offer 24/7 support are often seen as more dependable and reliable—a perception that significantly boosts customer satisfaction and loyalty, and by extension, the growth and profitability of your business. ## The Centratel Advantage At Centratel, we take your calls seriously. Our team understands the importance of each customer interaction, treating it with the respect and care it deserves. We aim to offer **maximum convenience, cost-effectiveness, and operational efficiency**. Here are some reasons why our service stands out: **Professional Handling**: Our skilled and courteous staff handle your calls as an extension of your business, ensuring every customer feels valued and attended to. **Tailored Solutions**: We know that every business is unique. We customize our services to align with your specific needs, guaranteeing maximum effectiveness and customer satisfaction. **Reliable Service**: Trust us to manage your calls reliably and efficiently, freeing up your valuable time to focus on core business operations. **Cost-Effective**: Our service is a more affordable option than maintaining an in-house team, especially for after-hours support. Unleash the power of 24/7 support with **Centratel’s Answering Service**. [Discover more about our services](https://www.centratel.com/24-7-business-answering-service/) or [request a price quote today](https://www.centratel.com/price-quote/). ## Maximize the Power of 24/7 Support with Centratel **24/7 support is a transformative strategy** for today’s businesses. However, offering it efficiently and economically can be an uphill task. That’s where Centratel’s answering service comes in. We ensure you don’t have to compromise on customer service or stretch your budget. Ready to elevate your customer service to the next level? Get started with **Centratel** by [requesting a price quote today](https://www.centratel.com/price-quote/). Transform the way you interact with your customers and unlock the true potential of your business. Experience the power of 24/7 support. Choose Centratel. [Image by wirestock](https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/low-angle-shot-open-sign-made-with-lights_17242600.htm#query=night%20shop&position=43&from_view=search&track=ais) on Freepik ## Taking the Next Step * * * For a quick orientation on how we operate, take a moment to review one or more of the key points listed in Why Choose Centratel Q&A (scroll down the page if you are on a mobile phone) For more specifics on cost, to start the onboarding process, or if you have questions, fill out this form with your basic information and if it’s during regular working hours (M-F 8am to 8pm EST or 5am to 5pm PST), we’ll get back to you within minutes. Or, during the above hours, you can simply call us at 800-664-7159 or send us an email to [inquiry@centratel.com](mailto:inquiry@centratel.com). First Name \* Last Name \* Job Title Email \* Company \* Phone \* City \* State \*State \*AlabamaAlaskaArkansasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDistrict of ColumbiaDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming How did you hear about us? How did you hear about us? \*PostcardBook gift: Work the SystemLetterReferralOnline SearchWork The SystemFacebook Is your business one of our specialties \*Is your business one of our specialties \*MedicalHome Health/HospiceVeterinary24/7 BusinessHVACTrade ServiceProperty ManagementUtilityDisaster RestorationPlumbing What is your ONE primary concern with using an answering service? \*What is your primary concern with using an answering service? \*Professionalism of staffMessage delivery accuracy and timelinessConsistent high quality of serviceCost of serviceLiabilityConfidentialityOther Are you currently using a call center/telephone answering service? \* YesNo Requested service start date \*Requested service start date \*ASAPWithin 1 WeekWithin 2 WeeksWithin 1 MonthOther List any specific call requirements Submit [Terms of Service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) ### **Why Choose Centratel** **BY SAM CARPENTER** **February 1, 2026** 1.CENTRATEL’S UNIQUE 30-DAY FREE TRIAL Why is this important? Because it will provide you a truly accurate estimate of cost (we bill monthly), it will demonstrate our quality, and it gives both sides of this brand new relationship—you and Centratel—plenty of time to refine and perfect operational details. Here’s a testimonial from a new medical client that had just finished their 30-day trial: _“Of course, I love the cost as it is close to the amount I was allowed by the president of the company. I told him that if we did not continue with Centratel, I would resign as the Director of Customer Service, and I meant it. It’s a great fit. We have had NOT ONE complaint from a patient or in-house which, as you know, we received daily with our former answering service._ _I love you, Centratel, and the price. I’m ready to sign whatever documents you require._ _Thanks for the great service, and the free month_! _To a great partnership! -KB, Phoenix_“ 2.STATISTICALLY, THE BEST IN THE U.S.? Answering service quality is 100% dependent on human action and reaction, and in the course of a single day a multitude of human decisions are made by the people who process the calls: Telephone Service Representatives, or TSRs. (Some answering services refer to them as “agents.” Others, “operators.”) Like any other answering service, at Centratel we’re dealing with real live human beings and so human errors can occur. But within this labor intensive service industry that is historically known for marginal quality, Centratel’s error rate is light years ahead of established standards. Our most recent Customer Reported Error Rate (October through December, 2025) was 1 customer-reported error for every 7,017 message transactions processed. That statistic is unmatched. There’s no artificial intelligence manipulation, we do not offshore calls, and we were founded and have always operated within the United States. (Note that since early 2020, the COVID six-foot social distancing mandate drove thousands of small-to-medium sized answering services out of business. Large, often foreign-owned multi-nationals, disguised by the name of the local answering services they acquired, now thoroughly dominate the industry. Hence, an even further decline in general service quality. [See this analysis.](https://www.centratel.com/answering-service-phone-industry/)) 3.CUSTOMER SERVICE EXTRAORDINAIRE Your concerns will be instantly acted upon. It’s a work ethic that stands in stark contrast to the general decline in quality of human-to-human business communications. You’ve seen it yourself, all around. At Centratel you will know by name the customer service people you’re working with, appreciating their special listening abilities as well as their take-action-now comportment. e.g. see the testimonial in point #1 above. ‘Nuff said! 4.GETTING STARTED: IT’S SIMPLE AND FAST Getting your new Centratel answering service 30-day free trial up-and-running is accomplished within 24-48 hours. From the start, your “onboarding” customer service representative will be with you every step of the way **,** listening carefully to your concerns, answering questions and offering suggestions. 5.NEW TO USING AN ANSWERING SERVICE? The very large majority of our current answering service accounts switched to us from another service because of quality and/or cost problems. However, if you have not used a service before, you are not familiar with the options, benefits, and pitfalls. Our 30-day free trial provides you—and us—plenty of time to precisely refine your desired message-taking and delivery protocols; to get things exactly the way you want them to be without any financial risk, undue pressure, or obligation. 6.PRICING Starting at $150 per month, our rates lie in the mid-range of the industry. Note that we charge by the “transaction unit” rather than the duration of time spent handling calls. Large “mega-services” operating in the U.S. prefer time billing because it ensures the company is compensated for lower-paid/high-turnover — and thus slower — agents. _No matter the quality or how long they keep your callers on hold, they still make a profit_. And yes, it can get expensive, especially if caller on-hold time is also billed. In any answering service, it takes a long time for a new agent to become fast, efficient, and stable. At Centratel, we pamper and reward experienced agents (via high pay and great benefits) and therefore have extremely low staff turnover. Needless to say, experienced agents make fewer errors than trainees who learn on-the-job. And, transaction-unit billing is easy to understand. There is no room for fraud as in time-billing. We can easily document and explain any monthly billing we send you. 7.ACCURATELY COMPARING ANSWERING SERVICE PRICING IS COMPLICATED It’s apples and oranges. There isn’t an industry standard for billing, and each answering service has its own formula. Also, as noted above, some services charge by agent “time” while a few, like us, charge by “transaction units.” Some others combine the two. At Centratel, we charge for the work we do, not by the time we spend. The raw truth is that the only reliable way to determine monthly cost for a new service is to use that service for a solid month. Most answering services offer a 7-day free trial or no trial at all. With Centratel you get 30-days. 8. MONTHLY OR 28-DAY BILLING? Important! At Centratel, we use a “monthly” billing cycle in which invoices are compiled from the first day of a month through the last day of that month. When soliciting quotes from other services, be sure to ask if the base-rate charges are billed monthly or on a “28-day billing cycle.” There is no good reason for a 28-day billing cycle! It’s a sly manipulation by the answering service: customers billed on a 28-day cycle actually receive thirteen billings per year instead of twelve. 9.NO CONTRACT AND SIMPLE TERMS OF SERVICE We don’t ask for a term contract for service because you should be able to evaluate us in real time, without restraint. Our [terms of service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) are simple and straight-forward. 10.VALUABLE FREE GIFT FOR CONTACTING US If you take the time to discuss answering service with us, on that same day we will ship you a hardcover copy of Sam Carpenter’s bestselling book, [_Work The System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_](https://www.workthesystem.com/), now in its 5th edition. (Sam is Centatel’s very active CEO.) December 1st 2025 marked his forty first year of ownership.) * * * ## Footer ## Client Communication Solutions - [Skip to primary navigation](https://www.centratel.com/blog/trade-service-answering-service/revolutionize-client-communication/#genesis-nav-primary) - [Skip to main content](https://www.centratel.com/blog/trade-service-answering-service/revolutionize-client-communication/#genesis-content) - [Skip to footer](https://www.centratel.com/blog/trade-service-answering-service/revolutionize-client-communication/#genesis-footer-widgets) The Highest Quality Telephone Answering Service in the United States - [Make Payment](https://thepaymentportal.com/index.php?compcode=2C1A-9FF4-91CA-7F93) - [Client Login](https://oncall.centratel.com/) - [Follow Centratel on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centratel-answering-service/) - [Follow Centratel on Twitter](https://twitter.com/centratel) - [Follow Centratel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centratel) ![answering service for trade service](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201500%20917'%3E%3C/svg%3E) # Revolutionizing Client Communication: The Benefits of our Answering Service for Trade Service Businesses August 5, 2023 [Trade Service](https://www.centratel.com/blog/trade-service-answering-service/) By Centratel Centratel is well aware that in today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, effective communication is the lifeblood of any successful **trade service business**. We understand the unique demands and time pressures that trade service businesses face each day. That’s why we offer a professional and reliable [answering service for trade service companies](https://www.centratel.com/trade-service-answering-service/) that is tailored to the specific needs of your industry. [Request a price quote](https://www.centratel.com/price-quote/) today to see how Centratel can support your business. ## 24/7 Availability In the trade service industry, emergencies don’t adhere to a 9-to-5 schedule. When your clients have urgent needs after-hours, on weekends, or even during holidays, they require immediate assistance. With Centratel’s 24/7 answering service, your business is always ‘open.’ Our professional team will always be there to take calls, offering your clients a reassuring human presence when they need it the most. ## Professional Call Handling Centratel’s trained operators don’t just answer calls; they represent your company professionally and courteously. Whether it’s scheduling appointments, answering service-related questions, or dispatching emergency services, our operators ensure that each caller is treated with respect, patience, and understanding. ## Efficient Message Delivery We understand that clear and accurate message delivery is critical for trade service businesses. Our team collects all the necessary details and transmits them directly to you via text, email, or any other preferred method. ## Scalability As your trade service business grows, so too do your communication needs. Centratel’s answering service scales with you, providing more resources and operators as your call volume increases. Don’t let your growing client base overwhelm your current resources. [Get a price quote](https://www.centratel.com/price-quote/) now to expand your capacity with Centratel’s scalable solutions. ## Cost-Effective Hiring a full-time, in-house receptionist can be a significant expense for many trade service businesses. By using Centratel’s answering service, you can enjoy all the benefits of a professional receptionist without the cost of recruitment, training, and benefits. In conclusion, the right communication strategy can transform your trade service business, boosting your reputation, customer satisfaction, and bottom line. By choosing [Centratel’s Telephone Answering Service](https://www.centratel.com/trade-service-answering-service/), you’re choosing a partner dedicated to providing exceptional customer service around the clock, freeing you to focus on what you do best: delivering high-quality trade services. Ready to revolutionize your client communication? [Request a price quote from Centratel](https://www.centratel.com/price-quote/) today. [Image by senivpetro](https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/set-tools-tool-kit-isolated_7168713.htm#query=tools&position=8&from_view=search&track=sph) on Freepik ## Taking the Next Step * * * For a quick orientation on how we operate, take a moment to review one or more of the key points listed in Why Choose Centratel Q&A (scroll down the page if you are on a mobile phone) For more specifics on cost, to start the onboarding process, or if you have questions, fill out this form with your basic information and if it’s during regular working hours (M-F 8am to 8pm EST or 5am to 5pm PST), we’ll get back to you within minutes. Or, during the above hours, you can simply call us at 800-664-7159 or send us an email to [inquiry@centratel.com](mailto:inquiry@centratel.com). First Name \* Last Name \* Job Title Email \* Company \* Phone \* City \* State \*State \*AlabamaAlaskaArkansasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDistrict of ColumbiaDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming How did you hear about us? How did you hear about us? \*PostcardBook gift: Work the SystemLetterReferralOnline SearchWork The SystemFacebook Is your business one of our specialties \*Is your business one of our specialties \*MedicalHome Health/HospiceVeterinary24/7 BusinessHVACTrade ServiceProperty ManagementUtilityDisaster RestorationPlumbing What is your ONE primary concern with using an answering service? \*What is your primary concern with using an answering service? \*Professionalism of staffMessage delivery accuracy and timelinessConsistent high quality of serviceCost of serviceLiabilityConfidentialityOther Are you currently using a call center/telephone answering service? \* YesNo Requested service start date \*Requested service start date \*ASAPWithin 1 WeekWithin 2 WeeksWithin 1 MonthOther List any specific call requirements Submit [Terms of Service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) ### **Why Choose Centratel** **BY SAM CARPENTER** **February 1, 2026** 1.CENTRATEL’S UNIQUE 30-DAY FREE TRIAL Why is this important? Because it will provide you a truly accurate estimate of cost (we bill monthly), it will demonstrate our quality, and it gives both sides of this brand new relationship—you and Centratel—plenty of time to refine and perfect operational details. Here’s a testimonial from a new medical client that had just finished their 30-day trial: _“Of course, I love the cost as it is close to the amount I was allowed by the president of the company. I told him that if we did not continue with Centratel, I would resign as the Director of Customer Service, and I meant it. It’s a great fit. We have had NOT ONE complaint from a patient or in-house which, as you know, we received daily with our former answering service._ _I love you, Centratel, and the price. I’m ready to sign whatever documents you require._ _Thanks for the great service, and the free month_! _To a great partnership! -KB, Phoenix_“ 2.STATISTICALLY, THE BEST IN THE U.S.? Answering service quality is 100% dependent on human action and reaction, and in the course of a single day a multitude of human decisions are made by the people who process the calls: Telephone Service Representatives, or TSRs. (Some answering services refer to them as “agents.” Others, “operators.”) Like any other answering service, at Centratel we’re dealing with real live human beings and so human errors can occur. But within this labor intensive service industry that is historically known for marginal quality, Centratel’s error rate is light years ahead of established standards. Our most recent Customer Reported Error Rate (October through December, 2025) was 1 customer-reported error for every 7,017 message transactions processed. That statistic is unmatched. There’s no artificial intelligence manipulation, we do not offshore calls, and we were founded and have always operated within the United States. (Note that since early 2020, the COVID six-foot social distancing mandate drove thousands of small-to-medium sized answering services out of business. Large, often foreign-owned multi-nationals, disguised by the name of the local answering services they acquired, now thoroughly dominate the industry. Hence, an even further decline in general service quality. [See this analysis.](https://www.centratel.com/answering-service-phone-industry/)) 3.CUSTOMER SERVICE EXTRAORDINAIRE Your concerns will be instantly acted upon. It’s a work ethic that stands in stark contrast to the general decline in quality of human-to-human business communications. You’ve seen it yourself, all around. At Centratel you will know by name the customer service people you’re working with, appreciating their special listening abilities as well as their take-action-now comportment. e.g. see the testimonial in point #1 above. ‘Nuff said! 4.GETTING STARTED: IT’S SIMPLE AND FAST Getting your new Centratel answering service 30-day free trial up-and-running is accomplished within 24-48 hours. From the start, your “onboarding” customer service representative will be with you every step of the way **,** listening carefully to your concerns, answering questions and offering suggestions. 5.NEW TO USING AN ANSWERING SERVICE? The very large majority of our current answering service accounts switched to us from another service because of quality and/or cost problems. However, if you have not used a service before, you are not familiar with the options, benefits, and pitfalls. Our 30-day free trial provides you—and us—plenty of time to precisely refine your desired message-taking and delivery protocols; to get things exactly the way you want them to be without any financial risk, undue pressure, or obligation. 6.PRICING Starting at $150 per month, our rates lie in the mid-range of the industry. Note that we charge by the “transaction unit” rather than the duration of time spent handling calls. Large “mega-services” operating in the U.S. prefer time billing because it ensures the company is compensated for lower-paid/high-turnover — and thus slower — agents. _No matter the quality or how long they keep your callers on hold, they still make a profit_. And yes, it can get expensive, especially if caller on-hold time is also billed. In any answering service, it takes a long time for a new agent to become fast, efficient, and stable. At Centratel, we pamper and reward experienced agents (via high pay and great benefits) and therefore have extremely low staff turnover. Needless to say, experienced agents make fewer errors than trainees who learn on-the-job. And, transaction-unit billing is easy to understand. There is no room for fraud as in time-billing. We can easily document and explain any monthly billing we send you. 7.ACCURATELY COMPARING ANSWERING SERVICE PRICING IS COMPLICATED It’s apples and oranges. There isn’t an industry standard for billing, and each answering service has its own formula. Also, as noted above, some services charge by agent “time” while a few, like us, charge by “transaction units.” Some others combine the two. At Centratel, we charge for the work we do, not by the time we spend. The raw truth is that the only reliable way to determine monthly cost for a new service is to use that service for a solid month. Most answering services offer a 7-day free trial or no trial at all. With Centratel you get 30-days. 8. MONTHLY OR 28-DAY BILLING? Important! At Centratel, we use a “monthly” billing cycle in which invoices are compiled from the first day of a month through the last day of that month. When soliciting quotes from other services, be sure to ask if the base-rate charges are billed monthly or on a “28-day billing cycle.” There is no good reason for a 28-day billing cycle! It’s a sly manipulation by the answering service: customers billed on a 28-day cycle actually receive thirteen billings per year instead of twelve. 9.NO CONTRACT AND SIMPLE TERMS OF SERVICE We don’t ask for a term contract for service because you should be able to evaluate us in real time, without restraint. Our [terms of service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) are simple and straight-forward. 10.VALUABLE FREE GIFT FOR CONTACTING US If you take the time to discuss answering service with us, on that same day we will ship you a hardcover copy of Sam Carpenter’s bestselling book, [_Work The System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_](https://www.workthesystem.com/), now in its 5th edition. (Sam is Centatel’s very active CEO.) December 1st 2025 marked his forty first year of ownership.) * * * ## Footer ## Tenant Communication Solutions - [Skip to primary navigation](https://www.centratel.com/blog/property-management-answering-service/enhance-tenant-communication/#genesis-nav-primary) - [Skip to main content](https://www.centratel.com/blog/property-management-answering-service/enhance-tenant-communication/#genesis-content) - [Skip to footer](https://www.centratel.com/blog/property-management-answering-service/enhance-tenant-communication/#genesis-footer-widgets) The Highest Quality Telephone Answering Service in the United States - [Make Payment](https://thepaymentportal.com/index.php?compcode=2C1A-9FF4-91CA-7F93) - [Client Login](https://oncall.centratel.com/) - [Follow Centratel on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centratel-answering-service/) - [Follow Centratel on Twitter](https://twitter.com/centratel) - [Follow Centratel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centratel) ![property management answering service](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/property-management-answering-service.jpg) # Enhance Tenant Communication \| Property Management Answering Service August 4, 2023 [Property Management](https://www.centratel.com/blog/property-management-answering-service/) By Centratel Property management companies juggle an array of responsibilities, with **effective communication with tenants at the forefront**. In an era of rapid digital communication and escalating customer expectations, the old methods of communication – paperwork and snail mail – simply don’t cut it. [**Centratel’s Property Management Answering Service**](https://www.centratel.com/property-management-answering-service/) understands this paradigm shift and offers a practical solution for property management companies. Our professional answering service allows you to **streamline and improve your tenant communication**. But how exactly can your property management company benefit from Centratel’s answering service? Don’t just take our word for it, [request a price quote](https://www.centratel.com/price-quote/) today to see how we can help. ## 24/7 Availability Tenants’ issues and inquiries don’t confine themselves to the typical 9 to 5 working hours. Whether it’s a maintenance emergency in the dead of night or a question about lease agreements on a Sunday morning, it’s critical to provide tenants with **round-the-clock support**. Centratel’s 24/7 answering service ensures that every call is answered, fostering a positive tenant experience. ## Professional Response Every call your tenant makes is answered by Centratel’s **professionally trained operators**, ensuring a positive first impression. Our team is well-versed in addressing tenant concerns, questions, and emergencies, providing consistent, high-quality service every time. ## Effective Call Routing Centratel’s answering service doesn’t just take messages; it also ensures that the **right person gets the right message at the right time**. Whether it’s a maintenance request that needs immediate attention or a general inquiry that can be answered during regular business hours, our advanced call routing system ensures efficient communication flow. ## Time & Resource Efficiency A telephone answering service reduces the need for dedicated personnel to handle incoming calls, allowing your staff to focus on other critical aspects of property management. This not only saves you time but also **enhances resource efficiency**, contributing to your bottom line. See how much you could be saving with Centratel by [requesting a price quote](https://www.centratel.com/price-quote/) today. ## Reliable Emergency Response In the event of an emergency, having a reliable communication channel can make a significant difference. Centratel’s answering service ensures a **swift and organized response to any urgent issue**, giving both you and your tenants peace of mind. ## Enhanced Tenant Satisfaction With Centratel’s answering service, your tenants are assured of timely responses and professional service, which significantly improves their overall satisfaction. Happy tenants lead to **higher retention rates, positive reviews, and, ultimately, a thriving property management business**. In conclusion, the effective management of tenant communications is a fundamental aspect of property management. Leveraging Centratel’s answering service can streamline this process, enhance tenant satisfaction, and contribute to your company’s success. Your tenants deserve the best, and so do you. [Contact us today](https://www.centratel.com/contact-us/) to learn more about how Centratel can elevate your property management communication strategy, or jump right in and [request a price quote](https://www.centratel.com/price-quote/) to get started. [Image by jcomp](https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/hands-agent-client-shaking-hands-after-signed-contract-buy-new-apartment_5216324.htm#query=property%20management&position=5&from_view=search&track=ais) on Freepik ## Taking the Next Step * * * For a quick orientation on how we operate, take a moment to review one or more of the key points listed in Why Choose Centratel Q&A (scroll down the page if you are on a mobile phone) For more specifics on cost, to start the onboarding process, or if you have questions, fill out this form with your basic information and if it’s during regular working hours (M-F 8am to 8pm EST or 5am to 5pm PST), we’ll get back to you within minutes. Or, during the above hours, you can simply call us at 800-664-7159 or send us an email to [inquiry@centratel.com](mailto:inquiry@centratel.com). First Name \* Last Name \* Job Title Email \* Company \* Phone \* City \* State \*State \*AlabamaAlaskaArkansasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDistrict of ColumbiaDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming How did you hear about us? How did you hear about us? \*PostcardBook gift: Work the SystemLetterReferralOnline SearchWork The SystemFacebook Is your business one of our specialties \*Is your business one of our specialties \*MedicalHome Health/HospiceVeterinary24/7 BusinessHVACTrade ServiceProperty ManagementUtilityDisaster RestorationPlumbing What is your ONE primary concern with using an answering service? \*What is your primary concern with using an answering service? \*Professionalism of staffMessage delivery accuracy and timelinessConsistent high quality of serviceCost of serviceLiabilityConfidentialityOther Are you currently using a call center/telephone answering service? \* YesNo Requested service start date \*Requested service start date \*ASAPWithin 1 WeekWithin 2 WeeksWithin 1 MonthOther List any specific call requirements Submit [Terms of Service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) ### **Why Choose Centratel** **BY SAM CARPENTER** **February 1, 2026** 1.CENTRATEL’S UNIQUE 30-DAY FREE TRIAL Why is this important? Because it will provide you a truly accurate estimate of cost (we bill monthly), it will demonstrate our quality, and it gives both sides of this brand new relationship—you and Centratel—plenty of time to refine and perfect operational details. Here’s a testimonial from a new medical client that had just finished their 30-day trial: _“Of course, I love the cost as it is close to the amount I was allowed by the president of the company. I told him that if we did not continue with Centratel, I would resign as the Director of Customer Service, and I meant it. It’s a great fit. We have had NOT ONE complaint from a patient or in-house which, as you know, we received daily with our former answering service._ _I love you, Centratel, and the price. I’m ready to sign whatever documents you require._ _Thanks for the great service, and the free month_! _To a great partnership! -KB, Phoenix_“ 2.STATISTICALLY, THE BEST IN THE U.S.? Answering service quality is 100% dependent on human action and reaction, and in the course of a single day a multitude of human decisions are made by the people who process the calls: Telephone Service Representatives, or TSRs. (Some answering services refer to them as “agents.” Others, “operators.”) Like any other answering service, at Centratel we’re dealing with real live human beings and so human errors can occur. But within this labor intensive service industry that is historically known for marginal quality, Centratel’s error rate is light years ahead of established standards. Our most recent Customer Reported Error Rate (October through December, 2025) was 1 customer-reported error for every 7,017 message transactions processed. That statistic is unmatched. There’s no artificial intelligence manipulation, we do not offshore calls, and we were founded and have always operated within the United States. (Note that since early 2020, the COVID six-foot social distancing mandate drove thousands of small-to-medium sized answering services out of business. Large, often foreign-owned multi-nationals, disguised by the name of the local answering services they acquired, now thoroughly dominate the industry. Hence, an even further decline in general service quality. [See this analysis.](https://www.centratel.com/answering-service-phone-industry/)) 3.CUSTOMER SERVICE EXTRAORDINAIRE Your concerns will be instantly acted upon. It’s a work ethic that stands in stark contrast to the general decline in quality of human-to-human business communications. You’ve seen it yourself, all around. At Centratel you will know by name the customer service people you’re working with, appreciating their special listening abilities as well as their take-action-now comportment. e.g. see the testimonial in point #1 above. ‘Nuff said! 4.GETTING STARTED: IT’S SIMPLE AND FAST Getting your new Centratel answering service 30-day free trial up-and-running is accomplished within 24-48 hours. From the start, your “onboarding” customer service representative will be with you every step of the way **,** listening carefully to your concerns, answering questions and offering suggestions. 5.NEW TO USING AN ANSWERING SERVICE? The very large majority of our current answering service accounts switched to us from another service because of quality and/or cost problems. However, if you have not used a service before, you are not familiar with the options, benefits, and pitfalls. Our 30-day free trial provides you—and us—plenty of time to precisely refine your desired message-taking and delivery protocols; to get things exactly the way you want them to be without any financial risk, undue pressure, or obligation. 6.PRICING Starting at $150 per month, our rates lie in the mid-range of the industry. Note that we charge by the “transaction unit” rather than the duration of time spent handling calls. Large “mega-services” operating in the U.S. prefer time billing because it ensures the company is compensated for lower-paid/high-turnover — and thus slower — agents. _No matter the quality or how long they keep your callers on hold, they still make a profit_. And yes, it can get expensive, especially if caller on-hold time is also billed. In any answering service, it takes a long time for a new agent to become fast, efficient, and stable. At Centratel, we pamper and reward experienced agents (via high pay and great benefits) and therefore have extremely low staff turnover. Needless to say, experienced agents make fewer errors than trainees who learn on-the-job. And, transaction-unit billing is easy to understand. There is no room for fraud as in time-billing. We can easily document and explain any monthly billing we send you. 7.ACCURATELY COMPARING ANSWERING SERVICE PRICING IS COMPLICATED It’s apples and oranges. There isn’t an industry standard for billing, and each answering service has its own formula. Also, as noted above, some services charge by agent “time” while a few, like us, charge by “transaction units.” Some others combine the two. At Centratel, we charge for the work we do, not by the time we spend. The raw truth is that the only reliable way to determine monthly cost for a new service is to use that service for a solid month. Most answering services offer a 7-day free trial or no trial at all. With Centratel you get 30-days. 8. MONTHLY OR 28-DAY BILLING? Important! At Centratel, we use a “monthly” billing cycle in which invoices are compiled from the first day of a month through the last day of that month. When soliciting quotes from other services, be sure to ask if the base-rate charges are billed monthly or on a “28-day billing cycle.” There is no good reason for a 28-day billing cycle! It’s a sly manipulation by the answering service: customers billed on a 28-day cycle actually receive thirteen billings per year instead of twelve. 9.NO CONTRACT AND SIMPLE TERMS OF SERVICE We don’t ask for a term contract for service because you should be able to evaluate us in real time, without restraint. Our [terms of service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) are simple and straight-forward. 10.VALUABLE FREE GIFT FOR CONTACTING US If you take the time to discuss answering service with us, on that same day we will ship you a hardcover copy of Sam Carpenter’s bestselling book, [_Work The System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_](https://www.workthesystem.com/), now in its 5th edition. (Sam is Centatel’s very active CEO.) December 1st 2025 marked his forty first year of ownership.) * * * ## Footer ## Veterinary Answering Services - [Skip to primary navigation](https://www.centratel.com/blog/veterinary-answering-service/answering-service-for-veterinary-clinics/#genesis-nav-primary) - [Skip to main content](https://www.centratel.com/blog/veterinary-answering-service/answering-service-for-veterinary-clinics/#genesis-content) - [Skip to footer](https://www.centratel.com/blog/veterinary-answering-service/answering-service-for-veterinary-clinics/#genesis-footer-widgets) The Highest Quality Telephone Answering Service in the United States - [Make Payment](https://thepaymentportal.com/index.php?compcode=2C1A-9FF4-91CA-7F93) - [Client Login](https://oncall.centratel.com/) - [Follow Centratel on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centratel-answering-service/) - [Follow Centratel on Twitter](https://twitter.com/centratel) - [Follow Centratel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centratel) ![veterinary answering service](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/veterinary-answering-service.jpg) # Better Communication, Better Care: Veterinary Answering Service for Clinics August 3, 2023 [Veterinary](https://www.centratel.com/blog/veterinary-answering-service/) By Centratel If you’re operating a **veterinary clinic**, you know the value of impeccable communication. Efficient and empathetic conversations are paramount, not only for maintaining a strong relationship with your clients but also for ensuring optimal care for the animals you treat. At Centratel, we understand the importance of this connection, which is why we have tailored our [Veterinary Telephone Answering Service](https://www.centratel.com/veterinary-answering-service/) to meet the specific needs of veterinary clinics. [Get a price quote now](https://www.centratel.com/price-quote/) to see how we can enhance your communication process. 1. **24/7 Availability**: We know that pets don’t stick to a 9-5 schedule when it comes to health emergencies. With Centratel’s Answering Service, your clients will always reach a compassionate and understanding human voice, regardless of the time or day. Our professional answering service enables **round-the-clock availability**, ensuring no distress call goes unanswered. 2. **Specialized Training**: Our answering service personnel undergo rigorous training specifically for veterinary service. They’re equipped with the right knowledge to provide immediate reassurances, convey information accurately, and document relevant details for further attention. 3. **Streamlining Communication**: Our service ensures that important calls are prioritized, allowing veterinarians to **focus on urgent cases** without interruption. We carefully manage routine inquiries and appointments, thus freeing up valuable time for your staff. 4. **Reduced Staff Stress**: With us handling after-hours and overflow calls, your in-house staff can have some much-needed breathing space. This allows them to focus more on their primary responsibilities, **reducing stress** and increasing overall workplace productivity. 5. **Strengthening Client Relationship**: In the high-stress moments when a pet’s health is at stake, a caring voice on the other end of the line can make all the difference. We aim to provide that reassurance, ultimately fostering stronger bonds between your clinic and its clients. 6. **HIPAA-Compliant**: We adhere to strict privacy standards, ensuring that all sensitive information remains confidential. Our protocols meet and exceed the **HIPAA requirements**, offering clients the security they expect. 7. **Cost-Efficient**: Outsourcing to Centratel’s Answering Service can result in significant savings in terms of hiring, training, and retaining in-house reception staff. Our service provides an **affordable solution** without compromising on quality or customer experience. [Request a price quote](https://www.centratel.com/price-quote/) to understand the cost savings better. At Centratel, we believe in the harmony of **high-tech solutions and the human touch**. We’ve seen firsthand how this combination can lead to better communication, ultimately contributing to better care for the pets your clinic serves. Trust us to be the caring, efficient, and professional voice that answers when your clients call. Together, we can ensure that every pet receives the timely care and attention they deserve. Get in touch with us today to learn more about how [Centratel’s Answering Service](https://www.centratel.com/veterinary-answering-service/) can transform the communication process in your veterinary clinic, making it more efficient, reliable, and empathetic. With our dedicated team by your side, the care you provide can reach new heights. Explore our [Client Testimonials](https://www.centratel.com/client-testimonials/) to learn about the impact we’ve made in the veterinary community. Because at Centratel, we know that **better communication means better care**. Let’s work together to create a communication experience that meets your needs – [request a price quote today](https://www.centratel.com/price-quote/). Image by [Freepik](https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/close-up-hand-holding-dog-paw_19894380.htm#query=veterinary&position=0&from_view=search&track=sph) ## Taking the Next Step * * * For a quick orientation on how we operate, take a moment to review one or more of the key points listed in Why Choose Centratel Q&A (scroll down the page if you are on a mobile phone) For more specifics on cost, to start the onboarding process, or if you have questions, fill out this form with your basic information and if it’s during regular working hours (M-F 8am to 8pm EST or 5am to 5pm PST), we’ll get back to you within minutes. Or, during the above hours, you can simply call us at 800-664-7159 or send us an email to [inquiry@centratel.com](mailto:inquiry@centratel.com). First Name \* Last Name \* Job Title Email \* Company \* Phone \* City \* State \*State \*AlabamaAlaskaArkansasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDistrict of ColumbiaDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming How did you hear about us? How did you hear about us? \*PostcardBook gift: Work the SystemLetterReferralOnline SearchWork The SystemFacebook Is your business one of our specialties \*Is your business one of our specialties \*MedicalHome Health/HospiceVeterinary24/7 BusinessHVACTrade ServiceProperty ManagementUtilityDisaster RestorationPlumbing What is your ONE primary concern with using an answering service? \*What is your primary concern with using an answering service? \*Professionalism of staffMessage delivery accuracy and timelinessConsistent high quality of serviceCost of serviceLiabilityConfidentialityOther Are you currently using a call center/telephone answering service? \* YesNo Requested service start date \*Requested service start date \*ASAPWithin 1 WeekWithin 2 WeeksWithin 1 MonthOther List any specific call requirements Submit [Terms of Service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) ### **Why Choose Centratel** **BY SAM CARPENTER** **February 1, 2026** 1.CENTRATEL’S UNIQUE 30-DAY FREE TRIAL Why is this important? Because it will provide you a truly accurate estimate of cost (we bill monthly), it will demonstrate our quality, and it gives both sides of this brand new relationship—you and Centratel—plenty of time to refine and perfect operational details. Here’s a testimonial from a new medical client that had just finished their 30-day trial: _“Of course, I love the cost as it is close to the amount I was allowed by the president of the company. I told him that if we did not continue with Centratel, I would resign as the Director of Customer Service, and I meant it. It’s a great fit. We have had NOT ONE complaint from a patient or in-house which, as you know, we received daily with our former answering service._ _I love you, Centratel, and the price. I’m ready to sign whatever documents you require._ _Thanks for the great service, and the free month_! _To a great partnership! -KB, Phoenix_“ 2.STATISTICALLY, THE BEST IN THE U.S.? Answering service quality is 100% dependent on human action and reaction, and in the course of a single day a multitude of human decisions are made by the people who process the calls: Telephone Service Representatives, or TSRs. (Some answering services refer to them as “agents.” Others, “operators.”) Like any other answering service, at Centratel we’re dealing with real live human beings and so human errors can occur. But within this labor intensive service industry that is historically known for marginal quality, Centratel’s error rate is light years ahead of established standards. Our most recent Customer Reported Error Rate (October through December, 2025) was 1 customer-reported error for every 7,017 message transactions processed. That statistic is unmatched. There’s no artificial intelligence manipulation, we do not offshore calls, and we were founded and have always operated within the United States. (Note that since early 2020, the COVID six-foot social distancing mandate drove thousands of small-to-medium sized answering services out of business. Large, often foreign-owned multi-nationals, disguised by the name of the local answering services they acquired, now thoroughly dominate the industry. Hence, an even further decline in general service quality. [See this analysis.](https://www.centratel.com/answering-service-phone-industry/)) 3.CUSTOMER SERVICE EXTRAORDINAIRE Your concerns will be instantly acted upon. It’s a work ethic that stands in stark contrast to the general decline in quality of human-to-human business communications. You’ve seen it yourself, all around. At Centratel you will know by name the customer service people you’re working with, appreciating their special listening abilities as well as their take-action-now comportment. e.g. see the testimonial in point #1 above. ‘Nuff said! 4.GETTING STARTED: IT’S SIMPLE AND FAST Getting your new Centratel answering service 30-day free trial up-and-running is accomplished within 24-48 hours. From the start, your “onboarding” customer service representative will be with you every step of the way **,** listening carefully to your concerns, answering questions and offering suggestions. 5.NEW TO USING AN ANSWERING SERVICE? The very large majority of our current answering service accounts switched to us from another service because of quality and/or cost problems. However, if you have not used a service before, you are not familiar with the options, benefits, and pitfalls. Our 30-day free trial provides you—and us—plenty of time to precisely refine your desired message-taking and delivery protocols; to get things exactly the way you want them to be without any financial risk, undue pressure, or obligation. 6.PRICING Starting at $150 per month, our rates lie in the mid-range of the industry. Note that we charge by the “transaction unit” rather than the duration of time spent handling calls. Large “mega-services” operating in the U.S. prefer time billing because it ensures the company is compensated for lower-paid/high-turnover — and thus slower — agents. _No matter the quality or how long they keep your callers on hold, they still make a profit_. And yes, it can get expensive, especially if caller on-hold time is also billed. In any answering service, it takes a long time for a new agent to become fast, efficient, and stable. At Centratel, we pamper and reward experienced agents (via high pay and great benefits) and therefore have extremely low staff turnover. Needless to say, experienced agents make fewer errors than trainees who learn on-the-job. And, transaction-unit billing is easy to understand. There is no room for fraud as in time-billing. We can easily document and explain any monthly billing we send you. 7.ACCURATELY COMPARING ANSWERING SERVICE PRICING IS COMPLICATED It’s apples and oranges. There isn’t an industry standard for billing, and each answering service has its own formula. Also, as noted above, some services charge by agent “time” while a few, like us, charge by “transaction units.” Some others combine the two. At Centratel, we charge for the work we do, not by the time we spend. The raw truth is that the only reliable way to determine monthly cost for a new service is to use that service for a solid month. Most answering services offer a 7-day free trial or no trial at all. With Centratel you get 30-days. 8. MONTHLY OR 28-DAY BILLING? Important! At Centratel, we use a “monthly” billing cycle in which invoices are compiled from the first day of a month through the last day of that month. When soliciting quotes from other services, be sure to ask if the base-rate charges are billed monthly or on a “28-day billing cycle.” There is no good reason for a 28-day billing cycle! It’s a sly manipulation by the answering service: customers billed on a 28-day cycle actually receive thirteen billings per year instead of twelve. 9.NO CONTRACT AND SIMPLE TERMS OF SERVICE We don’t ask for a term contract for service because you should be able to evaluate us in real time, without restraint. Our [terms of service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) are simple and straight-forward. 10.VALUABLE FREE GIFT FOR CONTACTING US If you take the time to discuss answering service with us, on that same day we will ship you a hardcover copy of Sam Carpenter’s bestselling book, [_Work The System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_](https://www.workthesystem.com/), now in its 5th edition. (Sam is Centatel’s very active CEO.) December 1st 2025 marked his forty first year of ownership.) * * * ## Footer ## HIPAA Compliant Answering Service - [Skip to primary navigation](https://www.centratel.com/blog/home-healthcare-hospice-answering-service/hipaa-compliant-home-health-hospice/#genesis-nav-primary) - [Skip to main content](https://www.centratel.com/blog/home-healthcare-hospice-answering-service/hipaa-compliant-home-health-hospice/#genesis-content) - [Skip to footer](https://www.centratel.com/blog/home-healthcare-hospice-answering-service/hipaa-compliant-home-health-hospice/#genesis-footer-widgets) The Highest Quality Telephone Answering Service in the United States - [Make Payment](https://thepaymentportal.com/index.php?compcode=2C1A-9FF4-91CA-7F93) - [Client Login](https://oncall.centratel.com/) - [Follow Centratel on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centratel-answering-service/) - [Follow Centratel on Twitter](https://twitter.com/centratel) - [Follow Centratel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centratel) ![HIPAA-Compliant Answering Service](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/HIPAA-Compliant-Answering-Service.jpg) # Improve Home Health Care Communication \| HIPAA-Compliant Answering Service August 2, 2023 [Home Healthcare & Hospice](https://www.centratel.com/blog/home-healthcare-hospice-answering-service/) By Centratel In the rapidly expanding home health and hospice industry, **clear and effective communication is crucial**. As professionals responsible for the wellbeing of our patients, we’re not only healthcare providers but also communicators, navigating a complex maze of information exchange with patients, families, and other healthcare entities. With this in mind, the importance of efficient and secure communication tools can’t be overstated. **Centratel Telephone Answering Service** is proud to present a comprehensive solution – our [HIPAA-compliant answering service](https://www.centratel.com/home-healthcare-hospice-answering-service/). [Request a Price Quote Today!](https://www.centratel.com/price-quote/) ## Understanding HIPAA and its Implications [**HIPAA**, or the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act](https://www.centratel.com/blog/home-healthcare-hospice-answering-service/what-is-hipaa-compliance-and-why-is-it-important/), was enacted in 1996 to ensure patient information remains secure and confidential. **HIPAA compliance** is an absolute necessity for any company that handles **Protected Health Information (PHI)**. Any lapse in adherence can result in heavy fines and legal repercussions, not to mention the potential damage to your practice’s reputation. **Centratel’s HIPAA-compliant answering service** provides the assurance that your patient’s information will be handled with utmost care. ## The Centratel Advantage Our **HIPAA-compliant answering service** offers seamless, 24/7 communication support, enabling your patients to connect with you at any time, and you to respond effectively even outside of your office hours. Let’s break down how Centratel helps you elevate your home health care communication: 1. **Security:** In line with HIPAA regulations, we use high-level encryption and secure data storage solutions to ensure all communication is safeguarded against unauthorized access. We conduct regular audits and implement state-of-the-art technology to maintain the integrity of your patient’s PHI. 2. **Training**: Centratel’s operators are thoroughly trained in **HIPAA-compliant procedures** and handling sensitive information. They act as an extension of your team, demonstrating the same care and understanding in every interaction. 3. **Flexibility**: We customize our service to meet your unique needs. Whether it’s managing after-hour calls, facilitating appointment scheduling, or aiding in patient reminders, we have got you covered. 4. **Responsiveness**: With Centratel, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your patients’ calls will never go unanswered. Our operators are available round the clock, ensuring your patients always have a reliable line of communication. ## Enhancing Patient Satisfaction Effective communication is the cornerstone of **patient satisfaction**. With Centratel’s answering service, patients can reach out at their convenience, fostering a sense of support and availability. This not only improves the patient experience but also frees up your staff’s time to focus on providing top-quality healthcare. **Ready to enhance your communication?** [**Get a Price Quote Now!**](https://www.centratel.com/price-quote/) ## Concluding Thoughts **Centratel’s HIPAA-compliant answering service** is more than just a communication tool. It is a bridge connecting home health and hospice providers with patients, bolstering trust, and ensuring seamless information flow. We’re here to shoulder the responsibility of maintaining and enhancing your practice’s communication standards so that you can concentrate on what you do best—providing exceptional care for your patients. Join us at Centratel and discover the difference our [HIPAA-compliant answering service](https://www.centratel.com/home-healthcare-hospice-answering-service/) can make in your home health and hospice practice. [Request your Price Quote Today!](https://www.centratel.com/price-quote/) [Image by DCStudio](https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/female-nurse-talking-with-old-woman-with-alzheimer-nursing-home_19350365.htm#query=home%20health&position=3&from_view=search&track=ais) on Freepik ## Taking the Next Step * * * For a quick orientation on how we operate, take a moment to review one or more of the key points listed in Why Choose Centratel Q&A (scroll down the page if you are on a mobile phone) For more specifics on cost, to start the onboarding process, or if you have questions, fill out this form with your basic information and if it’s during regular working hours (M-F 8am to 8pm EST or 5am to 5pm PST), we’ll get back to you within minutes. Or, during the above hours, you can simply call us at 800-664-7159 or send us an email to [inquiry@centratel.com](mailto:inquiry@centratel.com). First Name \* Last Name \* Job Title Email \* Company \* Phone \* City \* State \*State \*AlabamaAlaskaArkansasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDistrict of ColumbiaDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming How did you hear about us? How did you hear about us? \*PostcardBook gift: Work the SystemLetterReferralOnline SearchWork The SystemFacebook Is your business one of our specialties \*Is your business one of our specialties \*MedicalHome Health/HospiceVeterinary24/7 BusinessHVACTrade ServiceProperty ManagementUtilityDisaster RestorationPlumbing What is your ONE primary concern with using an answering service? \*What is your primary concern with using an answering service? \*Professionalism of staffMessage delivery accuracy and timelinessConsistent high quality of serviceCost of serviceLiabilityConfidentialityOther Are you currently using a call center/telephone answering service? \* YesNo Requested service start date \*Requested service start date \*ASAPWithin 1 WeekWithin 2 WeeksWithin 1 MonthOther List any specific call requirements Submit [Terms of Service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) ### **Why Choose Centratel** **BY SAM CARPENTER** **February 1, 2026** 1.CENTRATEL’S UNIQUE 30-DAY FREE TRIAL Why is this important? Because it will provide you a truly accurate estimate of cost (we bill monthly), it will demonstrate our quality, and it gives both sides of this brand new relationship—you and Centratel—plenty of time to refine and perfect operational details. Here’s a testimonial from a new medical client that had just finished their 30-day trial: _“Of course, I love the cost as it is close to the amount I was allowed by the president of the company. I told him that if we did not continue with Centratel, I would resign as the Director of Customer Service, and I meant it. It’s a great fit. We have had NOT ONE complaint from a patient or in-house which, as you know, we received daily with our former answering service._ _I love you, Centratel, and the price. I’m ready to sign whatever documents you require._ _Thanks for the great service, and the free month_! _To a great partnership! -KB, Phoenix_“ 2.STATISTICALLY, THE BEST IN THE U.S.? Answering service quality is 100% dependent on human action and reaction, and in the course of a single day a multitude of human decisions are made by the people who process the calls: Telephone Service Representatives, or TSRs. (Some answering services refer to them as “agents.” Others, “operators.”) Like any other answering service, at Centratel we’re dealing with real live human beings and so human errors can occur. But within this labor intensive service industry that is historically known for marginal quality, Centratel’s error rate is light years ahead of established standards. Our most recent Customer Reported Error Rate (October through December, 2025) was 1 customer-reported error for every 7,017 message transactions processed. That statistic is unmatched. There’s no artificial intelligence manipulation, we do not offshore calls, and we were founded and have always operated within the United States. (Note that since early 2020, the COVID six-foot social distancing mandate drove thousands of small-to-medium sized answering services out of business. Large, often foreign-owned multi-nationals, disguised by the name of the local answering services they acquired, now thoroughly dominate the industry. Hence, an even further decline in general service quality. [See this analysis.](https://www.centratel.com/answering-service-phone-industry/)) 3.CUSTOMER SERVICE EXTRAORDINAIRE Your concerns will be instantly acted upon. It’s a work ethic that stands in stark contrast to the general decline in quality of human-to-human business communications. You’ve seen it yourself, all around. At Centratel you will know by name the customer service people you’re working with, appreciating their special listening abilities as well as their take-action-now comportment. e.g. see the testimonial in point #1 above. ‘Nuff said! 4.GETTING STARTED: IT’S SIMPLE AND FAST Getting your new Centratel answering service 30-day free trial up-and-running is accomplished within 24-48 hours. From the start, your “onboarding” customer service representative will be with you every step of the way **,** listening carefully to your concerns, answering questions and offering suggestions. 5.NEW TO USING AN ANSWERING SERVICE? The very large majority of our current answering service accounts switched to us from another service because of quality and/or cost problems. However, if you have not used a service before, you are not familiar with the options, benefits, and pitfalls. Our 30-day free trial provides you—and us—plenty of time to precisely refine your desired message-taking and delivery protocols; to get things exactly the way you want them to be without any financial risk, undue pressure, or obligation. 6.PRICING Starting at $150 per month, our rates lie in the mid-range of the industry. Note that we charge by the “transaction unit” rather than the duration of time spent handling calls. Large “mega-services” operating in the U.S. prefer time billing because it ensures the company is compensated for lower-paid/high-turnover — and thus slower — agents. _No matter the quality or how long they keep your callers on hold, they still make a profit_. And yes, it can get expensive, especially if caller on-hold time is also billed. In any answering service, it takes a long time for a new agent to become fast, efficient, and stable. At Centratel, we pamper and reward experienced agents (via high pay and great benefits) and therefore have extremely low staff turnover. Needless to say, experienced agents make fewer errors than trainees who learn on-the-job. And, transaction-unit billing is easy to understand. There is no room for fraud as in time-billing. We can easily document and explain any monthly billing we send you. 7.ACCURATELY COMPARING ANSWERING SERVICE PRICING IS COMPLICATED It’s apples and oranges. There isn’t an industry standard for billing, and each answering service has its own formula. Also, as noted above, some services charge by agent “time” while a few, like us, charge by “transaction units.” Some others combine the two. At Centratel, we charge for the work we do, not by the time we spend. The raw truth is that the only reliable way to determine monthly cost for a new service is to use that service for a solid month. Most answering services offer a 7-day free trial or no trial at all. With Centratel you get 30-days. 8. MONTHLY OR 28-DAY BILLING? Important! At Centratel, we use a “monthly” billing cycle in which invoices are compiled from the first day of a month through the last day of that month. When soliciting quotes from other services, be sure to ask if the base-rate charges are billed monthly or on a “28-day billing cycle.” There is no good reason for a 28-day billing cycle! It’s a sly manipulation by the answering service: customers billed on a 28-day cycle actually receive thirteen billings per year instead of twelve. 9.NO CONTRACT AND SIMPLE TERMS OF SERVICE We don’t ask for a term contract for service because you should be able to evaluate us in real time, without restraint. Our [terms of service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) are simple and straight-forward. 10.VALUABLE FREE GIFT FOR CONTACTING US If you take the time to discuss answering service with us, on that same day we will ship you a hardcover copy of Sam Carpenter’s bestselling book, [_Work The System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_](https://www.workthesystem.com/), now in its 5th edition. (Sam is Centatel’s very active CEO.) December 1st 2025 marked his forty first year of ownership.) * * * ## Footer ## HIPAA-Compliant Patient Care - [Skip to primary navigation](https://www.centratel.com/blog/medical-answering-service/patient-care-hipaa-compliant/#genesis-nav-primary) - [Skip to main content](https://www.centratel.com/blog/medical-answering-service/patient-care-hipaa-compliant/#genesis-content) - [Skip to footer](https://www.centratel.com/blog/medical-answering-service/patient-care-hipaa-compliant/#genesis-footer-widgets) The Highest Quality Telephone Answering Service in the United States - [Make Payment](https://thepaymentportal.com/index.php?compcode=2C1A-9FF4-91CA-7F93) - [Client Login](https://oncall.centratel.com/) - [Follow Centratel on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centratel-answering-service/) - [Follow Centratel on Twitter](https://twitter.com/centratel) - [Follow Centratel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centratel) ![HIPAA-Compliant Medical Answering Service](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/HIPAA-Compliant-Medical-Answering-Service.jpg) # Enhance Patient Care with a HIPAA-Compliant Medical Answering Service August 1, 2023 [Medical](https://www.centratel.com/blog/medical-answering-service/) By Centratel Healthcare services require meticulous attention to **patient care and privacy**. With patient expectations rising and healthcare regulations becoming increasingly stringent, it can be a challenge for medical practices to maintain optimal levels of service while remaining compliant. [Centratel’s HIPAA-compliant Medical Answering Service](https://www.centratel.com/medical-answering-service/) offers a viable solution for these challenges, boosting your practice’s efficiency and improving patient satisfaction. Ready to transform your patient experience? [Request a price quote today](https://www.centratel.com/price-quote/). ## Patient-Focused Approach Our Medical Answering Service focuses primarily on improving patient experience. A well-attended call is often the first point of contact your patient has with your practice, and it sets the tone for their entire care journey. Centratel’s team of trained and empathetic professionals is dedicated to providing **friendly, patient-centered assistance**. From scheduling appointments, confirming bookings, to addressing inquiries, our services streamline the process for your patients. ## Guaranteed HIPAA Compliance Our services are not only designed to enhance patient care, but they’re also built to ensure that your medical practice stays in line with the latest HIPAA regulations. We understand the gravity of maintaining patient privacy and confidentiality. As such, our answering service is designed to comply with the **stringent standards set by HIPAA**. Every call answered, message relayed, or piece of data handled is done with strict adherence to HIPAA’s guidelines. This guarantees your practice’s operations stay on the right side of the law, and your patient’s trust in your services remains unshaken. ## 24/7 Availability Healthcare inquiries and emergencies don’t adhere to regular office hours. Ensuring your patients can reach you at any time is a key part of providing excellent patient care. With Centratel’s Medical Answering Service, your practice will have 24/7 coverage. Our team is always ready to respond to calls, handle emergencies, and ensure that crucial information reaches the right people promptly. This provides peace of mind to your patients, knowing that they can always reach you when they need to. ## Reduced Administrative Burden Running a medical practice involves juggling a myriad of administrative tasks alongside providing top-tier patient care. **Centratel’s Medical Answering Service can shoulder some of this administrative burden**. By handling calls, booking appointments, and answering questions, our service allows your team to focus on what they do best: providing exceptional care to your patients. To see how much time and resources you could save, don’t hesitate to [request a price quote](https://www.centratel.com/price-quote/). ## Reliability and Accuracy Our team is trained to handle information accurately and efficiently. Centratel’s state-of-the-art technology ensures each call is logged, messages are delivered accurately, and no information is lost or mishandled. This **boosts your practice’s efficiency** and ensures the accurate flow of information between your patients and your practice. ## Conclusion Balancing excellent patient care and the demands of running a medical practice is a challenge. But, with [Centratel’s HIPAA-Compliant Medical Answering Service](https://www.centratel.com/medical-answering-service/), you’re empowered to meet this challenge head-on. By partnering with us, your practice can enhance patient care, improve patient satisfaction, and ensure legal compliance, all while freeing up your team to focus on what matters most: the health and wellbeing of your patients. Choose Centratel, and let us be the seamless extension of your team, strengthening your healthcare services round the clock. [Contact us today and request a price quote](https://www.centratel.com/price-quote/) to get started. Image by [Freepik](https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/close-up-doctor-s-hand-holding-pen-checking-medical-report-clipboard_4435679.htm#query=hipaa&position=3&from_view=search&track=ais) ## Taking the Next Step * * * For a quick orientation on how we operate, take a moment to review one or more of the key points listed in Why Choose Centratel Q&A (scroll down the page if you are on a mobile phone) For more specifics on cost, to start the onboarding process, or if you have questions, fill out this form with your basic information and if it’s during regular working hours (M-F 8am to 8pm EST or 5am to 5pm PST), we’ll get back to you within minutes. Or, during the above hours, you can simply call us at 800-664-7159 or send us an email to [inquiry@centratel.com](mailto:inquiry@centratel.com). First Name \* Last Name \* Job Title Email \* Company \* Phone \* City \* State \*State \*AlabamaAlaskaArkansasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDistrict of ColumbiaDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming How did you hear about us? How did you hear about us? \*PostcardBook gift: Work the SystemLetterReferralOnline SearchWork The SystemFacebook Is your business one of our specialties \*Is your business one of our specialties \*MedicalHome Health/HospiceVeterinary24/7 BusinessHVACTrade ServiceProperty ManagementUtilityDisaster RestorationPlumbing What is your ONE primary concern with using an answering service? \*What is your primary concern with using an answering service? \*Professionalism of staffMessage delivery accuracy and timelinessConsistent high quality of serviceCost of serviceLiabilityConfidentialityOther Are you currently using a call center/telephone answering service? \* YesNo Requested service start date \*Requested service start date \*ASAPWithin 1 WeekWithin 2 WeeksWithin 1 MonthOther List any specific call requirements Submit [Terms of Service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) ### **Why Choose Centratel** **BY SAM CARPENTER** **February 1, 2026** 1.CENTRATEL’S UNIQUE 30-DAY FREE TRIAL Why is this important? Because it will provide you a truly accurate estimate of cost (we bill monthly), it will demonstrate our quality, and it gives both sides of this brand new relationship—you and Centratel—plenty of time to refine and perfect operational details. Here’s a testimonial from a new medical client that had just finished their 30-day trial: _“Of course, I love the cost as it is close to the amount I was allowed by the president of the company. I told him that if we did not continue with Centratel, I would resign as the Director of Customer Service, and I meant it. It’s a great fit. We have had NOT ONE complaint from a patient or in-house which, as you know, we received daily with our former answering service._ _I love you, Centratel, and the price. I’m ready to sign whatever documents you require._ _Thanks for the great service, and the free month_! _To a great partnership! -KB, Phoenix_“ 2.STATISTICALLY, THE BEST IN THE U.S.? Answering service quality is 100% dependent on human action and reaction, and in the course of a single day a multitude of human decisions are made by the people who process the calls: Telephone Service Representatives, or TSRs. (Some answering services refer to them as “agents.” Others, “operators.”) Like any other answering service, at Centratel we’re dealing with real live human beings and so human errors can occur. But within this labor intensive service industry that is historically known for marginal quality, Centratel’s error rate is light years ahead of established standards. Our most recent Customer Reported Error Rate (October through December, 2025) was 1 customer-reported error for every 7,017 message transactions processed. That statistic is unmatched. There’s no artificial intelligence manipulation, we do not offshore calls, and we were founded and have always operated within the United States. (Note that since early 2020, the COVID six-foot social distancing mandate drove thousands of small-to-medium sized answering services out of business. Large, often foreign-owned multi-nationals, disguised by the name of the local answering services they acquired, now thoroughly dominate the industry. Hence, an even further decline in general service quality. [See this analysis.](https://www.centratel.com/answering-service-phone-industry/)) 3.CUSTOMER SERVICE EXTRAORDINAIRE Your concerns will be instantly acted upon. It’s a work ethic that stands in stark contrast to the general decline in quality of human-to-human business communications. You’ve seen it yourself, all around. At Centratel you will know by name the customer service people you’re working with, appreciating their special listening abilities as well as their take-action-now comportment. e.g. see the testimonial in point #1 above. ‘Nuff said! 4.GETTING STARTED: IT’S SIMPLE AND FAST Getting your new Centratel answering service 30-day free trial up-and-running is accomplished within 24-48 hours. From the start, your “onboarding” customer service representative will be with you every step of the way **,** listening carefully to your concerns, answering questions and offering suggestions. 5.NEW TO USING AN ANSWERING SERVICE? The very large majority of our current answering service accounts switched to us from another service because of quality and/or cost problems. However, if you have not used a service before, you are not familiar with the options, benefits, and pitfalls. Our 30-day free trial provides you—and us—plenty of time to precisely refine your desired message-taking and delivery protocols; to get things exactly the way you want them to be without any financial risk, undue pressure, or obligation. 6.PRICING Starting at $150 per month, our rates lie in the mid-range of the industry. Note that we charge by the “transaction unit” rather than the duration of time spent handling calls. Large “mega-services” operating in the U.S. prefer time billing because it ensures the company is compensated for lower-paid/high-turnover — and thus slower — agents. _No matter the quality or how long they keep your callers on hold, they still make a profit_. And yes, it can get expensive, especially if caller on-hold time is also billed. In any answering service, it takes a long time for a new agent to become fast, efficient, and stable. At Centratel, we pamper and reward experienced agents (via high pay and great benefits) and therefore have extremely low staff turnover. Needless to say, experienced agents make fewer errors than trainees who learn on-the-job. And, transaction-unit billing is easy to understand. There is no room for fraud as in time-billing. We can easily document and explain any monthly billing we send you. 7.ACCURATELY COMPARING ANSWERING SERVICE PRICING IS COMPLICATED It’s apples and oranges. There isn’t an industry standard for billing, and each answering service has its own formula. Also, as noted above, some services charge by agent “time” while a few, like us, charge by “transaction units.” Some others combine the two. At Centratel, we charge for the work we do, not by the time we spend. The raw truth is that the only reliable way to determine monthly cost for a new service is to use that service for a solid month. Most answering services offer a 7-day free trial or no trial at all. With Centratel you get 30-days. 8. MONTHLY OR 28-DAY BILLING? Important! At Centratel, we use a “monthly” billing cycle in which invoices are compiled from the first day of a month through the last day of that month. When soliciting quotes from other services, be sure to ask if the base-rate charges are billed monthly or on a “28-day billing cycle.” There is no good reason for a 28-day billing cycle! It’s a sly manipulation by the answering service: customers billed on a 28-day cycle actually receive thirteen billings per year instead of twelve. 9.NO CONTRACT AND SIMPLE TERMS OF SERVICE We don’t ask for a term contract for service because you should be able to evaluate us in real time, without restraint. Our [terms of service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) are simple and straight-forward. 10.VALUABLE FREE GIFT FOR CONTACTING US If you take the time to discuss answering service with us, on that same day we will ship you a hardcover copy of Sam Carpenter’s bestselling book, [_Work The System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_](https://www.workthesystem.com/), now in its 5th edition. (Sam is Centatel’s very active CEO.) December 1st 2025 marked his forty first year of ownership.) * * * ## Footer ## HVAC Customer Service - [Skip to primary navigation](https://www.centratel.com/blog/hvac-answering-service/customer-service-hvac/#genesis-nav-primary) - [Skip to main content](https://www.centratel.com/blog/hvac-answering-service/customer-service-hvac/#genesis-content) - [Skip to footer](https://www.centratel.com/blog/hvac-answering-service/customer-service-hvac/#genesis-footer-widgets) The Highest Quality Telephone Answering Service in the United States - [Make Payment](https://thepaymentportal.com/index.php?compcode=2C1A-9FF4-91CA-7F93) - [Client Login](https://oncall.centratel.com/) - [Follow Centratel on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centratel-answering-service/) - [Follow Centratel on Twitter](https://twitter.com/centratel) - [Follow Centratel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centratel) ![HVAC quality answering service](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201500%20917'%3E%3C/svg%3E) # Maximize Customer Service in HVAC: A Quality Answering Service July 31, 2023 [HVAC](https://www.centratel.com/blog/hvac-answering-service/) By Centratel A high-functioning HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) company depends not only on the technical expertise of its professionals but also on the **quality of customer service** it offers. When a heating system breaks down in the middle of a frosty winter night or an air conditioner malfunctions during the summer heatwave, clients need immediate, efficient, and professional support. The first point of contact often determines their overall impression of your service. This is where the power of a [**quality answering service**](https://www.centratel.com/hvac-answering-service/) comes into play. [Request a price quote](https://www.centratel.com/price-quote/) today and discover how Centratel can elevate your customer service. ## A Quality Answering Service: The Cornerstone of Excellent Customer Service A **telephone answering service** plays a crucial role in maximizing customer service by ensuring your clients can always reach out to a real person, regardless of the time or day. At [Centratel](https://www.centratel.com/), we understand that every call is a potential emergency, especially in the HVAC industry. Our team is trained to provide courteous, professional, and timely assistance, 24/7, to keep your clients satisfied and your business running smoothly. ### Extended Availability HVAC issues can occur at any time. With a quality answering service like Centratel, your customers are guaranteed assistance around the clock. No matter when a client calls, a friendly and professional voice will be there to reassure them that help is on the way. **Extended availability** not only maximizes customer satisfaction but also enhances the reputation of your HVAC business. ### Professionally Trained Operators A quality answering service employs operators trained specifically to handle HVAC-related queries. They understand the urgency and importance of each call, and they can quickly assess a situation and decide on the best course of action. [Centratel’s operators](https://www.centratel.com/about-us/staff/) are not only proficient in general customer service but also trained to follow your company’s specific protocols. ### Efficient Call Routing Every minute counts when dealing with HVAC emergencies. A quality answering service ensures that all calls are quickly and **efficiently routed** to the right personnel. This streamlined process minimizes customer wait time and optimizes your technicians’ response time. ### After-Hours Support Most HVAC companies operate within standard business hours, but what about emergencies that occur outside this window? A quality answering service ensures your clients are never left stranded. Our operators can schedule appointments, dispatch technicians, and provide immediate assistance, even after regular business hours. This **24/7 service** not only alleviates client stress but also helps retain customers in the long run. ### Advanced Technology Centratel uses advanced call-handling technology, which ensures seamless call transfers, accurate message delivery, and superior voice quality. Our sophisticated system can adapt to the unique needs of your HVAC business, allowing us to provide the [best service possible](https://www.centratel.com/why-centratel/) to your customers. ## In Conclusion: A Valuable Investment In the highly competitive HVAC industry, **stellar customer service is a key differentiator**. Investing in a quality answering service like Centratel helps ensure that your customers receive the attention they deserve, regardless of the hour or the nature of their issue. Not only does this strengthen customer relationships, but it also enhances your company’s reputation and promotes long-term business growth. Discover the power of a quality answering service today, and let Centratel help you **maximize your HVAC company’s customer service**. Ready to take the next step? [Request a price quote](https://www.centratel.com/price-quote/) now and make a valuable investment in your customer service. [Image by senivpetro](https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/repairman-doing-air-conditioner-service_13377207.htm#query=hvac&position=21&from_view=search&track=sph) on Freepik ## Taking the Next Step * * * For a quick orientation on how we operate, take a moment to review one or more of the key points listed in Why Choose Centratel Q&A (scroll down the page if you are on a mobile phone) For more specifics on cost, to start the onboarding process, or if you have questions, fill out this form with your basic information and if it’s during regular working hours (M-F 8am to 8pm EST or 5am to 5pm PST), we’ll get back to you within minutes. Or, during the above hours, you can simply call us at 800-664-7159 or send us an email to [inquiry@centratel.com](mailto:inquiry@centratel.com). First Name \* Last Name \* Job Title Email \* Company \* Phone \* City \* State \*State \*AlabamaAlaskaArkansasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDistrict of ColumbiaDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming How did you hear about us? How did you hear about us? \*PostcardBook gift: Work the SystemLetterReferralOnline SearchWork The SystemFacebook Is your business one of our specialties \*Is your business one of our specialties \*MedicalHome Health/HospiceVeterinary24/7 BusinessHVACTrade ServiceProperty ManagementUtilityDisaster RestorationPlumbing What is your ONE primary concern with using an answering service? \*What is your primary concern with using an answering service? \*Professionalism of staffMessage delivery accuracy and timelinessConsistent high quality of serviceCost of serviceLiabilityConfidentialityOther Are you currently using a call center/telephone answering service? \* YesNo Requested service start date \*Requested service start date \*ASAPWithin 1 WeekWithin 2 WeeksWithin 1 MonthOther List any specific call requirements Submit [Terms of Service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) ### **Why Choose Centratel** **BY SAM CARPENTER** **February 1, 2026** 1.CENTRATEL’S UNIQUE 30-DAY FREE TRIAL Why is this important? Because it will provide you a truly accurate estimate of cost (we bill monthly), it will demonstrate our quality, and it gives both sides of this brand new relationship—you and Centratel—plenty of time to refine and perfect operational details. Here’s a testimonial from a new medical client that had just finished their 30-day trial: _“Of course, I love the cost as it is close to the amount I was allowed by the president of the company. I told him that if we did not continue with Centratel, I would resign as the Director of Customer Service, and I meant it. It’s a great fit. We have had NOT ONE complaint from a patient or in-house which, as you know, we received daily with our former answering service._ _I love you, Centratel, and the price. I’m ready to sign whatever documents you require._ _Thanks for the great service, and the free month_! _To a great partnership! -KB, Phoenix_“ 2.STATISTICALLY, THE BEST IN THE U.S.? Answering service quality is 100% dependent on human action and reaction, and in the course of a single day a multitude of human decisions are made by the people who process the calls: Telephone Service Representatives, or TSRs. (Some answering services refer to them as “agents.” Others, “operators.”) Like any other answering service, at Centratel we’re dealing with real live human beings and so human errors can occur. But within this labor intensive service industry that is historically known for marginal quality, Centratel’s error rate is light years ahead of established standards. Our most recent Customer Reported Error Rate (October through December, 2025) was 1 customer-reported error for every 7,017 message transactions processed. That statistic is unmatched. There’s no artificial intelligence manipulation, we do not offshore calls, and we were founded and have always operated within the United States. (Note that since early 2020, the COVID six-foot social distancing mandate drove thousands of small-to-medium sized answering services out of business. Large, often foreign-owned multi-nationals, disguised by the name of the local answering services they acquired, now thoroughly dominate the industry. Hence, an even further decline in general service quality. [See this analysis.](https://www.centratel.com/answering-service-phone-industry/)) 3.CUSTOMER SERVICE EXTRAORDINAIRE Your concerns will be instantly acted upon. It’s a work ethic that stands in stark contrast to the general decline in quality of human-to-human business communications. You’ve seen it yourself, all around. At Centratel you will know by name the customer service people you’re working with, appreciating their special listening abilities as well as their take-action-now comportment. e.g. see the testimonial in point #1 above. ‘Nuff said! 4.GETTING STARTED: IT’S SIMPLE AND FAST Getting your new Centratel answering service 30-day free trial up-and-running is accomplished within 24-48 hours. From the start, your “onboarding” customer service representative will be with you every step of the way **,** listening carefully to your concerns, answering questions and offering suggestions. 5.NEW TO USING AN ANSWERING SERVICE? The very large majority of our current answering service accounts switched to us from another service because of quality and/or cost problems. However, if you have not used a service before, you are not familiar with the options, benefits, and pitfalls. Our 30-day free trial provides you—and us—plenty of time to precisely refine your desired message-taking and delivery protocols; to get things exactly the way you want them to be without any financial risk, undue pressure, or obligation. 6.PRICING Starting at $150 per month, our rates lie in the mid-range of the industry. Note that we charge by the “transaction unit” rather than the duration of time spent handling calls. Large “mega-services” operating in the U.S. prefer time billing because it ensures the company is compensated for lower-paid/high-turnover — and thus slower — agents. _No matter the quality or how long they keep your callers on hold, they still make a profit_. And yes, it can get expensive, especially if caller on-hold time is also billed. In any answering service, it takes a long time for a new agent to become fast, efficient, and stable. At Centratel, we pamper and reward experienced agents (via high pay and great benefits) and therefore have extremely low staff turnover. Needless to say, experienced agents make fewer errors than trainees who learn on-the-job. And, transaction-unit billing is easy to understand. There is no room for fraud as in time-billing. We can easily document and explain any monthly billing we send you. 7.ACCURATELY COMPARING ANSWERING SERVICE PRICING IS COMPLICATED It’s apples and oranges. There isn’t an industry standard for billing, and each answering service has its own formula. Also, as noted above, some services charge by agent “time” while a few, like us, charge by “transaction units.” Some others combine the two. At Centratel, we charge for the work we do, not by the time we spend. The raw truth is that the only reliable way to determine monthly cost for a new service is to use that service for a solid month. Most answering services offer a 7-day free trial or no trial at all. With Centratel you get 30-days. 8. MONTHLY OR 28-DAY BILLING? Important! At Centratel, we use a “monthly” billing cycle in which invoices are compiled from the first day of a month through the last day of that month. When soliciting quotes from other services, be sure to ask if the base-rate charges are billed monthly or on a “28-day billing cycle.” There is no good reason for a 28-day billing cycle! It’s a sly manipulation by the answering service: customers billed on a 28-day cycle actually receive thirteen billings per year instead of twelve. 9.NO CONTRACT AND SIMPLE TERMS OF SERVICE We don’t ask for a term contract for service because you should be able to evaluate us in real time, without restraint. Our [terms of service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) are simple and straight-forward. 10.VALUABLE FREE GIFT FOR CONTACTING US If you take the time to discuss answering service with us, on that same day we will ship you a hardcover copy of Sam Carpenter’s bestselling book, [_Work The System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_](https://www.workthesystem.com/), now in its 5th edition. (Sam is Centatel’s very active CEO.) December 1st 2025 marked his forty first year of ownership.) * * * ## Footer ## Veterinary Answering Service - [Skip to primary navigation](https://www.centratel.com/blog/veterinary-answering-service/enhancing-your-veterinary-business-the-power-of-an-answering-service/#genesis-nav-primary) - [Skip to main content](https://www.centratel.com/blog/veterinary-answering-service/enhancing-your-veterinary-business-the-power-of-an-answering-service/#genesis-content) - [Skip to footer](https://www.centratel.com/blog/veterinary-answering-service/enhancing-your-veterinary-business-the-power-of-an-answering-service/#genesis-footer-widgets) The Highest Quality Telephone Answering Service in the United States - [Make Payment](https://thepaymentportal.com/index.php?compcode=2C1A-9FF4-91CA-7F93) - [Client Login](https://oncall.centratel.com/) - [Follow Centratel on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centratel-answering-service/) - [Follow Centratel on Twitter](https://twitter.com/centratel) - [Follow Centratel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centratel) ![A veterinary business owner working assisted by his elite-quality answering service](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/CTS-enhancing-your-veterinary-business-the-power-of-an-answering-service.jpg) # Enhancing Your Veterinary Business: The Power of an Answering Service June 22, 2023 [Veterinary](https://www.centratel.com/blog/veterinary-answering-service/) By Sam Carpenter In any business, and of course it’s no surprise, providing excellent customer service is mandatory to building a loyal customer base and attracting new clients. People talk. For your veterinary business after-hours, as well as during busy business hours periods, a quality answering service will deliver the following exceptional customer service to your callers. **Round-the-clock support:** By promptly addressing client concerns no matter the time of day, you will significantly enhance the customer experience and foster positive word-of-mouth and online references. **Short wait times:** No surprise, long wait times frustrate callers. A quality answering service efficiently manages call volume thereby reducing hold times. By promptly addressing inquiries, providing updates, and maintaining clear communication you’ll create a positive impression. Such attentiveness means satisfied customers who become loyal and who will gladly refer your practice to others. **Knowledgeable, confident assistance**: An elite quality answering service staffed with highly trained professionals delivers concise, confident responses to pet owners’ concerns. Of course it’s true! No matter the business enterpriser, when customers receive consistent solid assistance, they will stay loyal. **Enhanced online presence:** These days, positive online reviews play a pivotal role in attracting new customers and building a reputable online presence. By employing an answering service to deliver exceptional customer experiences, you increase the likelihood of receiving glowing reviews on various platforms on social media. Integrating an answering service into your veterinary business will have far-reaching benefits, leading to positive online reviews and an enhanced reputation. By providing super high-quality round-the-clock phone support, you foster satisfied customers who will not just stick around through the years, but who will share their positive experiences online (and via good old fashioned word-of-mouth). Embrace the power of an elite-quality answering service to elevate your veterinary business to new heights of success! -sam carpenter ## Taking the Next Step * * * For a quick orientation on how we operate, take a moment to review one or more of the key points listed in Why Choose Centratel Q&A (scroll down the page if you are on a mobile phone) For more specifics on cost, to start the onboarding process, or if you have questions, fill out this form with your basic information and if it’s during regular working hours (M-F 8am to 8pm EST or 5am to 5pm PST), we’ll get back to you within minutes. Or, during the above hours, you can simply call us at 800-664-7159 or send us an email to [inquiry@centratel.com](mailto:inquiry@centratel.com). First Name \* Last Name \* Job Title Email \* Company \* Phone \* City \* State \*State \*AlabamaAlaskaArkansasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDistrict of ColumbiaDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming How did you hear about us? How did you hear about us? \*PostcardBook gift: Work the SystemLetterReferralOnline SearchWork The SystemFacebook Is your business one of our specialties \*Is your business one of our specialties \*MedicalHome Health/HospiceVeterinary24/7 BusinessHVACTrade ServiceProperty ManagementUtilityDisaster RestorationPlumbing What is your ONE primary concern with using an answering service? \*What is your primary concern with using an answering service? \*Professionalism of staffMessage delivery accuracy and timelinessConsistent high quality of serviceCost of serviceLiabilityConfidentialityOther Are you currently using a call center/telephone answering service? \* YesNo Requested service start date \*Requested service start date \*ASAPWithin 1 WeekWithin 2 WeeksWithin 1 MonthOther List any specific call requirements Submit [Terms of Service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) ### **Why Choose Centratel** **BY SAM CARPENTER** **February 1, 2026** 1.CENTRATEL’S UNIQUE 30-DAY FREE TRIAL Why is this important? Because it will provide you a truly accurate estimate of cost (we bill monthly), it will demonstrate our quality, and it gives both sides of this brand new relationship—you and Centratel—plenty of time to refine and perfect operational details. Here’s a testimonial from a new medical client that had just finished their 30-day trial: _“Of course, I love the cost as it is close to the amount I was allowed by the president of the company. I told him that if we did not continue with Centratel, I would resign as the Director of Customer Service, and I meant it. It’s a great fit. We have had NOT ONE complaint from a patient or in-house which, as you know, we received daily with our former answering service._ _I love you, Centratel, and the price. I’m ready to sign whatever documents you require._ _Thanks for the great service, and the free month_! _To a great partnership! -KB, Phoenix_“ 2.STATISTICALLY, THE BEST IN THE U.S.? Answering service quality is 100% dependent on human action and reaction, and in the course of a single day a multitude of human decisions are made by the people who process the calls: Telephone Service Representatives, or TSRs. (Some answering services refer to them as “agents.” Others, “operators.”) Like any other answering service, at Centratel we’re dealing with real live human beings and so human errors can occur. But within this labor intensive service industry that is historically known for marginal quality, Centratel’s error rate is light years ahead of established standards. Our most recent Customer Reported Error Rate (October through December, 2025) was 1 customer-reported error for every 7,017 message transactions processed. That statistic is unmatched. There’s no artificial intelligence manipulation, we do not offshore calls, and we were founded and have always operated within the United States. (Note that since early 2020, the COVID six-foot social distancing mandate drove thousands of small-to-medium sized answering services out of business. Large, often foreign-owned multi-nationals, disguised by the name of the local answering services they acquired, now thoroughly dominate the industry. Hence, an even further decline in general service quality. [See this analysis.](https://www.centratel.com/answering-service-phone-industry/)) 3.CUSTOMER SERVICE EXTRAORDINAIRE Your concerns will be instantly acted upon. It’s a work ethic that stands in stark contrast to the general decline in quality of human-to-human business communications. You’ve seen it yourself, all around. At Centratel you will know by name the customer service people you’re working with, appreciating their special listening abilities as well as their take-action-now comportment. e.g. see the testimonial in point #1 above. ‘Nuff said! 4.GETTING STARTED: IT’S SIMPLE AND FAST Getting your new Centratel answering service 30-day free trial up-and-running is accomplished within 24-48 hours. From the start, your “onboarding” customer service representative will be with you every step of the way **,** listening carefully to your concerns, answering questions and offering suggestions. 5.NEW TO USING AN ANSWERING SERVICE? The very large majority of our current answering service accounts switched to us from another service because of quality and/or cost problems. However, if you have not used a service before, you are not familiar with the options, benefits, and pitfalls. Our 30-day free trial provides you—and us—plenty of time to precisely refine your desired message-taking and delivery protocols; to get things exactly the way you want them to be without any financial risk, undue pressure, or obligation. 6.PRICING Starting at $150 per month, our rates lie in the mid-range of the industry. Note that we charge by the “transaction unit” rather than the duration of time spent handling calls. Large “mega-services” operating in the U.S. prefer time billing because it ensures the company is compensated for lower-paid/high-turnover — and thus slower — agents. _No matter the quality or how long they keep your callers on hold, they still make a profit_. And yes, it can get expensive, especially if caller on-hold time is also billed. In any answering service, it takes a long time for a new agent to become fast, efficient, and stable. At Centratel, we pamper and reward experienced agents (via high pay and great benefits) and therefore have extremely low staff turnover. Needless to say, experienced agents make fewer errors than trainees who learn on-the-job. And, transaction-unit billing is easy to understand. There is no room for fraud as in time-billing. We can easily document and explain any monthly billing we send you. 7.ACCURATELY COMPARING ANSWERING SERVICE PRICING IS COMPLICATED It’s apples and oranges. There isn’t an industry standard for billing, and each answering service has its own formula. Also, as noted above, some services charge by agent “time” while a few, like us, charge by “transaction units.” Some others combine the two. At Centratel, we charge for the work we do, not by the time we spend. The raw truth is that the only reliable way to determine monthly cost for a new service is to use that service for a solid month. Most answering services offer a 7-day free trial or no trial at all. With Centratel you get 30-days. 8. MONTHLY OR 28-DAY BILLING? Important! At Centratel, we use a “monthly” billing cycle in which invoices are compiled from the first day of a month through the last day of that month. When soliciting quotes from other services, be sure to ask if the base-rate charges are billed monthly or on a “28-day billing cycle.” There is no good reason for a 28-day billing cycle! It’s a sly manipulation by the answering service: customers billed on a 28-day cycle actually receive thirteen billings per year instead of twelve. 9.NO CONTRACT AND SIMPLE TERMS OF SERVICE We don’t ask for a term contract for service because you should be able to evaluate us in real time, without restraint. Our [terms of service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) are simple and straight-forward. 10.VALUABLE FREE GIFT FOR CONTACTING US If you take the time to discuss answering service with us, on that same day we will ship you a hardcover copy of Sam Carpenter’s bestselling book, [_Work The System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_](https://www.workthesystem.com/), now in its 5th edition. (Sam is Centatel’s very active CEO.) December 1st 2025 marked his forty first year of ownership.) * * * ## Footer ## Hospice Answering Service - [Skip to primary navigation](https://www.centratel.com/blog/home-healthcare-hospice-answering-service/using-a-24-7-high-quality-answering-service-for-your-hospice/#genesis-nav-primary) - [Skip to main content](https://www.centratel.com/blog/home-healthcare-hospice-answering-service/using-a-24-7-high-quality-answering-service-for-your-hospice/#genesis-content) - [Skip to footer](https://www.centratel.com/blog/home-healthcare-hospice-answering-service/using-a-24-7-high-quality-answering-service-for-your-hospice/#genesis-footer-widgets) The Highest Quality Telephone Answering Service in the United States - [Make Payment](https://thepaymentportal.com/index.php?compcode=2C1A-9FF4-91CA-7F93) - [Client Login](https://oncall.centratel.com/) - [Follow Centratel on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centratel-answering-service/) - [Follow Centratel on Twitter](https://twitter.com/centratel) - [Follow Centratel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centratel) ![](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/CTS-using-a-24-7-high-quality-answering-service-for-your-hospice_intro.jpg) # Using a 24/7 High Quality Answering Service for Your Hospice May 11, 2023 [Home Healthcare & Hospice](https://www.centratel.com/blog/home-healthcare-hospice-answering-service/) By Sam Carpenter Unless your hospice has full 24/7/365 staffing, an elite quality answering service is crucial for ensuring your patients and their families receive the care and support they desperately need. The answering service industry has had a long yet infamous history. It’s never been easy to build and operate a near-flawless quality service because of the myriad of simultaneously spinning wheels, the sheer volume of incoming calls, and especially in these days, the challenge of maintaining a superb call-handling staff. (And especially now, the importance of drug-testing can’t be over-emphasized.) ![A hospice nurse shaking caring a customer helped by the 24/7 telephone answering service](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/CTS-using-a-24-7-high-quality-answering-service-for-your-hospice_intro-1024x626.jpg) There are perhaps 800 services operating in the United States. Most struggle, and perhaps 2% rank as “elite.” But if you can find one of the few services that are operationally near-flawless, here’s what you’ll get: - 24/7/365 availability: A top-notch answering service provides around-the-clock support, ensuring that patients and their families can always, and with no delay, reach a caregiver. This promise of immediate availability is the hallmark of the best answering services. - Superb patient satisfaction: By providing fast and personable service, the top-notch answering service will dramatically improve patient satisfaction and build solid trust with patients and their families. You know how important your in-house customer service is during office hours. It’s equally important during non-business hours. - Reduced workload for staff: By flawlessly processing routine incoming calls, the best answering service will reduce the workload for hospice staff, allowing them to focus on providing the best one-on-one care to patients. - Cost-effectiveness: Outsourcing to an answering service reduces the need to hire additional staff while it enhances image. - Flawless HIPAA compliance: An elite-quality answering service staff is carefully trained in HIPAA compliance regulations, ensuring that patient information remains utterly confidential - Enormously improved communication internally and externally: There will be fast and accurate information-transfer among hospice staff, patients, and their families, putting everyone on precisely the same page. Like anything else in life, a quality comparison among answering services will range from superb to border-line useless. Your thorough investigation today will pay dividends for years to come. ## Taking the Next Step * * * For a quick orientation on how we operate, take a moment to review one or more of the key points listed in Why Choose Centratel Q&A (scroll down the page if you are on a mobile phone) For more specifics on cost, to start the onboarding process, or if you have questions, fill out this form with your basic information and if it’s during regular working hours (M-F 8am to 8pm EST or 5am to 5pm PST), we’ll get back to you within minutes. Or, during the above hours, you can simply call us at 800-664-7159 or send us an email to [inquiry@centratel.com](mailto:inquiry@centratel.com). First Name \* Last Name \* Job Title Email \* Company \* Phone \* City \* State \*State \*AlabamaAlaskaArkansasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDistrict of ColumbiaDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming How did you hear about us? How did you hear about us? \*PostcardBook gift: Work the SystemLetterReferralOnline SearchWork The SystemFacebook Is your business one of our specialties \*Is your business one of our specialties \*MedicalHome Health/HospiceVeterinary24/7 BusinessHVACTrade ServiceProperty ManagementUtilityDisaster RestorationPlumbing What is your ONE primary concern with using an answering service? \*What is your primary concern with using an answering service? \*Professionalism of staffMessage delivery accuracy and timelinessConsistent high quality of serviceCost of serviceLiabilityConfidentialityOther Are you currently using a call center/telephone answering service? \* YesNo Requested service start date \*Requested service start date \*ASAPWithin 1 WeekWithin 2 WeeksWithin 1 MonthOther List any specific call requirements Submit [Terms of Service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) ### **Why Choose Centratel** **BY SAM CARPENTER** **February 1, 2026** 1.CENTRATEL’S UNIQUE 30-DAY FREE TRIAL Why is this important? Because it will provide you a truly accurate estimate of cost (we bill monthly), it will demonstrate our quality, and it gives both sides of this brand new relationship—you and Centratel—plenty of time to refine and perfect operational details. Here’s a testimonial from a new medical client that had just finished their 30-day trial: _“Of course, I love the cost as it is close to the amount I was allowed by the president of the company. I told him that if we did not continue with Centratel, I would resign as the Director of Customer Service, and I meant it. It’s a great fit. We have had NOT ONE complaint from a patient or in-house which, as you know, we received daily with our former answering service._ _I love you, Centratel, and the price. I’m ready to sign whatever documents you require._ _Thanks for the great service, and the free month_! _To a great partnership! -KB, Phoenix_“ 2.STATISTICALLY, THE BEST IN THE U.S.? Answering service quality is 100% dependent on human action and reaction, and in the course of a single day a multitude of human decisions are made by the people who process the calls: Telephone Service Representatives, or TSRs. (Some answering services refer to them as “agents.” Others, “operators.”) Like any other answering service, at Centratel we’re dealing with real live human beings and so human errors can occur. But within this labor intensive service industry that is historically known for marginal quality, Centratel’s error rate is light years ahead of established standards. Our most recent Customer Reported Error Rate (October through December, 2025) was 1 customer-reported error for every 7,017 message transactions processed. That statistic is unmatched. There’s no artificial intelligence manipulation, we do not offshore calls, and we were founded and have always operated within the United States. (Note that since early 2020, the COVID six-foot social distancing mandate drove thousands of small-to-medium sized answering services out of business. Large, often foreign-owned multi-nationals, disguised by the name of the local answering services they acquired, now thoroughly dominate the industry. Hence, an even further decline in general service quality. [See this analysis.](https://www.centratel.com/answering-service-phone-industry/)) 3.CUSTOMER SERVICE EXTRAORDINAIRE Your concerns will be instantly acted upon. It’s a work ethic that stands in stark contrast to the general decline in quality of human-to-human business communications. You’ve seen it yourself, all around. At Centratel you will know by name the customer service people you’re working with, appreciating their special listening abilities as well as their take-action-now comportment. e.g. see the testimonial in point #1 above. ‘Nuff said! 4.GETTING STARTED: IT’S SIMPLE AND FAST Getting your new Centratel answering service 30-day free trial up-and-running is accomplished within 24-48 hours. From the start, your “onboarding” customer service representative will be with you every step of the way **,** listening carefully to your concerns, answering questions and offering suggestions. 5.NEW TO USING AN ANSWERING SERVICE? The very large majority of our current answering service accounts switched to us from another service because of quality and/or cost problems. However, if you have not used a service before, you are not familiar with the options, benefits, and pitfalls. Our 30-day free trial provides you—and us—plenty of time to precisely refine your desired message-taking and delivery protocols; to get things exactly the way you want them to be without any financial risk, undue pressure, or obligation. 6.PRICING Starting at $150 per month, our rates lie in the mid-range of the industry. Note that we charge by the “transaction unit” rather than the duration of time spent handling calls. Large “mega-services” operating in the U.S. prefer time billing because it ensures the company is compensated for lower-paid/high-turnover — and thus slower — agents. _No matter the quality or how long they keep your callers on hold, they still make a profit_. And yes, it can get expensive, especially if caller on-hold time is also billed. In any answering service, it takes a long time for a new agent to become fast, efficient, and stable. At Centratel, we pamper and reward experienced agents (via high pay and great benefits) and therefore have extremely low staff turnover. Needless to say, experienced agents make fewer errors than trainees who learn on-the-job. And, transaction-unit billing is easy to understand. There is no room for fraud as in time-billing. We can easily document and explain any monthly billing we send you. 7.ACCURATELY COMPARING ANSWERING SERVICE PRICING IS COMPLICATED It’s apples and oranges. There isn’t an industry standard for billing, and each answering service has its own formula. Also, as noted above, some services charge by agent “time” while a few, like us, charge by “transaction units.” Some others combine the two. At Centratel, we charge for the work we do, not by the time we spend. The raw truth is that the only reliable way to determine monthly cost for a new service is to use that service for a solid month. Most answering services offer a 7-day free trial or no trial at all. With Centratel you get 30-days. 8. MONTHLY OR 28-DAY BILLING? Important! At Centratel, we use a “monthly” billing cycle in which invoices are compiled from the first day of a month through the last day of that month. When soliciting quotes from other services, be sure to ask if the base-rate charges are billed monthly or on a “28-day billing cycle.” There is no good reason for a 28-day billing cycle! It’s a sly manipulation by the answering service: customers billed on a 28-day cycle actually receive thirteen billings per year instead of twelve. 9.NO CONTRACT AND SIMPLE TERMS OF SERVICE We don’t ask for a term contract for service because you should be able to evaluate us in real time, without restraint. Our [terms of service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) are simple and straight-forward. 10.VALUABLE FREE GIFT FOR CONTACTING US If you take the time to discuss answering service with us, on that same day we will ship you a hardcover copy of Sam Carpenter’s bestselling book, [_Work The System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_](https://www.workthesystem.com/), now in its 5th edition. (Sam is Centatel’s very active CEO.) December 1st 2025 marked his forty first year of ownership.) * * * ## Footer ## TSR Day Celebration - [Skip to primary navigation](https://www.centratel.com/blog/answering-service/tsr-day/#genesis-nav-primary) - [Skip to main content](https://www.centratel.com/blog/answering-service/tsr-day/#genesis-content) - [Skip to footer](https://www.centratel.com/blog/answering-service/tsr-day/#genesis-footer-widgets) The Highest Quality Telephone Answering Service in the United States - [Make Payment](https://thepaymentportal.com/index.php?compcode=2C1A-9FF4-91CA-7F93) - [Client Login](https://oncall.centratel.com/) - [Follow Centratel on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centratel-answering-service/) - [Follow Centratel on Twitter](https://twitter.com/centratel) - [Follow Centratel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centratel) ![Pink balloons float in the sky in the Telephone Service Representative celebration day](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/balloons-birthday-bright-226718.jpg) # TSR Day May 5, 2023 [Answering Service](https://www.centratel.com/blog/answering-service/) By Sam Carpenter Everyone celebrates _something_. Of course, many cultures celebrate the same events and holidays such as weddings, birthdays and New Year’s. Why do we designate one day a year to celebrate our [Telephone Service Representatives (TSRs)](https://www.centratel.com/about-us/employment-opportunities/)? The primary role of a Telephone Answering Service is to answer incoming calls and then relay the urgent or non-urgent message to clients. The TSR’s job is like that of a 911 operator. The task is to process incoming telephone calls quickly, efficiently, with no error, while maintaining a pleasant and calm demeanor, even during stressful situations. Answering these calls is serious business; time is of the essence. Accuracy is critical and in some instances, lives can be at stake. The TSR profession is not for everyone, which is why every first Friday in May Centratel celebrates TSR Day, making a point to recognize the hard work, loyalty, and terrific performances of these talented people, some of whom have been with Centratel over twenty years…. A little bit about our TSR’s backgrounds: their ages range from 23 through 76, including 1 man and 25 women. Their education varies from high school diploma through master’s degree. Some past occupations: customer service manager, car salesman, receptionist, dental assistant, small business owner, teacher, waitress, bank teller, process server, legal secretary, retail salesperson, customer service representative, office manager, nanny. We are proud to have a couple of veterans on our team, as we value their unique perspective and experiences. It’s a fun, mixed group that is the very reason for our elite-status, nationally recognized answering service. This year marks the 16th year celebration of TSR Day! Our staff is, by any number of measurements, world class. ## Taking the Next Step * * * For a quick orientation on how we operate, take a moment to review one or more of the key points listed in Why Choose Centratel Q&A (scroll down the page if you are on a mobile phone) For more specifics on cost, to start the onboarding process, or if you have questions, fill out this form with your basic information and if it’s during regular working hours (M-F 8am to 8pm EST or 5am to 5pm PST), we’ll get back to you within minutes. Or, during the above hours, you can simply call us at 800-664-7159 or send us an email to [inquiry@centratel.com](mailto:inquiry@centratel.com). First Name \* Last Name \* Job Title Email \* Company \* Phone \* City \* State \*State \*AlabamaAlaskaArkansasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDistrict of ColumbiaDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming How did you hear about us? How did you hear about us? \*PostcardBook gift: Work the SystemLetterReferralOnline SearchWork The SystemFacebook Is your business one of our specialties \*Is your business one of our specialties \*MedicalHome Health/HospiceVeterinary24/7 BusinessHVACTrade ServiceProperty ManagementUtilityDisaster RestorationPlumbing What is your ONE primary concern with using an answering service? \*What is your primary concern with using an answering service? \*Professionalism of staffMessage delivery accuracy and timelinessConsistent high quality of serviceCost of serviceLiabilityConfidentialityOther Are you currently using a call center/telephone answering service? \* YesNo Requested service start date \*Requested service start date \*ASAPWithin 1 WeekWithin 2 WeeksWithin 1 MonthOther List any specific call requirements Submit [Terms of Service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) ### **Why Choose Centratel** **BY SAM CARPENTER** **February 1, 2026** 1.CENTRATEL’S UNIQUE 30-DAY FREE TRIAL Why is this important? Because it will provide you a truly accurate estimate of cost (we bill monthly), it will demonstrate our quality, and it gives both sides of this brand new relationship—you and Centratel—plenty of time to refine and perfect operational details. Here’s a testimonial from a new medical client that had just finished their 30-day trial: _“Of course, I love the cost as it is close to the amount I was allowed by the president of the company. I told him that if we did not continue with Centratel, I would resign as the Director of Customer Service, and I meant it. It’s a great fit. We have had NOT ONE complaint from a patient or in-house which, as you know, we received daily with our former answering service._ _I love you, Centratel, and the price. I’m ready to sign whatever documents you require._ _Thanks for the great service, and the free month_! _To a great partnership! -KB, Phoenix_“ 2.STATISTICALLY, THE BEST IN THE U.S.? Answering service quality is 100% dependent on human action and reaction, and in the course of a single day a multitude of human decisions are made by the people who process the calls: Telephone Service Representatives, or TSRs. (Some answering services refer to them as “agents.” Others, “operators.”) Like any other answering service, at Centratel we’re dealing with real live human beings and so human errors can occur. But within this labor intensive service industry that is historically known for marginal quality, Centratel’s error rate is light years ahead of established standards. Our most recent Customer Reported Error Rate (October through December, 2025) was 1 customer-reported error for every 7,017 message transactions processed. That statistic is unmatched. There’s no artificial intelligence manipulation, we do not offshore calls, and we were founded and have always operated within the United States. (Note that since early 2020, the COVID six-foot social distancing mandate drove thousands of small-to-medium sized answering services out of business. Large, often foreign-owned multi-nationals, disguised by the name of the local answering services they acquired, now thoroughly dominate the industry. Hence, an even further decline in general service quality. [See this analysis.](https://www.centratel.com/answering-service-phone-industry/)) 3.CUSTOMER SERVICE EXTRAORDINAIRE Your concerns will be instantly acted upon. It’s a work ethic that stands in stark contrast to the general decline in quality of human-to-human business communications. You’ve seen it yourself, all around. At Centratel you will know by name the customer service people you’re working with, appreciating their special listening abilities as well as their take-action-now comportment. e.g. see the testimonial in point #1 above. ‘Nuff said! 4.GETTING STARTED: IT’S SIMPLE AND FAST Getting your new Centratel answering service 30-day free trial up-and-running is accomplished within 24-48 hours. From the start, your “onboarding” customer service representative will be with you every step of the way **,** listening carefully to your concerns, answering questions and offering suggestions. 5.NEW TO USING AN ANSWERING SERVICE? The very large majority of our current answering service accounts switched to us from another service because of quality and/or cost problems. However, if you have not used a service before, you are not familiar with the options, benefits, and pitfalls. Our 30-day free trial provides you—and us—plenty of time to precisely refine your desired message-taking and delivery protocols; to get things exactly the way you want them to be without any financial risk, undue pressure, or obligation. 6.PRICING Starting at $150 per month, our rates lie in the mid-range of the industry. Note that we charge by the “transaction unit” rather than the duration of time spent handling calls. Large “mega-services” operating in the U.S. prefer time billing because it ensures the company is compensated for lower-paid/high-turnover — and thus slower — agents. _No matter the quality or how long they keep your callers on hold, they still make a profit_. And yes, it can get expensive, especially if caller on-hold time is also billed. In any answering service, it takes a long time for a new agent to become fast, efficient, and stable. At Centratel, we pamper and reward experienced agents (via high pay and great benefits) and therefore have extremely low staff turnover. Needless to say, experienced agents make fewer errors than trainees who learn on-the-job. And, transaction-unit billing is easy to understand. There is no room for fraud as in time-billing. We can easily document and explain any monthly billing we send you. 7.ACCURATELY COMPARING ANSWERING SERVICE PRICING IS COMPLICATED It’s apples and oranges. There isn’t an industry standard for billing, and each answering service has its own formula. Also, as noted above, some services charge by agent “time” while a few, like us, charge by “transaction units.” Some others combine the two. At Centratel, we charge for the work we do, not by the time we spend. The raw truth is that the only reliable way to determine monthly cost for a new service is to use that service for a solid month. Most answering services offer a 7-day free trial or no trial at all. With Centratel you get 30-days. 8. MONTHLY OR 28-DAY BILLING? Important! At Centratel, we use a “monthly” billing cycle in which invoices are compiled from the first day of a month through the last day of that month. When soliciting quotes from other services, be sure to ask if the base-rate charges are billed monthly or on a “28-day billing cycle.” There is no good reason for a 28-day billing cycle! It’s a sly manipulation by the answering service: customers billed on a 28-day cycle actually receive thirteen billings per year instead of twelve. 9.NO CONTRACT AND SIMPLE TERMS OF SERVICE We don’t ask for a term contract for service because you should be able to evaluate us in real time, without restraint. Our [terms of service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) are simple and straight-forward. 10.VALUABLE FREE GIFT FOR CONTACTING US If you take the time to discuss answering service with us, on that same day we will ship you a hardcover copy of Sam Carpenter’s bestselling book, [_Work The System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_](https://www.workthesystem.com/), now in its 5th edition. (Sam is Centatel’s very active CEO.) December 1st 2025 marked his forty first year of ownership.) * * * ## Footer ## Veterinary Office Service - [Skip to primary navigation](https://www.centratel.com/blog/veterinary-answering-service/after-hours-customer-service-for-your-24-7-veterinary-office/#genesis-nav-primary) - [Skip to main content](https://www.centratel.com/blog/veterinary-answering-service/after-hours-customer-service-for-your-24-7-veterinary-office/#genesis-content) - [Skip to footer](https://www.centratel.com/blog/veterinary-answering-service/after-hours-customer-service-for-your-24-7-veterinary-office/#genesis-footer-widgets) The Highest Quality Telephone Answering Service in the United States - [Make Payment](https://thepaymentportal.com/index.php?compcode=2C1A-9FF4-91CA-7F93) - [Client Login](https://oncall.centratel.com/) - [Follow Centratel on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centratel-answering-service/) - [Follow Centratel on Twitter](https://twitter.com/centratel) - [Follow Centratel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centratel) ![A veterinary assists a pet, managing the urgency with a top-quality answering service](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/CTS-after-hours-customer-service-for-your-24-7-veterinary-office_header.jpg) # After-hours Customer Service for your 24/7 Veterinary Office April 20, 2023 [Veterinary](https://www.centratel.com/blog/veterinary-answering-service/) By Sam Carpenter No one who calls your office wants to wait on hold in order to get assistance for their pet, especially if there is an urgency. Of course, in the veterinary business, customer urgencies are frequent…and too often they occur during non-clinic hours. Your office is open perhaps 50 hours per week and that leaves 138 “after hours.” And for that caller, it’s not just about quickly reaching someone who can help. How does this person handle their problem? Yes, it’s worth the time to ask: how are your callers handled during these after-hours? You can’t be there to listen. Are these people performing in the same careful manner of your in-house staff during business hours? In these chaotic social times, the veterinary clinic is especially affected by less-than-optimal after-hours service quality. And it’s not just about treating clients well and paving the way for new clients who will be loyal. It’s about the immediate bottom line, too. The challenge is to find a veterinary after-hours answering service that is super-efficient; one that has a long-term history of success and therefore can be expected to have a long-term future. ![A veterinary office helped by an after-hours answering service that is super-efficient](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/CTS-after-hours-customer-service-for-your-24-7-veterinary-office_article-1024x626.jpg) The answering service industry, with 800 answering services nationwide, is in profound flux. Operations are going out of business, multi-national operations are competing with each other to buy out struggling smaller operations, and for every answering service, there is the endless challenge of keeping quality high in the midst of our current economic/social upheaval. Here’s why Centratel has thrived for the past four decades and remains above the fray: 1. Our Telephone Service Representatives (TSRs) receive compensation substantially above industry standards which has led to a solid-as-a-rock long-term career staff. Many of our TSRs have been with us for ten years, and some for as long as twenty-five. One just retired after 29 years. Our seven-member top-management team has an average tenure of fifteen years. None has less than twelve 2. Every month, individual TSRs receive a performance bonus based on their own individual accuracy and efficiency in the previous month. The bonus can be, and often is, substantial. Yes, they also have health insurance and retirement accounts, and more 3. In our answering service industry where finding reliable and high-performing staff is a challenge, we conduct routine yet unannounced drug testing for all our employees. The result? Telephone Service Representatives (TSRs) are personally disciplined, clear-headed, and able to laser-focus on each individual caller, resulting in super-efficient call handling and flawlessly delivered messages 4. We use “intelligent staffing” protocols. This includes shift scheduling that includes one or two more TSR’s than what is required per real-time operating data… As a result, we are never overwhelmed with surges in incoming calls traffic and therefore always able to provide top-quality service 5. A super-reliable telephony system with full technical off-site redundancy which means we’re minimally affected by outside “technical anomalies.” Operational redundancy is almost unheard of within our industry and for Centratel, it has produced a 99.9999% “uptime” statistic. 6. Veterinary answering service is one of our select industry specialties. We focus on it 7. Due to the above, the Centratel CRER (Customer Reported Error Rate) is super-low, light-years ahead of our answering service competition We’re here! And we’ve been here for 38 years and counting. Give us a call and let’s chat. -sam carpenter ## Taking the Next Step * * * For a quick orientation on how we operate, take a moment to review one or more of the key points listed in Why Choose Centratel Q&A (scroll down the page if you are on a mobile phone) For more specifics on cost, to start the onboarding process, or if you have questions, fill out this form with your basic information and if it’s during regular working hours (M-F 8am to 8pm EST or 5am to 5pm PST), we’ll get back to you within minutes. Or, during the above hours, you can simply call us at 800-664-7159 or send us an email to [inquiry@centratel.com](mailto:inquiry@centratel.com). First Name \* Last Name \* Job Title Email \* Company \* Phone \* City \* State \*State \*AlabamaAlaskaArkansasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDistrict of ColumbiaDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming How did you hear about us? How did you hear about us? \*PostcardBook gift: Work the SystemLetterReferralOnline SearchWork The SystemFacebook Is your business one of our specialties \*Is your business one of our specialties \*MedicalHome Health/HospiceVeterinary24/7 BusinessHVACTrade ServiceProperty ManagementUtilityDisaster RestorationPlumbing What is your ONE primary concern with using an answering service? \*What is your primary concern with using an answering service? \*Professionalism of staffMessage delivery accuracy and timelinessConsistent high quality of serviceCost of serviceLiabilityConfidentialityOther Are you currently using a call center/telephone answering service? \* YesNo Requested service start date \*Requested service start date \*ASAPWithin 1 WeekWithin 2 WeeksWithin 1 MonthOther List any specific call requirements Submit [Terms of Service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) ### **Why Choose Centratel** **BY SAM CARPENTER** **February 1, 2026** 1.CENTRATEL’S UNIQUE 30-DAY FREE TRIAL Why is this important? Because it will provide you a truly accurate estimate of cost (we bill monthly), it will demonstrate our quality, and it gives both sides of this brand new relationship—you and Centratel—plenty of time to refine and perfect operational details. Here’s a testimonial from a new medical client that had just finished their 30-day trial: _“Of course, I love the cost as it is close to the amount I was allowed by the president of the company. I told him that if we did not continue with Centratel, I would resign as the Director of Customer Service, and I meant it. It’s a great fit. We have had NOT ONE complaint from a patient or in-house which, as you know, we received daily with our former answering service._ _I love you, Centratel, and the price. I’m ready to sign whatever documents you require._ _Thanks for the great service, and the free month_! _To a great partnership! -KB, Phoenix_“ 2.STATISTICALLY, THE BEST IN THE U.S.? Answering service quality is 100% dependent on human action and reaction, and in the course of a single day a multitude of human decisions are made by the people who process the calls: Telephone Service Representatives, or TSRs. (Some answering services refer to them as “agents.” Others, “operators.”) Like any other answering service, at Centratel we’re dealing with real live human beings and so human errors can occur. But within this labor intensive service industry that is historically known for marginal quality, Centratel’s error rate is light years ahead of established standards. Our most recent Customer Reported Error Rate (October through December, 2025) was 1 customer-reported error for every 7,017 message transactions processed. That statistic is unmatched. There’s no artificial intelligence manipulation, we do not offshore calls, and we were founded and have always operated within the United States. (Note that since early 2020, the COVID six-foot social distancing mandate drove thousands of small-to-medium sized answering services out of business. Large, often foreign-owned multi-nationals, disguised by the name of the local answering services they acquired, now thoroughly dominate the industry. Hence, an even further decline in general service quality. [See this analysis.](https://www.centratel.com/answering-service-phone-industry/)) 3.CUSTOMER SERVICE EXTRAORDINAIRE Your concerns will be instantly acted upon. It’s a work ethic that stands in stark contrast to the general decline in quality of human-to-human business communications. You’ve seen it yourself, all around. At Centratel you will know by name the customer service people you’re working with, appreciating their special listening abilities as well as their take-action-now comportment. e.g. see the testimonial in point #1 above. ‘Nuff said! 4.GETTING STARTED: IT’S SIMPLE AND FAST Getting your new Centratel answering service 30-day free trial up-and-running is accomplished within 24-48 hours. From the start, your “onboarding” customer service representative will be with you every step of the way **,** listening carefully to your concerns, answering questions and offering suggestions. 5.NEW TO USING AN ANSWERING SERVICE? The very large majority of our current answering service accounts switched to us from another service because of quality and/or cost problems. However, if you have not used a service before, you are not familiar with the options, benefits, and pitfalls. Our 30-day free trial provides you—and us—plenty of time to precisely refine your desired message-taking and delivery protocols; to get things exactly the way you want them to be without any financial risk, undue pressure, or obligation. 6.PRICING Starting at $150 per month, our rates lie in the mid-range of the industry. Note that we charge by the “transaction unit” rather than the duration of time spent handling calls. Large “mega-services” operating in the U.S. prefer time billing because it ensures the company is compensated for lower-paid/high-turnover — and thus slower — agents. _No matter the quality or how long they keep your callers on hold, they still make a profit_. And yes, it can get expensive, especially if caller on-hold time is also billed. In any answering service, it takes a long time for a new agent to become fast, efficient, and stable. At Centratel, we pamper and reward experienced agents (via high pay and great benefits) and therefore have extremely low staff turnover. Needless to say, experienced agents make fewer errors than trainees who learn on-the-job. And, transaction-unit billing is easy to understand. There is no room for fraud as in time-billing. We can easily document and explain any monthly billing we send you. 7.ACCURATELY COMPARING ANSWERING SERVICE PRICING IS COMPLICATED It’s apples and oranges. There isn’t an industry standard for billing, and each answering service has its own formula. Also, as noted above, some services charge by agent “time” while a few, like us, charge by “transaction units.” Some others combine the two. At Centratel, we charge for the work we do, not by the time we spend. The raw truth is that the only reliable way to determine monthly cost for a new service is to use that service for a solid month. Most answering services offer a 7-day free trial or no trial at all. With Centratel you get 30-days. 8. MONTHLY OR 28-DAY BILLING? Important! At Centratel, we use a “monthly” billing cycle in which invoices are compiled from the first day of a month through the last day of that month. When soliciting quotes from other services, be sure to ask if the base-rate charges are billed monthly or on a “28-day billing cycle.” There is no good reason for a 28-day billing cycle! It’s a sly manipulation by the answering service: customers billed on a 28-day cycle actually receive thirteen billings per year instead of twelve. 9.NO CONTRACT AND SIMPLE TERMS OF SERVICE We don’t ask for a term contract for service because you should be able to evaluate us in real time, without restraint. Our [terms of service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) are simple and straight-forward. 10.VALUABLE FREE GIFT FOR CONTACTING US If you take the time to discuss answering service with us, on that same day we will ship you a hardcover copy of Sam Carpenter’s bestselling book, [_Work The System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_](https://www.workthesystem.com/), now in its 5th edition. (Sam is Centatel’s very active CEO.) December 1st 2025 marked his forty first year of ownership.) * * * ## Footer ## Managing Property Effectively - [Skip to primary navigation](https://www.centratel.com/blog/property-management-answering-service/the-key-precept-for-managing-your-property-management-business/#genesis-nav-primary) - [Skip to main content](https://www.centratel.com/blog/property-management-answering-service/the-key-precept-for-managing-your-property-management-business/#genesis-content) - [Skip to footer](https://www.centratel.com/blog/property-management-answering-service/the-key-precept-for-managing-your-property-management-business/#genesis-footer-widgets) The Highest Quality Telephone Answering Service in the United States - [Make Payment](https://thepaymentportal.com/index.php?compcode=2C1A-9FF4-91CA-7F93) - [Client Login](https://oncall.centratel.com/) - [Follow Centratel on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centratel-answering-service/) - [Follow Centratel on Twitter](https://twitter.com/centratel) - [Follow Centratel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centratel) ![A property manager happy to have Centratel Telephone Answering Service as business partner](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/feat-image-2.jpg) # The Key Precept For Managing your Property Management Business March 30, 2023 [Property Management](https://www.centratel.com/blog/property-management-answering-service/) By Sam Carpenter In the 4th edition of my book, _Work the System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More_, I list 12 potent management precepts that will imbed themselves permanently in one’s psyche once a “Systems Mindset” is attained. Does this apply to your property management business? It sure does! In fact, a property management operation provides the perfect illustration of the systems mindset strategy. The goal? Freedom. And, in slightly mercenary terms, I define freedom as having plenty of personal time and plenty of money. One online dictionary describes a precept “ _as a general rule intended to regulate behavior or thought._” The great thing about that? As you internalize the systems mindset as a precept, you will automatically regulate your own thought process to precisely direct yourself to “making more and working less.” So today, let’s talk about precept #3, one of the most important of the twelve that I cover in my book. It’s key. Here it is, paraphrased slightly: “ _Your property management business is a collection of 1-2-3-4 step independent systems._ _Each system has a beginning and each one unfolds over time to, in the end, deliver you a result._“ And in your business, keep in mind that most of your systems – and you can also call them processes or protocols –are recurring. They execute over and over again. Internalizing this fact makes it easy to consciously (and unconsciously), identify the recurring business (and personal) systems in your life. And from there, you will intensely manage each of them so you will get the results you desire from each. You want to be a systems manager! You don’t want to be a fire-killer! ![A simple hand-drawn schema illustrating how the Systems Mindset could help your business ](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201024%20626'%3E%3C/svg%3E) _Seeing the processes of your operation as the independent entities they are, is key_! If you can’t see them in that way, you can’t manage them. Too much chaos! Yes, and in this new vision you will also create some new systems from scratch and other systems you will discard altogether. My book, _Work The System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More_ is germane to any business organization like yours that has lots of individual wheels spinning at once. Let’s hone my example down to property management tele-communications, specifically answering service. Using an answering service, let’s eliminate the hit-and-miss scenarios that are too-often prevalent in the typical property management operation: 1. Dramatically improve customer service, using your answering service to provide a consistent and professional experience for owners and tenants. 2. Document and analyze customer interactions and identify areas for improvement in various systems in order to enhance the customer experience. 3. Never miss a call, after-hours or during busy daytime hours 4. Give your after-hours callers the luxury of talking to a real human being instead of a machine Keep your after-hours tele-communications routine, routine. Know that the after-hours call-handling protocol is always predictable for your staff and clients. No more hit-and-miss! The above scenarios are the products of well thought-out answering service protocols: simple systems that are predictable and reliable. Here’s where you jump ahead of the competition: Most of your competitors don’t focus on the internal systems of their businesses, but spend their days (and nights!) fighting fires. And where do their fires come from? The come from random protocols that are not intensely managed. Are you an excellent trouble-shooter? _It’s very good to be able to quickly eliminate problems, but it’s better to not allow problems in the first place_. That’s precisely what good system management via a high-quality answering service will do. Here it is: No one is exempt from 1-2-3-4 step repeating processes that unfold over time to create the same recurring results. But very few people consciously manage their systems’ execution. This means that for too many people – your competitors included – internal processes are invisible and so they are unmanaged and, at the best, produce random results. At the worst? They quietly yet relentlessly produce _horrible_ results. In both of these bad outcomes, the results are draining, dragging the whole organization backwards. Ouch! From my book, at the end of the Preface to the 4th  Edition, here is my quick description of this third precept: _“Your life is a collection of linear 1-2-3-4 systems. The scary and wonderful thing about that? In this moment—don’t argue with me—every single condition of your life was preceded by an assemblage of step-by-step processes.”_ _“To create the business – and for that matter, the personal life – you want, you must intensely manage your systems in the present moment! You must ceaselessly perform system improvement! Do this, and great future results will come along almost spontaneously.”_ And never forget: first you must SEE the systems of your property management business if you are to manage those systems! You must attain the systems mindset! So there you go. This isn’t about memorizing platitudes or playing mind-games with yourself. It’s about undergoing a startling, profound adjustment in your perception of life itself. It’s the key precept: Your world is not a swirling storm of sights, sounds and events. It’s an orderly collection of systems, each waiting to be managed. -Sam Carpenter ## Taking the Next Step * * * For a quick orientation on how we operate, take a moment to review one or more of the key points listed in Why Choose Centratel Q&A (scroll down the page if you are on a mobile phone) For more specifics on cost, to start the onboarding process, or if you have questions, fill out this form with your basic information and if it’s during regular working hours (M-F 8am to 8pm EST or 5am to 5pm PST), we’ll get back to you within minutes. Or, during the above hours, you can simply call us at 800-664-7159 or send us an email to [inquiry@centratel.com](mailto:inquiry@centratel.com). First Name \* Last Name \* Job Title Email \* Company \* Phone \* City \* State \*State \*AlabamaAlaskaArkansasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDistrict of ColumbiaDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming How did you hear about us? How did you hear about us? \*PostcardBook gift: Work the SystemLetterReferralOnline SearchWork The SystemFacebook Is your business one of our specialties \*Is your business one of our specialties \*MedicalHome Health/HospiceVeterinary24/7 BusinessHVACTrade ServiceProperty ManagementUtilityDisaster RestorationPlumbing What is your ONE primary concern with using an answering service? \*What is your primary concern with using an answering service? \*Professionalism of staffMessage delivery accuracy and timelinessConsistent high quality of serviceCost of serviceLiabilityConfidentialityOther Are you currently using a call center/telephone answering service? \* YesNo Requested service start date \*Requested service start date \*ASAPWithin 1 WeekWithin 2 WeeksWithin 1 MonthOther List any specific call requirements Submit [Terms of Service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) ### **Why Choose Centratel** **BY SAM CARPENTER** **February 1, 2026** 1.CENTRATEL’S UNIQUE 30-DAY FREE TRIAL Why is this important? Because it will provide you a truly accurate estimate of cost (we bill monthly), it will demonstrate our quality, and it gives both sides of this brand new relationship—you and Centratel—plenty of time to refine and perfect operational details. Here’s a testimonial from a new medical client that had just finished their 30-day trial: _“Of course, I love the cost as it is close to the amount I was allowed by the president of the company. I told him that if we did not continue with Centratel, I would resign as the Director of Customer Service, and I meant it. It’s a great fit. We have had NOT ONE complaint from a patient or in-house which, as you know, we received daily with our former answering service._ _I love you, Centratel, and the price. I’m ready to sign whatever documents you require._ _Thanks for the great service, and the free month_! _To a great partnership! -KB, Phoenix_“ 2.STATISTICALLY, THE BEST IN THE U.S.? Answering service quality is 100% dependent on human action and reaction, and in the course of a single day a multitude of human decisions are made by the people who process the calls: Telephone Service Representatives, or TSRs. (Some answering services refer to them as “agents.” Others, “operators.”) Like any other answering service, at Centratel we’re dealing with real live human beings and so human errors can occur. But within this labor intensive service industry that is historically known for marginal quality, Centratel’s error rate is light years ahead of established standards. Our most recent Customer Reported Error Rate (October through December, 2025) was 1 customer-reported error for every 7,017 message transactions processed. That statistic is unmatched. There’s no artificial intelligence manipulation, we do not offshore calls, and we were founded and have always operated within the United States. (Note that since early 2020, the COVID six-foot social distancing mandate drove thousands of small-to-medium sized answering services out of business. Large, often foreign-owned multi-nationals, disguised by the name of the local answering services they acquired, now thoroughly dominate the industry. Hence, an even further decline in general service quality. [See this analysis.](https://www.centratel.com/answering-service-phone-industry/)) 3.CUSTOMER SERVICE EXTRAORDINAIRE Your concerns will be instantly acted upon. It’s a work ethic that stands in stark contrast to the general decline in quality of human-to-human business communications. You’ve seen it yourself, all around. At Centratel you will know by name the customer service people you’re working with, appreciating their special listening abilities as well as their take-action-now comportment. e.g. see the testimonial in point #1 above. ‘Nuff said! 4.GETTING STARTED: IT’S SIMPLE AND FAST Getting your new Centratel answering service 30-day free trial up-and-running is accomplished within 24-48 hours. From the start, your “onboarding” customer service representative will be with you every step of the way **,** listening carefully to your concerns, answering questions and offering suggestions. 5.NEW TO USING AN ANSWERING SERVICE? The very large majority of our current answering service accounts switched to us from another service because of quality and/or cost problems. However, if you have not used a service before, you are not familiar with the options, benefits, and pitfalls. Our 30-day free trial provides you—and us—plenty of time to precisely refine your desired message-taking and delivery protocols; to get things exactly the way you want them to be without any financial risk, undue pressure, or obligation. 6.PRICING Starting at $150 per month, our rates lie in the mid-range of the industry. Note that we charge by the “transaction unit” rather than the duration of time spent handling calls. Large “mega-services” operating in the U.S. prefer time billing because it ensures the company is compensated for lower-paid/high-turnover — and thus slower — agents. _No matter the quality or how long they keep your callers on hold, they still make a profit_. And yes, it can get expensive, especially if caller on-hold time is also billed. In any answering service, it takes a long time for a new agent to become fast, efficient, and stable. At Centratel, we pamper and reward experienced agents (via high pay and great benefits) and therefore have extremely low staff turnover. Needless to say, experienced agents make fewer errors than trainees who learn on-the-job. And, transaction-unit billing is easy to understand. There is no room for fraud as in time-billing. We can easily document and explain any monthly billing we send you. 7.ACCURATELY COMPARING ANSWERING SERVICE PRICING IS COMPLICATED It’s apples and oranges. There isn’t an industry standard for billing, and each answering service has its own formula. Also, as noted above, some services charge by agent “time” while a few, like us, charge by “transaction units.” Some others combine the two. At Centratel, we charge for the work we do, not by the time we spend. The raw truth is that the only reliable way to determine monthly cost for a new service is to use that service for a solid month. Most answering services offer a 7-day free trial or no trial at all. With Centratel you get 30-days. 8. MONTHLY OR 28-DAY BILLING? Important! At Centratel, we use a “monthly” billing cycle in which invoices are compiled from the first day of a month through the last day of that month. When soliciting quotes from other services, be sure to ask if the base-rate charges are billed monthly or on a “28-day billing cycle.” There is no good reason for a 28-day billing cycle! It’s a sly manipulation by the answering service: customers billed on a 28-day cycle actually receive thirteen billings per year instead of twelve. 9.NO CONTRACT AND SIMPLE TERMS OF SERVICE We don’t ask for a term contract for service because you should be able to evaluate us in real time, without restraint. Our [terms of service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) are simple and straight-forward. 10.VALUABLE FREE GIFT FOR CONTACTING US If you take the time to discuss answering service with us, on that same day we will ship you a hardcover copy of Sam Carpenter’s bestselling book, [_Work The System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_](https://www.workthesystem.com/), now in its 5th edition. (Sam is Centatel’s very active CEO.) December 1st 2025 marked his forty first year of ownership.) * * * ## Footer ## HVAC Answering Services - [Skip to primary navigation](https://www.centratel.com/blog/hvac-answering-service/using-an-answering-service-to-eliminate-waste-and-super-charge-efficiency/#genesis-nav-primary) - [Skip to main content](https://www.centratel.com/blog/hvac-answering-service/using-an-answering-service-to-eliminate-waste-and-super-charge-efficiency/#genesis-content) - [Skip to footer](https://www.centratel.com/blog/hvac-answering-service/using-an-answering-service-to-eliminate-waste-and-super-charge-efficiency/#genesis-footer-widgets) The Highest Quality Telephone Answering Service in the United States - [Make Payment](https://thepaymentportal.com/index.php?compcode=2C1A-9FF4-91CA-7F93) - [Client Login](https://oncall.centratel.com/) - [Follow Centratel on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centratel-answering-service/) - [Follow Centratel on Twitter](https://twitter.com/centratel) - [Follow Centratel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centratel) ![A HVAC technician working with peace of mind while Centratel takes care of his business's operations](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201500%20917'%3E%3C/svg%3E) # Using an Answering Service to Eliminate Waste and Super-Charge Efficiency March 16, 2023 [HVAC](https://www.centratel.com/blog/hvac-answering-service/) By Sam Carpenter Your HVAC operation is not so different from any other service business. You have sales, operations, administration, payrolls to meet, customers to acquire and then keep, and face all the standard vagaries of any marketplace. Here I’m going to give you a 5-point overview of the Work the System Method and the Systems Mindset. I’ll leave out the dogmatic tenants of Lean, 6-Sigma, E-Myth coaching, and the other mysterious and expensive methodologies that ask you, the leader, to step aside. Things are much simpler than that! Let’s go one-layer-deeper, and with a simple mindset tweak, keep you in control. The following (slightly paraphrased) excerpt is from the Introduction of my second book, _The Systems Mindset: Managing the Machinery of Your Life_. “If you really ‘get’ the following five points, you’ll be on your way to managing the machinery of your business and your life. The base-logic is so absurdly simple that nearly everyone overlooks it.” “First: In this moment – and keeping in mind that life unfolds over a linear time frame – every single result and condition of your HVAC operation has been preceded by a one-step-at-a-time process… _and every single result and condition of your future business will also be preceded by a one-step-at-at-a-time linear process_. “Second: To get the results you want in your operation – and in your life for that matter – you must assertively manage these ongoing processes/systems. Since most processes are recurring, you can improve them in the here and now so that when they execute again in the future, they’ll produce optimal results. And yes, some of this streamlining means altogether eliminating low-yield systems. “Third: Your personal attributes will not deliver you what you want in your business or in your life. They can help, of course, but they won’t be directly responsible for your success. What matters is the ‘machinery,’ the machinery you create and maintain. And know this for sure: without exception, that machinery doesn’t give a whit about your personal qualities. “Fourth: The world is not a mess! It’s an astonishingly organized place, with 99.9% of everything working just fine. Yes, this includes your HVAC operation that may seem chaotic, but actually is not so bad! Your operation’s in-your-face dysfunctions are probably relatively few. And know this for sure, too: You can quickly adjust them to be super-efficient. “And fifth: Spiritual transcendence (amazement) lies in the mechanical details of the right here/right now. It’s not ‘out there’ somewhere. Keep your head down and go in the right direction and you will be startled at your new upward trajectory.” ![A Centratel HVAC specialized telephone answering service representative taking care of calls 24/7](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201024%20626'%3E%3C/svg%3E) If you analyze your super-successful HVAC competitors, you will see strong leaders, clean operating structures, a focus on efficiency (which includes great customer service to both clients and potential clients), a special interest in the well-being of staff, and great internal and external communication systems. But then again, keep in mind that the number of super-successful HVAC operations are few and far between. Most struggle. And to become a successful HVAC, part of that success is having expert on-the-phone customer assistance after-hours and during daytime busy periods. And yes, this means employing an elite, super high-quality answering service that actually specializes in HVAC. This is the quick and easy first-step in eliminating waste and super-charging efficiency. You can do everything else right but there is no room to marginalize or neglect your communications with clients, potential clients, staff and vendors. _Take proper care of your after-hours callers and provide a backup for a too-busy workday for your admin staff_. It’s a no-brainer! Begin your transformation to that very small niche of the super-successful by insisting that your external and internal communications become superb. -sam carpenter ## Taking the Next Step * * * For a quick orientation on how we operate, take a moment to review one or more of the key points listed in Why Choose Centratel Q&A (scroll down the page if you are on a mobile phone) For more specifics on cost, to start the onboarding process, or if you have questions, fill out this form with your basic information and if it’s during regular working hours (M-F 8am to 8pm EST or 5am to 5pm PST), we’ll get back to you within minutes. Or, during the above hours, you can simply call us at 800-664-7159 or send us an email to [inquiry@centratel.com](mailto:inquiry@centratel.com). First Name \* Last Name \* Job Title Email \* Company \* Phone \* City \* State \*State \*AlabamaAlaskaArkansasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDistrict of ColumbiaDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming How did you hear about us? How did you hear about us? \*PostcardBook gift: Work the SystemLetterReferralOnline SearchWork The SystemFacebook Is your business one of our specialties \*Is your business one of our specialties \*MedicalHome Health/HospiceVeterinary24/7 BusinessHVACTrade ServiceProperty ManagementUtilityDisaster RestorationPlumbing What is your ONE primary concern with using an answering service? \*What is your primary concern with using an answering service? \*Professionalism of staffMessage delivery accuracy and timelinessConsistent high quality of serviceCost of serviceLiabilityConfidentialityOther Are you currently using a call center/telephone answering service? \* YesNo Requested service start date \*Requested service start date \*ASAPWithin 1 WeekWithin 2 WeeksWithin 1 MonthOther List any specific call requirements Submit [Terms of Service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) ### **Why Choose Centratel** **BY SAM CARPENTER** **February 1, 2026** 1.CENTRATEL’S UNIQUE 30-DAY FREE TRIAL Why is this important? Because it will provide you a truly accurate estimate of cost (we bill monthly), it will demonstrate our quality, and it gives both sides of this brand new relationship—you and Centratel—plenty of time to refine and perfect operational details. Here’s a testimonial from a new medical client that had just finished their 30-day trial: _“Of course, I love the cost as it is close to the amount I was allowed by the president of the company. I told him that if we did not continue with Centratel, I would resign as the Director of Customer Service, and I meant it. It’s a great fit. We have had NOT ONE complaint from a patient or in-house which, as you know, we received daily with our former answering service._ _I love you, Centratel, and the price. I’m ready to sign whatever documents you require._ _Thanks for the great service, and the free month_! _To a great partnership! -KB, Phoenix_“ 2.STATISTICALLY, THE BEST IN THE U.S.? Answering service quality is 100% dependent on human action and reaction, and in the course of a single day a multitude of human decisions are made by the people who process the calls: Telephone Service Representatives, or TSRs. (Some answering services refer to them as “agents.” Others, “operators.”) Like any other answering service, at Centratel we’re dealing with real live human beings and so human errors can occur. But within this labor intensive service industry that is historically known for marginal quality, Centratel’s error rate is light years ahead of established standards. Our most recent Customer Reported Error Rate (October through December, 2025) was 1 customer-reported error for every 7,017 message transactions processed. That statistic is unmatched. There’s no artificial intelligence manipulation, we do not offshore calls, and we were founded and have always operated within the United States. (Note that since early 2020, the COVID six-foot social distancing mandate drove thousands of small-to-medium sized answering services out of business. Large, often foreign-owned multi-nationals, disguised by the name of the local answering services they acquired, now thoroughly dominate the industry. Hence, an even further decline in general service quality. [See this analysis.](https://www.centratel.com/answering-service-phone-industry/)) 3.CUSTOMER SERVICE EXTRAORDINAIRE Your concerns will be instantly acted upon. It’s a work ethic that stands in stark contrast to the general decline in quality of human-to-human business communications. You’ve seen it yourself, all around. At Centratel you will know by name the customer service people you’re working with, appreciating their special listening abilities as well as their take-action-now comportment. e.g. see the testimonial in point #1 above. ‘Nuff said! 4.GETTING STARTED: IT’S SIMPLE AND FAST Getting your new Centratel answering service 30-day free trial up-and-running is accomplished within 24-48 hours. From the start, your “onboarding” customer service representative will be with you every step of the way **,** listening carefully to your concerns, answering questions and offering suggestions. 5.NEW TO USING AN ANSWERING SERVICE? The very large majority of our current answering service accounts switched to us from another service because of quality and/or cost problems. However, if you have not used a service before, you are not familiar with the options, benefits, and pitfalls. Our 30-day free trial provides you—and us—plenty of time to precisely refine your desired message-taking and delivery protocols; to get things exactly the way you want them to be without any financial risk, undue pressure, or obligation. 6.PRICING Starting at $150 per month, our rates lie in the mid-range of the industry. Note that we charge by the “transaction unit” rather than the duration of time spent handling calls. Large “mega-services” operating in the U.S. prefer time billing because it ensures the company is compensated for lower-paid/high-turnover — and thus slower — agents. _No matter the quality or how long they keep your callers on hold, they still make a profit_. And yes, it can get expensive, especially if caller on-hold time is also billed. In any answering service, it takes a long time for a new agent to become fast, efficient, and stable. At Centratel, we pamper and reward experienced agents (via high pay and great benefits) and therefore have extremely low staff turnover. Needless to say, experienced agents make fewer errors than trainees who learn on-the-job. And, transaction-unit billing is easy to understand. There is no room for fraud as in time-billing. We can easily document and explain any monthly billing we send you. 7.ACCURATELY COMPARING ANSWERING SERVICE PRICING IS COMPLICATED It’s apples and oranges. There isn’t an industry standard for billing, and each answering service has its own formula. Also, as noted above, some services charge by agent “time” while a few, like us, charge by “transaction units.” Some others combine the two. At Centratel, we charge for the work we do, not by the time we spend. The raw truth is that the only reliable way to determine monthly cost for a new service is to use that service for a solid month. Most answering services offer a 7-day free trial or no trial at all. With Centratel you get 30-days. 8. MONTHLY OR 28-DAY BILLING? Important! At Centratel, we use a “monthly” billing cycle in which invoices are compiled from the first day of a month through the last day of that month. When soliciting quotes from other services, be sure to ask if the base-rate charges are billed monthly or on a “28-day billing cycle.” There is no good reason for a 28-day billing cycle! It’s a sly manipulation by the answering service: customers billed on a 28-day cycle actually receive thirteen billings per year instead of twelve. 9.NO CONTRACT AND SIMPLE TERMS OF SERVICE We don’t ask for a term contract for service because you should be able to evaluate us in real time, without restraint. Our [terms of service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) are simple and straight-forward. 10.VALUABLE FREE GIFT FOR CONTACTING US If you take the time to discuss answering service with us, on that same day we will ship you a hardcover copy of Sam Carpenter’s bestselling book, [_Work The System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_](https://www.workthesystem.com/), now in its 5th edition. (Sam is Centatel’s very active CEO.) December 1st 2025 marked his forty first year of ownership.) * * * ## Footer ## Veterinary Clinic Efficiency - [Skip to primary navigation](https://www.centratel.com/blog/veterinary-answering-service/for-the-veterinary-clinic-the-ultimate-mantra/#genesis-nav-primary) - [Skip to main content](https://www.centratel.com/blog/veterinary-answering-service/for-the-veterinary-clinic-the-ultimate-mantra/#genesis-content) - [Skip to footer](https://www.centratel.com/blog/veterinary-answering-service/for-the-veterinary-clinic-the-ultimate-mantra/#genesis-footer-widgets) The Highest Quality Telephone Answering Service in the United States - [Make Payment](https://thepaymentportal.com/index.php?compcode=2C1A-9FF4-91CA-7F93) - [Client Login](https://oncall.centratel.com/) - [Follow Centratel on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centratel-answering-service/) - [Follow Centratel on Twitter](https://twitter.com/centratel) - [Follow Centratel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centratel) ![A woman holding her cat in a Centratel Telephone Answering Service's veterinary clinic client](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201500%20917'%3E%3C/svg%3E) # For the Veterinary Clinic, the Ultimate Mantra February 16, 2023 [Veterinary](https://www.centratel.com/blog/veterinary-answering-service/) By Sam Carpenter In your veterinary practice, if you’re going to get out of the middle of things and gain a truckload of personal control, you must be sure you’re headed in a single direction, not helter-skelter, all over the place. It really does boil down to picking the correct road and then traveling down that road efficiently, and a great way to assist that effort is to use the ‘task filter’ of Automate-Delegate-Delete. Following is a slightly paraphrased excerpt from my book _Work the system: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_. “To reinforce the concept’s validity, think about the opposite tactic: doing every task manually or doing them all yourself, or accepting every burden that shows up on your doorstep. “And yes, it’s especially about work, but it’s also about relationships and health.“ “Your clinic is a massive collection of independent systems, each one executing independently (Yes, of course they intermingle and work together, but you can’t get a grip on things if you see them as a tangled mass.) What is missing in so many small businesses – and veterinary clinics are no exception – is pointed, intensive management of each of those individual processes.” Let’s look at my personal favorite business mantra, AUTOMATE – DELEGATE – DELETE, as it relates to your veterinary practice (which, despite its esoteric nature, is similar in function to most other businesses). How is that? Because an organization must have a single leader who calls the shots, it must have a defined organizational structure, and it must conform to the simple laws of physics. ![A veterinarian taking care of daily business and appliyng the AUTOMATE – DELEGATE – DELETE mantra](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201024%20626'%3E%3C/svg%3E) And so, here’s the nutshell explanation of the elements of the mantra and how each pertains to organizational leadership…from the largest strategic positioning to the smallest nuances of every-day efforts. The payoff? You and your people will have significantly more face-to-face time with your animals and their humans. - Automate: Can a machine – usually a computer – perform the recurring tasks and the remembering? Altogether remove a human from these mundane chores and you’ll get close to zero-defect. And always remember, multitasking is for machines, not humans. You want yourself, and your people, to be able to focus on one thing at a time. - Delegate: What daily chores, or even complex tasks, can be handled by someone else? Yes, at the root of things, you will always have a “human” business in which people make instant decisions based on a myriad of evidence. - Delete: What tasks within your clinic are you or your people doing that result in useless “un-actionable data.” Invariably, as an organization leader thinks objectively of this principle, certain processes that are obvious candidates for elimination come to mind. It’s a great feeling, to discard the useless. I own Centratel, a veterinary specialized national answering service in which we process calls for scores of clinics across the U.S.. My sales pitch to you? Having your after-hours and busy-time incoming calls handled by us addresses all three elements of the mantra…. There’s much more about all of this in my book, _Work the System_, now in its fourth edition. Send me your mailing address, and I’ll send you a hard copy, gratis. -Sam Carpenter ## Taking the Next Step * * * For a quick orientation on how we operate, take a moment to review one or more of the key points listed in Why Choose Centratel Q&A (scroll down the page if you are on a mobile phone) For more specifics on cost, to start the onboarding process, or if you have questions, fill out this form with your basic information and if it’s during regular working hours (M-F 8am to 8pm EST or 5am to 5pm PST), we’ll get back to you within minutes. Or, during the above hours, you can simply call us at 800-664-7159 or send us an email to [inquiry@centratel.com](mailto:inquiry@centratel.com). First Name \* Last Name \* Job Title Email \* Company \* Phone \* City \* State \*State \*AlabamaAlaskaArkansasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDistrict of ColumbiaDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming How did you hear about us? How did you hear about us? \*PostcardBook gift: Work the SystemLetterReferralOnline SearchWork The SystemFacebook Is your business one of our specialties \*Is your business one of our specialties \*MedicalHome Health/HospiceVeterinary24/7 BusinessHVACTrade ServiceProperty ManagementUtilityDisaster RestorationPlumbing What is your ONE primary concern with using an answering service? \*What is your primary concern with using an answering service? \*Professionalism of staffMessage delivery accuracy and timelinessConsistent high quality of serviceCost of serviceLiabilityConfidentialityOther Are you currently using a call center/telephone answering service? \* YesNo Requested service start date \*Requested service start date \*ASAPWithin 1 WeekWithin 2 WeeksWithin 1 MonthOther List any specific call requirements Submit [Terms of Service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) ### **Why Choose Centratel** **BY SAM CARPENTER** **February 1, 2026** 1.CENTRATEL’S UNIQUE 30-DAY FREE TRIAL Why is this important? Because it will provide you a truly accurate estimate of cost (we bill monthly), it will demonstrate our quality, and it gives both sides of this brand new relationship—you and Centratel—plenty of time to refine and perfect operational details. Here’s a testimonial from a new medical client that had just finished their 30-day trial: _“Of course, I love the cost as it is close to the amount I was allowed by the president of the company. I told him that if we did not continue with Centratel, I would resign as the Director of Customer Service, and I meant it. It’s a great fit. We have had NOT ONE complaint from a patient or in-house which, as you know, we received daily with our former answering service._ _I love you, Centratel, and the price. I’m ready to sign whatever documents you require._ _Thanks for the great service, and the free month_! _To a great partnership! -KB, Phoenix_“ 2.STATISTICALLY, THE BEST IN THE U.S.? Answering service quality is 100% dependent on human action and reaction, and in the course of a single day a multitude of human decisions are made by the people who process the calls: Telephone Service Representatives, or TSRs. (Some answering services refer to them as “agents.” Others, “operators.”) Like any other answering service, at Centratel we’re dealing with real live human beings and so human errors can occur. But within this labor intensive service industry that is historically known for marginal quality, Centratel’s error rate is light years ahead of established standards. Our most recent Customer Reported Error Rate (October through December, 2025) was 1 customer-reported error for every 7,017 message transactions processed. That statistic is unmatched. There’s no artificial intelligence manipulation, we do not offshore calls, and we were founded and have always operated within the United States. (Note that since early 2020, the COVID six-foot social distancing mandate drove thousands of small-to-medium sized answering services out of business. Large, often foreign-owned multi-nationals, disguised by the name of the local answering services they acquired, now thoroughly dominate the industry. Hence, an even further decline in general service quality. [See this analysis.](https://www.centratel.com/answering-service-phone-industry/)) 3.CUSTOMER SERVICE EXTRAORDINAIRE Your concerns will be instantly acted upon. It’s a work ethic that stands in stark contrast to the general decline in quality of human-to-human business communications. You’ve seen it yourself, all around. At Centratel you will know by name the customer service people you’re working with, appreciating their special listening abilities as well as their take-action-now comportment. e.g. see the testimonial in point #1 above. ‘Nuff said! 4.GETTING STARTED: IT’S SIMPLE AND FAST Getting your new Centratel answering service 30-day free trial up-and-running is accomplished within 24-48 hours. From the start, your “onboarding” customer service representative will be with you every step of the way **,** listening carefully to your concerns, answering questions and offering suggestions. 5.NEW TO USING AN ANSWERING SERVICE? The very large majority of our current answering service accounts switched to us from another service because of quality and/or cost problems. However, if you have not used a service before, you are not familiar with the options, benefits, and pitfalls. Our 30-day free trial provides you—and us—plenty of time to precisely refine your desired message-taking and delivery protocols; to get things exactly the way you want them to be without any financial risk, undue pressure, or obligation. 6.PRICING Starting at $150 per month, our rates lie in the mid-range of the industry. Note that we charge by the “transaction unit” rather than the duration of time spent handling calls. Large “mega-services” operating in the U.S. prefer time billing because it ensures the company is compensated for lower-paid/high-turnover — and thus slower — agents. _No matter the quality or how long they keep your callers on hold, they still make a profit_. And yes, it can get expensive, especially if caller on-hold time is also billed. In any answering service, it takes a long time for a new agent to become fast, efficient, and stable. At Centratel, we pamper and reward experienced agents (via high pay and great benefits) and therefore have extremely low staff turnover. Needless to say, experienced agents make fewer errors than trainees who learn on-the-job. And, transaction-unit billing is easy to understand. There is no room for fraud as in time-billing. We can easily document and explain any monthly billing we send you. 7.ACCURATELY COMPARING ANSWERING SERVICE PRICING IS COMPLICATED It’s apples and oranges. There isn’t an industry standard for billing, and each answering service has its own formula. Also, as noted above, some services charge by agent “time” while a few, like us, charge by “transaction units.” Some others combine the two. At Centratel, we charge for the work we do, not by the time we spend. The raw truth is that the only reliable way to determine monthly cost for a new service is to use that service for a solid month. Most answering services offer a 7-day free trial or no trial at all. With Centratel you get 30-days. 8. MONTHLY OR 28-DAY BILLING? Important! At Centratel, we use a “monthly” billing cycle in which invoices are compiled from the first day of a month through the last day of that month. When soliciting quotes from other services, be sure to ask if the base-rate charges are billed monthly or on a “28-day billing cycle.” There is no good reason for a 28-day billing cycle! It’s a sly manipulation by the answering service: customers billed on a 28-day cycle actually receive thirteen billings per year instead of twelve. 9.NO CONTRACT AND SIMPLE TERMS OF SERVICE We don’t ask for a term contract for service because you should be able to evaluate us in real time, without restraint. Our [terms of service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) are simple and straight-forward. 10.VALUABLE FREE GIFT FOR CONTACTING US If you take the time to discuss answering service with us, on that same day we will ship you a hardcover copy of Sam Carpenter’s bestselling book, [_Work The System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_](https://www.workthesystem.com/), now in its 5th edition. (Sam is Centatel’s very active CEO.) December 1st 2025 marked his forty first year of ownership.) * * * ## Footer ## After-Hours Healthcare Service - [Skip to primary navigation](https://www.centratel.com/blog/home-healthcare-hospice-answering-service/home-healthcare-whats-going-on-after-hours/#genesis-nav-primary) - [Skip to main content](https://www.centratel.com/blog/home-healthcare-hospice-answering-service/home-healthcare-whats-going-on-after-hours/#genesis-content) - [Skip to footer](https://www.centratel.com/blog/home-healthcare-hospice-answering-service/home-healthcare-whats-going-on-after-hours/#genesis-footer-widgets) The Highest Quality Telephone Answering Service in the United States - [Make Payment](https://thepaymentportal.com/index.php?compcode=2C1A-9FF4-91CA-7F93) - [Client Login](https://oncall.centratel.com/) - [Follow Centratel on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centratel-answering-service/) - [Follow Centratel on Twitter](https://twitter.com/centratel) - [Follow Centratel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centratel) ![](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/CTS-home-healthcare-its-a-matter-of-time_header.jpg) # Home Healthcare: What’s Going on After-Hours? February 2, 2023 [Home Healthcare & Hospice](https://www.centratel.com/blog/home-healthcare-hospice-answering-service/) By Sam Carpenter In your home health enterprise, the next step in providing superb service to your patients and to their families is to provide your staff with instant and 100% accurate information after-hours. Of course, it’s always a matter of showing competence and compassion and, to this end, are your incoming after-hours calls being handled with the same care as your business-hours calls? People talk, and in the world of home healthcare, the worst kind of publicity is negative word-of-mouth from patients, potential patients, and caregivers themselves. Time moves on and reputations become ingrained. Are your after-hours calls received by a caring human being at a specialized home healthcare answering service, or are they at the mercy of a lower quality/too-busy service, or even voice mail? Have there been complaints? Be assured that the complaints that reach management are not even one-tenth of the negative experiences endured by callers who don’t take the time to complain. ![Nurse managing after-hours information with the home healthcare answering service](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/CTS-home-healthcare-its-a-matter-of-time-1024x478.jpg) Measuring the actual damage to your enterprise is near impossible, but know that if there is even just that occasional complaint about call handling after-hours then perhaps a change is in order. But where does one go to find an answering service that is always professional and always compassionate? In the United States, since the advent of the age-of-Covid, there are only a small group of high quality, specialized home healthcare answering services and that means finding one can be a challenge. Here are a few questions that can be asked of a potential answering service: 1. Is the answering service a multinational enterprise? In the last few years there has been massive turmoil within the answering service industry as multitudes of small struggling services have been acquired by large overseas operations. The sheer largeness of these operations contributes to less-than-optimal service quality. 2. What is the Customer Reported Error Rate (CRER), or is this statistic even calculated? CRER is a measure of actual service quality reported by callers. 3. How long has the answering service been in existence? If it’s a relatively new operation, beware. In this industry, for the start-up, the technical, legal (HIPAA), staffing and operational requirements are beyond mind-boggling. 4. Are telephone service representatives drug-tested, not just in applying for the position, but _on a regular ongoing basis_? The reason this is critically important is self-evident. 5. Where is the answering service located? Are there weather, geographic, or social-unrest problems in the region? And this: the highest quality services in the U.S. have 100% off-site operational redundancy. Perhaps 2% of all answering services have this capability. It’s a big step, switching answering services, but if there have been complaints about the one you use now, then doing the research and making a wise choice will quietly pay unmeasurable dividends far into the future. ## Taking the Next Step * * * For a quick orientation on how we operate, take a moment to review one or more of the key points listed in Why Choose Centratel Q&A (scroll down the page if you are on a mobile phone) For more specifics on cost, to start the onboarding process, or if you have questions, fill out this form with your basic information and if it’s during regular working hours (M-F 8am to 8pm EST or 5am to 5pm PST), we’ll get back to you within minutes. Or, during the above hours, you can simply call us at 800-664-7159 or send us an email to [inquiry@centratel.com](mailto:inquiry@centratel.com). First Name \* Last Name \* Job Title Email \* Company \* Phone \* City \* State \*State \*AlabamaAlaskaArkansasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDistrict of ColumbiaDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming How did you hear about us? How did you hear about us? \*PostcardBook gift: Work the SystemLetterReferralOnline SearchWork The SystemFacebook Is your business one of our specialties \*Is your business one of our specialties \*MedicalHome Health/HospiceVeterinary24/7 BusinessHVACTrade ServiceProperty ManagementUtilityDisaster RestorationPlumbing What is your ONE primary concern with using an answering service? \*What is your primary concern with using an answering service? \*Professionalism of staffMessage delivery accuracy and timelinessConsistent high quality of serviceCost of serviceLiabilityConfidentialityOther Are you currently using a call center/telephone answering service? \* YesNo Requested service start date \*Requested service start date \*ASAPWithin 1 WeekWithin 2 WeeksWithin 1 MonthOther List any specific call requirements Submit [Terms of Service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) ### **Why Choose Centratel** **BY SAM CARPENTER** **February 1, 2026** 1.CENTRATEL’S UNIQUE 30-DAY FREE TRIAL Why is this important? Because it will provide you a truly accurate estimate of cost (we bill monthly), it will demonstrate our quality, and it gives both sides of this brand new relationship—you and Centratel—plenty of time to refine and perfect operational details. Here’s a testimonial from a new medical client that had just finished their 30-day trial: _“Of course, I love the cost as it is close to the amount I was allowed by the president of the company. I told him that if we did not continue with Centratel, I would resign as the Director of Customer Service, and I meant it. It’s a great fit. We have had NOT ONE complaint from a patient or in-house which, as you know, we received daily with our former answering service._ _I love you, Centratel, and the price. I’m ready to sign whatever documents you require._ _Thanks for the great service, and the free month_! _To a great partnership! -KB, Phoenix_“ 2.STATISTICALLY, THE BEST IN THE U.S.? Answering service quality is 100% dependent on human action and reaction, and in the course of a single day a multitude of human decisions are made by the people who process the calls: Telephone Service Representatives, or TSRs. (Some answering services refer to them as “agents.” Others, “operators.”) Like any other answering service, at Centratel we’re dealing with real live human beings and so human errors can occur. But within this labor intensive service industry that is historically known for marginal quality, Centratel’s error rate is light years ahead of established standards. Our most recent Customer Reported Error Rate (October through December, 2025) was 1 customer-reported error for every 7,017 message transactions processed. That statistic is unmatched. There’s no artificial intelligence manipulation, we do not offshore calls, and we were founded and have always operated within the United States. (Note that since early 2020, the COVID six-foot social distancing mandate drove thousands of small-to-medium sized answering services out of business. Large, often foreign-owned multi-nationals, disguised by the name of the local answering services they acquired, now thoroughly dominate the industry. Hence, an even further decline in general service quality. [See this analysis.](https://www.centratel.com/answering-service-phone-industry/)) 3.CUSTOMER SERVICE EXTRAORDINAIRE Your concerns will be instantly acted upon. It’s a work ethic that stands in stark contrast to the general decline in quality of human-to-human business communications. You’ve seen it yourself, all around. At Centratel you will know by name the customer service people you’re working with, appreciating their special listening abilities as well as their take-action-now comportment. e.g. see the testimonial in point #1 above. ‘Nuff said! 4.GETTING STARTED: IT’S SIMPLE AND FAST Getting your new Centratel answering service 30-day free trial up-and-running is accomplished within 24-48 hours. From the start, your “onboarding” customer service representative will be with you every step of the way **,** listening carefully to your concerns, answering questions and offering suggestions. 5.NEW TO USING AN ANSWERING SERVICE? The very large majority of our current answering service accounts switched to us from another service because of quality and/or cost problems. However, if you have not used a service before, you are not familiar with the options, benefits, and pitfalls. Our 30-day free trial provides you—and us—plenty of time to precisely refine your desired message-taking and delivery protocols; to get things exactly the way you want them to be without any financial risk, undue pressure, or obligation. 6.PRICING Starting at $150 per month, our rates lie in the mid-range of the industry. Note that we charge by the “transaction unit” rather than the duration of time spent handling calls. Large “mega-services” operating in the U.S. prefer time billing because it ensures the company is compensated for lower-paid/high-turnover — and thus slower — agents. _No matter the quality or how long they keep your callers on hold, they still make a profit_. And yes, it can get expensive, especially if caller on-hold time is also billed. In any answering service, it takes a long time for a new agent to become fast, efficient, and stable. At Centratel, we pamper and reward experienced agents (via high pay and great benefits) and therefore have extremely low staff turnover. Needless to say, experienced agents make fewer errors than trainees who learn on-the-job. And, transaction-unit billing is easy to understand. There is no room for fraud as in time-billing. We can easily document and explain any monthly billing we send you. 7.ACCURATELY COMPARING ANSWERING SERVICE PRICING IS COMPLICATED It’s apples and oranges. There isn’t an industry standard for billing, and each answering service has its own formula. Also, as noted above, some services charge by agent “time” while a few, like us, charge by “transaction units.” Some others combine the two. At Centratel, we charge for the work we do, not by the time we spend. The raw truth is that the only reliable way to determine monthly cost for a new service is to use that service for a solid month. Most answering services offer a 7-day free trial or no trial at all. With Centratel you get 30-days. 8. MONTHLY OR 28-DAY BILLING? Important! At Centratel, we use a “monthly” billing cycle in which invoices are compiled from the first day of a month through the last day of that month. When soliciting quotes from other services, be sure to ask if the base-rate charges are billed monthly or on a “28-day billing cycle.” There is no good reason for a 28-day billing cycle! It’s a sly manipulation by the answering service: customers billed on a 28-day cycle actually receive thirteen billings per year instead of twelve. 9.NO CONTRACT AND SIMPLE TERMS OF SERVICE We don’t ask for a term contract for service because you should be able to evaluate us in real time, without restraint. Our [terms of service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) are simple and straight-forward. 10.VALUABLE FREE GIFT FOR CONTACTING US If you take the time to discuss answering service with us, on that same day we will ship you a hardcover copy of Sam Carpenter’s bestselling book, [_Work The System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_](https://www.workthesystem.com/), now in its 5th edition. (Sam is Centatel’s very active CEO.) December 1st 2025 marked his forty first year of ownership.) * * * ## Footer ## Plumbing Answering Service Benefits - [Skip to primary navigation](https://www.centratel.com/blog/trade-service-answering-service/for-the-plumbing-enterprise-the-enormous-advantages-of-using-a-high-quality-answering-service/#genesis-nav-primary) - [Skip to main content](https://www.centratel.com/blog/trade-service-answering-service/for-the-plumbing-enterprise-the-enormous-advantages-of-using-a-high-quality-answering-service/#genesis-content) - [Skip to footer](https://www.centratel.com/blog/trade-service-answering-service/for-the-plumbing-enterprise-the-enormous-advantages-of-using-a-high-quality-answering-service/#genesis-footer-widgets) The Highest Quality Telephone Answering Service in the United States - [Make Payment](https://thepaymentportal.com/index.php?compcode=2C1A-9FF4-91CA-7F93) - [Client Login](https://oncall.centratel.com/) - [Follow Centratel on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centratel-answering-service/) - [Follow Centratel on Twitter](https://twitter.com/centratel) - [Follow Centratel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centratel) ![Plumbing business owner taking with the customer helped by a plumbing answering service](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201500%20700'%3E%3C/svg%3E) # For the Plumbing Enterprise: The Enormous Advantages of Employing a High Quality Answering Service January 19, 2023 [Trade Service](https://www.centratel.com/blog/trade-service-answering-service/) By Sam Carpenter Obviously, the successful plumbing business assertively serves the needs of its customers, but it also must assertively-serve-the-needs of those inquiring about having some work done, not to mention the needs of outside and administrative staff. In this context, what does “assertively serve” mean? It’s a relentless effort to discover and then meet the expectations of the above-noted people. There’s another way to look at this point of “assertively serving.” Ask, what is the opposite? For starters, it’s this: making it hard for people to communicate with your company. What is THE major barrier that the vast majority of struggling plumbing companies force upon their callers? Slow and/or cantankerous communications protocols. The “assertively serve” trait is just one identifying characteristic of the successful plumbing company and, really, any other robust and profitable small business. Here’s some other attributes of the plumbing company that is headed toward success: a physical office, truly knowledgeable long-term professional staff, and written procedures and protocols; they have workers-comp insurance for their employees, too, and they don’t encourage cash payments from customers. They pay their taxes. They have backup personnel for their critical staff positions, both inside and outside. There is constant training. The owner of the company is not out there in the field, executing the actual work. There is a succession plan for leadership. There is a methodology to immediately capturing and then attending to after-hours calls, most often by using a third-party telephone answering service. These plumbing companies have great bottom lines, are not encumbered with debt, and are growing…and the owner has a placid and satisfying personal life How do leaders accomplish the above? They set goals, of course, and then every single move they make is yet another step toward those goals. It’s a straight line. There’s no wavering. But back to the question of an outside answering service. The struggling operation, more often than not, has only one person who takes calls _at home_ and who also handles after-hours problems, or maybe delegates those inquiries to one or two on-call staff members. It’s a shaky way to go. You know this already: how can an employee – or an owner– be robustly effective when working all day and then attending to emergencies after-hours? ![A plumber working fixing pipes with the help of his plumbing ansering service](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201024%20313'%3E%3C/svg%3E) Is that you? The majority of small plumbing firms have just a small staff, and the company is not growing. The operation devolves into a fire-killing struggle…and yet the owner of the enterprise is quite proud of his or her ability to kill fires at all hours of the day. This person can do it ALL, and so there’s no room to think about growth or coddling customers, potential customers, or staff. And, for this leader, business and personal life is tough because a constant defensive posture is mandatory…. And so, after-hours calls usually go to the dead-end of voice mail jail. To be polite, an unanswered phone, or a voicemail-answered phone, is not an optimal strategy for business success. And word gets around. Life stays tough. Growth doesn’t happen. For getting a struggling plumbing operation into the ranks of the growing and the successful, the owner/operator must first get after-hours and overflow daytime traffic under precise control, and the way to accomplish this quickly is to employ an elite-quality, outside high quality answering service. In a nutshell, here are the benefits: 1. Capture calls NOW. When a new customer calls to inquire about service, they want to know the company is successful and worth the money. Any degree of the opposite (e.g., voice mail jail) in that first attempt at contact, and thy will go elsewhere. Can one measure this lost business? No. And so this may not appear as a problem, but that is only because this potential new business is going away quietly without a trace. The owner of the company doesn’t even know there was a lost a new customer! 2. Current Customers are pampered. Whatever time or day these calls come in, they must be handled right now, 100% of the time. If they are not handled promptly? Word gets around…. 3. Protecting the home lives of owner and staff. A high-quality answering service uses the owner’s precise instructions to screen calls; separating the urgent from the non-urgent, sometimes by simply asking the caller, “is this an emergency?” And if it is an emergency, the telephone service representative (TSR) will then immediately forwarding the call, or a message, to on-call personnel. Non-urgent issues can be quietly set aside until the next business day. 4. Peace! There is room for the owner/manager to relax, breathe, and think. What is the opposite of fire-killing? It’s thoughtfulness. If there is a constant flow of interruptions day and night, how can a leader step back and think about what needs to be done for long-term growth? Hiring an elite, high quality answering service is a big first step toward success for any plumbing company. How is life for you? Do you kill fires all day? Do callers reach a human being every single time they call? And, back to you: do YOU get a break? How is your home-life, and how is it for your on-call staff? Think long-term about what you want your company and your personal life to be. Then, one-issue-at-a-time, do what you need to do to make that happen! ## Taking the Next Step * * * For a quick orientation on how we operate, take a moment to review one or more of the key points listed in Why Choose Centratel Q&A (scroll down the page if you are on a mobile phone) For more specifics on cost, to start the onboarding process, or if you have questions, fill out this form with your basic information and if it’s during regular working hours (M-F 8am to 8pm EST or 5am to 5pm PST), we’ll get back to you within minutes. Or, during the above hours, you can simply call us at 800-664-7159 or send us an email to [inquiry@centratel.com](mailto:inquiry@centratel.com). First Name \* Last Name \* Job Title Email \* Company \* Phone \* City \* State \*State \*AlabamaAlaskaArkansasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDistrict of ColumbiaDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming How did you hear about us? How did you hear about us? \*PostcardBook gift: Work the SystemLetterReferralOnline SearchWork The SystemFacebook Is your business one of our specialties \*Is your business one of our specialties \*MedicalHome Health/HospiceVeterinary24/7 BusinessHVACTrade ServiceProperty ManagementUtilityDisaster RestorationPlumbing What is your ONE primary concern with using an answering service? \*What is your primary concern with using an answering service? \*Professionalism of staffMessage delivery accuracy and timelinessConsistent high quality of serviceCost of serviceLiabilityConfidentialityOther Are you currently using a call center/telephone answering service? \* YesNo Requested service start date \*Requested service start date \*ASAPWithin 1 WeekWithin 2 WeeksWithin 1 MonthOther List any specific call requirements Submit [Terms of Service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) ### **Why Choose Centratel** **BY SAM CARPENTER** **February 1, 2026** 1.CENTRATEL’S UNIQUE 30-DAY FREE TRIAL Why is this important? Because it will provide you a truly accurate estimate of cost (we bill monthly), it will demonstrate our quality, and it gives both sides of this brand new relationship—you and Centratel—plenty of time to refine and perfect operational details. Here’s a testimonial from a new medical client that had just finished their 30-day trial: _“Of course, I love the cost as it is close to the amount I was allowed by the president of the company. I told him that if we did not continue with Centratel, I would resign as the Director of Customer Service, and I meant it. It’s a great fit. We have had NOT ONE complaint from a patient or in-house which, as you know, we received daily with our former answering service._ _I love you, Centratel, and the price. I’m ready to sign whatever documents you require._ _Thanks for the great service, and the free month_! _To a great partnership! -KB, Phoenix_“ 2.STATISTICALLY, THE BEST IN THE U.S.? Answering service quality is 100% dependent on human action and reaction, and in the course of a single day a multitude of human decisions are made by the people who process the calls: Telephone Service Representatives, or TSRs. (Some answering services refer to them as “agents.” Others, “operators.”) Like any other answering service, at Centratel we’re dealing with real live human beings and so human errors can occur. But within this labor intensive service industry that is historically known for marginal quality, Centratel’s error rate is light years ahead of established standards. Our most recent Customer Reported Error Rate (October through December, 2025) was 1 customer-reported error for every 7,017 message transactions processed. That statistic is unmatched. There’s no artificial intelligence manipulation, we do not offshore calls, and we were founded and have always operated within the United States. (Note that since early 2020, the COVID six-foot social distancing mandate drove thousands of small-to-medium sized answering services out of business. Large, often foreign-owned multi-nationals, disguised by the name of the local answering services they acquired, now thoroughly dominate the industry. Hence, an even further decline in general service quality. [See this analysis.](https://www.centratel.com/answering-service-phone-industry/)) 3.CUSTOMER SERVICE EXTRAORDINAIRE Your concerns will be instantly acted upon. It’s a work ethic that stands in stark contrast to the general decline in quality of human-to-human business communications. You’ve seen it yourself, all around. At Centratel you will know by name the customer service people you’re working with, appreciating their special listening abilities as well as their take-action-now comportment. e.g. see the testimonial in point #1 above. ‘Nuff said! 4.GETTING STARTED: IT’S SIMPLE AND FAST Getting your new Centratel answering service 30-day free trial up-and-running is accomplished within 24-48 hours. From the start, your “onboarding” customer service representative will be with you every step of the way **,** listening carefully to your concerns, answering questions and offering suggestions. 5.NEW TO USING AN ANSWERING SERVICE? The very large majority of our current answering service accounts switched to us from another service because of quality and/or cost problems. However, if you have not used a service before, you are not familiar with the options, benefits, and pitfalls. Our 30-day free trial provides you—and us—plenty of time to precisely refine your desired message-taking and delivery protocols; to get things exactly the way you want them to be without any financial risk, undue pressure, or obligation. 6.PRICING Starting at $150 per month, our rates lie in the mid-range of the industry. Note that we charge by the “transaction unit” rather than the duration of time spent handling calls. Large “mega-services” operating in the U.S. prefer time billing because it ensures the company is compensated for lower-paid/high-turnover — and thus slower — agents. _No matter the quality or how long they keep your callers on hold, they still make a profit_. And yes, it can get expensive, especially if caller on-hold time is also billed. In any answering service, it takes a long time for a new agent to become fast, efficient, and stable. At Centratel, we pamper and reward experienced agents (via high pay and great benefits) and therefore have extremely low staff turnover. Needless to say, experienced agents make fewer errors than trainees who learn on-the-job. And, transaction-unit billing is easy to understand. There is no room for fraud as in time-billing. We can easily document and explain any monthly billing we send you. 7.ACCURATELY COMPARING ANSWERING SERVICE PRICING IS COMPLICATED It’s apples and oranges. There isn’t an industry standard for billing, and each answering service has its own formula. Also, as noted above, some services charge by agent “time” while a few, like us, charge by “transaction units.” Some others combine the two. At Centratel, we charge for the work we do, not by the time we spend. The raw truth is that the only reliable way to determine monthly cost for a new service is to use that service for a solid month. Most answering services offer a 7-day free trial or no trial at all. With Centratel you get 30-days. 8. MONTHLY OR 28-DAY BILLING? Important! At Centratel, we use a “monthly” billing cycle in which invoices are compiled from the first day of a month through the last day of that month. When soliciting quotes from other services, be sure to ask if the base-rate charges are billed monthly or on a “28-day billing cycle.” There is no good reason for a 28-day billing cycle! It’s a sly manipulation by the answering service: customers billed on a 28-day cycle actually receive thirteen billings per year instead of twelve. 9.NO CONTRACT AND SIMPLE TERMS OF SERVICE We don’t ask for a term contract for service because you should be able to evaluate us in real time, without restraint. Our [terms of service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) are simple and straight-forward. 10.VALUABLE FREE GIFT FOR CONTACTING US If you take the time to discuss answering service with us, on that same day we will ship you a hardcover copy of Sam Carpenter’s bestselling book, [_Work The System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_](https://www.workthesystem.com/), now in its 5th edition. (Sam is Centatel’s very active CEO.) December 1st 2025 marked his forty first year of ownership.) * * * ## Footer ## HVAC Answering Service - [Skip to primary navigation](https://www.centratel.com/blog/hvac-answering-service/outside-answering-service-for-an-hvac-business-how-does-it-work/#genesis-nav-primary) - [Skip to main content](https://www.centratel.com/blog/hvac-answering-service/outside-answering-service-for-an-hvac-business-how-does-it-work/#genesis-content) - [Skip to footer](https://www.centratel.com/blog/hvac-answering-service/outside-answering-service-for-an-hvac-business-how-does-it-work/#genesis-footer-widgets) The Highest Quality Telephone Answering Service in the United States - [Make Payment](https://thepaymentportal.com/index.php?compcode=2C1A-9FF4-91CA-7F93) - [Client Login](https://oncall.centratel.com/) - [Follow Centratel on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centratel-answering-service/) - [Follow Centratel on Twitter](https://twitter.com/centratel) - [Follow Centratel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centratel) ![HVAC technician working outside and not answering to calls from potential customers](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/feat-image-1.jpg) # Outside Answering Service for an HVAC Business: How Does it Work? January 5, 2023 [HVAC](https://www.centratel.com/blog/hvac-answering-service/) By Sam Carpenter There are 50,000 HVAC companies in the United States and the huge majority of the successful ones use a 3rd party answering service. With this, they assertively serve their customers, their potential customers, and their staff, 24/7/365. These robust, profitable enterprises have other easy-to-measure traits too, such as an established physical office, trained long-term professional staff, and documented procedures and protocols. They have workers-comp for their employees, they don’t take cash from customers, and they have backup personnel for their critical staff positions, both inside and outside. There is ongoing training. There is a solid succession plan for top leadership. The owner of the company is not in the field doing the work. And these successful companies almost always have low debt as they consistently show a great bottom line. They’re growing too, with the owner thoughtfully and assertively doing what needs to be done do make that happen; to keep the wheels spinning fast and int he right direction. But back to the question of an outside answering service. The “mom-and pop,” operation often has a key person (or two) who takes after-hours customer calls at home and then attends to the customer problems personally. Often this is the owner or a key management person. ![A man freezing trying to reach a HVAC by phone after-hour to get the heating system fixed](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/int-image-1-1024x626.jpg) It’s a shaky way to go. Will the customer or potential customer actually reach someone after-hours? Here’s the problem, posed as a question: can an employee – or an owner for that matter – really be 100% effective when they work all day and then must attend to after-hours customer calls? Oh, but there are a lot of HVAC operations just like that! They typically have just a small staff, and they are not growing. Each is a seat-of-the pants, fire-killing enterprise…and the owner, typically a man, is usually quite proud of his fire-killing skills both during the day and after-hours. A master of the universe; a Renaissance man (or yes, woman) who can do it ALL…and as a result there’s no room to think about growth. And, for these hard workers, business and personal life are bedraggled, on the defense. And so it’s typical that after-hours calls too often go to dead-end voice mail. Of course, customers will deal with this if they have no choice but, to say it politely, an unanswered phone, during or after-hours, is not an “optimal strategy for success.” And, word gets around. People go elsewhere when they have a problem, and so do their friends… One of the first steps for moving a struggling HVAC operation into the ranks of the successful, is to get after-hours and overflow daytime traffic under perfect control, to attend to every single call that comes in, to capture new clients and keep existing ones, and this means using an outside answering service. In a nutshell, here’s why: 1. Call capture. If a potential new customer calls, they want to know the company is substantial. Any degree of flakiness (e.g., dead-end voice mail) in that first attempt at contact will drive them to the competition. Can this cost-of-lost business be measured? No, it can’t. The potential customer who ends up with another company after attempting to reach you is gone forever 2. Current Customers are coddled. Regular customer-calls, whenever they come in, must be handled promptly and professionally by an actual human being,. If not? Word gets around… 3. Preservation of home life for owner and staff. A high-quality answering service will, using the HVAC owner’s precise instructions, screen calls, separating the urgent from the non-urgent. Often, the answering service telephone representative will simply ask the caller, “is this an emergency?” and if it is, will then pass the call on to on-call personnel. When non-urgent issues can be quietly set aside until tomorrow, home-life gets better 4. A chance to plan ahead. For the owner, there is room to relax, breathe, and think. The enemy of thoughtfulness is fire-killing. How can an owner calmly ponder and then execute the necessary steps for growth when there is a constant flow of interruptions day and night? Employing an elite, high quality answering service is the first step to success for any smaller HVAC operation. Exactly where do _you_ stand? Are you a fire-killer? Do your potential and current customers reach a human being every time they call, day or night? And especially telling,:is home life bedraggled? ## Taking the Next Step * * * For a quick orientation on how we operate, take a moment to review one or more of the key points listed in Why Choose Centratel Q&A (scroll down the page if you are on a mobile phone) For more specifics on cost, to start the onboarding process, or if you have questions, fill out this form with your basic information and if it’s during regular working hours (M-F 8am to 8pm EST or 5am to 5pm PST), we’ll get back to you within minutes. Or, during the above hours, you can simply call us at 800-664-7159 or send us an email to [inquiry@centratel.com](mailto:inquiry@centratel.com). First Name \* Last Name \* Job Title Email \* Company \* Phone \* City \* State \*State \*AlabamaAlaskaArkansasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDistrict of ColumbiaDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming How did you hear about us? How did you hear about us? \*PostcardBook gift: Work the SystemLetterReferralOnline SearchWork The SystemFacebook Is your business one of our specialties \*Is your business one of our specialties \*MedicalHome Health/HospiceVeterinary24/7 BusinessHVACTrade ServiceProperty ManagementUtilityDisaster RestorationPlumbing What is your ONE primary concern with using an answering service? \*What is your primary concern with using an answering service? \*Professionalism of staffMessage delivery accuracy and timelinessConsistent high quality of serviceCost of serviceLiabilityConfidentialityOther Are you currently using a call center/telephone answering service? \* YesNo Requested service start date \*Requested service start date \*ASAPWithin 1 WeekWithin 2 WeeksWithin 1 MonthOther List any specific call requirements Submit [Terms of Service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) ### **Why Choose Centratel** **BY SAM CARPENTER** **February 1, 2026** 1.CENTRATEL’S UNIQUE 30-DAY FREE TRIAL Why is this important? Because it will provide you a truly accurate estimate of cost (we bill monthly), it will demonstrate our quality, and it gives both sides of this brand new relationship—you and Centratel—plenty of time to refine and perfect operational details. Here’s a testimonial from a new medical client that had just finished their 30-day trial: _“Of course, I love the cost as it is close to the amount I was allowed by the president of the company. I told him that if we did not continue with Centratel, I would resign as the Director of Customer Service, and I meant it. It’s a great fit. We have had NOT ONE complaint from a patient or in-house which, as you know, we received daily with our former answering service._ _I love you, Centratel, and the price. I’m ready to sign whatever documents you require._ _Thanks for the great service, and the free month_! _To a great partnership! -KB, Phoenix_“ 2.STATISTICALLY, THE BEST IN THE U.S.? Answering service quality is 100% dependent on human action and reaction, and in the course of a single day a multitude of human decisions are made by the people who process the calls: Telephone Service Representatives, or TSRs. (Some answering services refer to them as “agents.” Others, “operators.”) Like any other answering service, at Centratel we’re dealing with real live human beings and so human errors can occur. But within this labor intensive service industry that is historically known for marginal quality, Centratel’s error rate is light years ahead of established standards. Our most recent Customer Reported Error Rate (October through December, 2025) was 1 customer-reported error for every 7,017 message transactions processed. That statistic is unmatched. There’s no artificial intelligence manipulation, we do not offshore calls, and we were founded and have always operated within the United States. (Note that since early 2020, the COVID six-foot social distancing mandate drove thousands of small-to-medium sized answering services out of business. Large, often foreign-owned multi-nationals, disguised by the name of the local answering services they acquired, now thoroughly dominate the industry. Hence, an even further decline in general service quality. [See this analysis.](https://www.centratel.com/answering-service-phone-industry/)) 3.CUSTOMER SERVICE EXTRAORDINAIRE Your concerns will be instantly acted upon. It’s a work ethic that stands in stark contrast to the general decline in quality of human-to-human business communications. You’ve seen it yourself, all around. At Centratel you will know by name the customer service people you’re working with, appreciating their special listening abilities as well as their take-action-now comportment. e.g. see the testimonial in point #1 above. ‘Nuff said! 4.GETTING STARTED: IT’S SIMPLE AND FAST Getting your new Centratel answering service 30-day free trial up-and-running is accomplished within 24-48 hours. From the start, your “onboarding” customer service representative will be with you every step of the way **,** listening carefully to your concerns, answering questions and offering suggestions. 5.NEW TO USING AN ANSWERING SERVICE? The very large majority of our current answering service accounts switched to us from another service because of quality and/or cost problems. However, if you have not used a service before, you are not familiar with the options, benefits, and pitfalls. Our 30-day free trial provides you—and us—plenty of time to precisely refine your desired message-taking and delivery protocols; to get things exactly the way you want them to be without any financial risk, undue pressure, or obligation. 6.PRICING Starting at $150 per month, our rates lie in the mid-range of the industry. Note that we charge by the “transaction unit” rather than the duration of time spent handling calls. Large “mega-services” operating in the U.S. prefer time billing because it ensures the company is compensated for lower-paid/high-turnover — and thus slower — agents. _No matter the quality or how long they keep your callers on hold, they still make a profit_. And yes, it can get expensive, especially if caller on-hold time is also billed. In any answering service, it takes a long time for a new agent to become fast, efficient, and stable. At Centratel, we pamper and reward experienced agents (via high pay and great benefits) and therefore have extremely low staff turnover. Needless to say, experienced agents make fewer errors than trainees who learn on-the-job. And, transaction-unit billing is easy to understand. There is no room for fraud as in time-billing. We can easily document and explain any monthly billing we send you. 7.ACCURATELY COMPARING ANSWERING SERVICE PRICING IS COMPLICATED It’s apples and oranges. There isn’t an industry standard for billing, and each answering service has its own formula. Also, as noted above, some services charge by agent “time” while a few, like us, charge by “transaction units.” Some others combine the two. At Centratel, we charge for the work we do, not by the time we spend. The raw truth is that the only reliable way to determine monthly cost for a new service is to use that service for a solid month. Most answering services offer a 7-day free trial or no trial at all. With Centratel you get 30-days. 8. MONTHLY OR 28-DAY BILLING? Important! At Centratel, we use a “monthly” billing cycle in which invoices are compiled from the first day of a month through the last day of that month. When soliciting quotes from other services, be sure to ask if the base-rate charges are billed monthly or on a “28-day billing cycle.” There is no good reason for a 28-day billing cycle! It’s a sly manipulation by the answering service: customers billed on a 28-day cycle actually receive thirteen billings per year instead of twelve. 9.NO CONTRACT AND SIMPLE TERMS OF SERVICE We don’t ask for a term contract for service because you should be able to evaluate us in real time, without restraint. Our [terms of service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) are simple and straight-forward. 10.VALUABLE FREE GIFT FOR CONTACTING US If you take the time to discuss answering service with us, on that same day we will ship you a hardcover copy of Sam Carpenter’s bestselling book, [_Work The System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_](https://www.workthesystem.com/), now in its 5th edition. (Sam is Centatel’s very active CEO.) December 1st 2025 marked his forty first year of ownership.) * * * ## Footer ## HVAC Hold Time Risks - [Skip to primary navigation](https://www.centratel.com/blog/hvac-answering-service/what-is-very-bad-for-your-hvac-business-long-answering-service-hold-times/#genesis-nav-primary) - [Skip to main content](https://www.centratel.com/blog/hvac-answering-service/what-is-very-bad-for-your-hvac-business-long-answering-service-hold-times/#genesis-content) - [Skip to footer](https://www.centratel.com/blog/hvac-answering-service/what-is-very-bad-for-your-hvac-business-long-answering-service-hold-times/#genesis-footer-widgets) The Highest Quality Telephone Answering Service in the United States - [Make Payment](https://thepaymentportal.com/index.php?compcode=2C1A-9FF4-91CA-7F93) - [Client Login](https://oncall.centratel.com/) - [Follow Centratel on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centratel-answering-service/) - [Follow Centratel on Twitter](https://twitter.com/centratel) - [Follow Centratel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centratel) ![HVAC technician working while Centratel Answering Service manages his client's calls](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/feat-image-1.jpg) # What is Very Bad for Your HVAC Business? Long Answering Service Hold Times November 3, 2022 [HVAC](https://www.centratel.com/blog/hvac-answering-service/) By Sam Carpenter The answering service industry – like so many other service industry businesses caught up in these economically, politically and socially perplexing times – is dealing with a staff-shortage crisis. Our industry is in a negative flux, with legacy answering service businesses going broke and multi-national service providers scooping up the remains. In these challenging days, the average answering service owner is losing the battle to provide adequate Telephone Service Representative (TSR) staffing. And this translates to long hold times for your callers…and of course you know that asking your customers to sit on hold for too long means they will hang up (yes, annoyed with you, almost on a personal level) – and very possibly make a call to your HVAC competitor. You’ve noticed signs at restaurants asking you to… _“please be patient. We are understaffed and moving as quickly as we can.”_ That’s in an establishment where people communicate with each other face-to-face. In a relatively impersonal telephone call, the caller is far less forgiving. ![A desperete woman on the phone trying to reach a HVAC but stuck in a long hold time](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201024%20626'%3E%3C/svg%3E) What happens if your answering service just can’t handle a high volume of calls? Will your callers wait? If they won’t wait will they call back later? (Your current clients will call back, but a big percentage of your potential clients won’t.) Remember that the typical answering service serves hundreds if not thousands of clients; clients with personal and business needs just like yours. My industry’s term for too-much-call-traffic? We refer to this condition as “being swamped.” How does this translate to you, the HVAC operator? You lose business as your customers go to your competitors…and no small thing, your reputation suffers (and with that problematic reputation, potential clients won’t call you in the first place). Solution? Use an elite, high-quality answering service like Centratel. ## How does Centratel solve the “on-hold” problem? - We pay our people substantially more than industry standards and so we have a long-term career-oriented staff: many with ten years tenure. Some with twenty-five. - Monthly, individual TSR’s are eligible for a substantial bonus for accuracy and efficiency. - We routinely drug-test our people Our telephone service representatives are personally disciplined and 100% “present” with callers. Transactions are polite and swift; messages are flawlessly recorded and delivered. A TSR trainee can’t do that, and neither can a stoned TSR…). - Intelligent staffing protocols. Unlike most answering services, Centratel management provides a staffing schedule with one to two more operators than required. This means we’re prepared for the unpredictable and inevitable call-traffic surges. We very rarely find ourselves “swamped.” Remember that you can’t measure the potential clients who are silently lost due to long hold times, and neither can you measure the aggravation that your current customers endure. And you certainly can’t measure potential customers who never call you in the first place. ## Taking the Next Step * * * For a quick orientation on how we operate, take a moment to review one or more of the key points listed in Why Choose Centratel Q&A (scroll down the page if you are on a mobile phone) For more specifics on cost, to start the onboarding process, or if you have questions, fill out this form with your basic information and if it’s during regular working hours (M-F 8am to 8pm EST or 5am to 5pm PST), we’ll get back to you within minutes. Or, during the above hours, you can simply call us at 800-664-7159 or send us an email to [inquiry@centratel.com](mailto:inquiry@centratel.com). First Name \* Last Name \* Job Title Email \* Company \* Phone \* City \* State \*State \*AlabamaAlaskaArkansasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDistrict of ColumbiaDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming How did you hear about us? How did you hear about us? \*PostcardBook gift: Work the SystemLetterReferralOnline SearchWork The SystemFacebook Is your business one of our specialties \*Is your business one of our specialties \*MedicalHome Health/HospiceVeterinary24/7 BusinessHVACTrade ServiceProperty ManagementUtilityDisaster RestorationPlumbing What is your ONE primary concern with using an answering service? \*What is your primary concern with using an answering service? \*Professionalism of staffMessage delivery accuracy and timelinessConsistent high quality of serviceCost of serviceLiabilityConfidentialityOther Are you currently using a call center/telephone answering service? \* YesNo Requested service start date \*Requested service start date \*ASAPWithin 1 WeekWithin 2 WeeksWithin 1 MonthOther List any specific call requirements Submit [Terms of Service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) ### **Why Choose Centratel** **BY SAM CARPENTER** **February 1, 2026** 1.CENTRATEL’S UNIQUE 30-DAY FREE TRIAL Why is this important? Because it will provide you a truly accurate estimate of cost (we bill monthly), it will demonstrate our quality, and it gives both sides of this brand new relationship—you and Centratel—plenty of time to refine and perfect operational details. Here’s a testimonial from a new medical client that had just finished their 30-day trial: _“Of course, I love the cost as it is close to the amount I was allowed by the president of the company. I told him that if we did not continue with Centratel, I would resign as the Director of Customer Service, and I meant it. It’s a great fit. We have had NOT ONE complaint from a patient or in-house which, as you know, we received daily with our former answering service._ _I love you, Centratel, and the price. I’m ready to sign whatever documents you require._ _Thanks for the great service, and the free month_! _To a great partnership! -KB, Phoenix_“ 2.STATISTICALLY, THE BEST IN THE U.S.? Answering service quality is 100% dependent on human action and reaction, and in the course of a single day a multitude of human decisions are made by the people who process the calls: Telephone Service Representatives, or TSRs. (Some answering services refer to them as “agents.” Others, “operators.”) Like any other answering service, at Centratel we’re dealing with real live human beings and so human errors can occur. But within this labor intensive service industry that is historically known for marginal quality, Centratel’s error rate is light years ahead of established standards. Our most recent Customer Reported Error Rate (October through December, 2025) was 1 customer-reported error for every 7,017 message transactions processed. That statistic is unmatched. There’s no artificial intelligence manipulation, we do not offshore calls, and we were founded and have always operated within the United States. (Note that since early 2020, the COVID six-foot social distancing mandate drove thousands of small-to-medium sized answering services out of business. Large, often foreign-owned multi-nationals, disguised by the name of the local answering services they acquired, now thoroughly dominate the industry. Hence, an even further decline in general service quality. [See this analysis.](https://www.centratel.com/answering-service-phone-industry/)) 3.CUSTOMER SERVICE EXTRAORDINAIRE Your concerns will be instantly acted upon. It’s a work ethic that stands in stark contrast to the general decline in quality of human-to-human business communications. You’ve seen it yourself, all around. At Centratel you will know by name the customer service people you’re working with, appreciating their special listening abilities as well as their take-action-now comportment. e.g. see the testimonial in point #1 above. ‘Nuff said! 4.GETTING STARTED: IT’S SIMPLE AND FAST Getting your new Centratel answering service 30-day free trial up-and-running is accomplished within 24-48 hours. From the start, your “onboarding” customer service representative will be with you every step of the way **,** listening carefully to your concerns, answering questions and offering suggestions. 5.NEW TO USING AN ANSWERING SERVICE? The very large majority of our current answering service accounts switched to us from another service because of quality and/or cost problems. However, if you have not used a service before, you are not familiar with the options, benefits, and pitfalls. Our 30-day free trial provides you—and us—plenty of time to precisely refine your desired message-taking and delivery protocols; to get things exactly the way you want them to be without any financial risk, undue pressure, or obligation. 6.PRICING Starting at $150 per month, our rates lie in the mid-range of the industry. Note that we charge by the “transaction unit” rather than the duration of time spent handling calls. Large “mega-services” operating in the U.S. prefer time billing because it ensures the company is compensated for lower-paid/high-turnover — and thus slower — agents. _No matter the quality or how long they keep your callers on hold, they still make a profit_. And yes, it can get expensive, especially if caller on-hold time is also billed. In any answering service, it takes a long time for a new agent to become fast, efficient, and stable. At Centratel, we pamper and reward experienced agents (via high pay and great benefits) and therefore have extremely low staff turnover. Needless to say, experienced agents make fewer errors than trainees who learn on-the-job. And, transaction-unit billing is easy to understand. There is no room for fraud as in time-billing. We can easily document and explain any monthly billing we send you. 7.ACCURATELY COMPARING ANSWERING SERVICE PRICING IS COMPLICATED It’s apples and oranges. There isn’t an industry standard for billing, and each answering service has its own formula. Also, as noted above, some services charge by agent “time” while a few, like us, charge by “transaction units.” Some others combine the two. At Centratel, we charge for the work we do, not by the time we spend. The raw truth is that the only reliable way to determine monthly cost for a new service is to use that service for a solid month. Most answering services offer a 7-day free trial or no trial at all. With Centratel you get 30-days. 8. MONTHLY OR 28-DAY BILLING? Important! At Centratel, we use a “monthly” billing cycle in which invoices are compiled from the first day of a month through the last day of that month. When soliciting quotes from other services, be sure to ask if the base-rate charges are billed monthly or on a “28-day billing cycle.” There is no good reason for a 28-day billing cycle! It’s a sly manipulation by the answering service: customers billed on a 28-day cycle actually receive thirteen billings per year instead of twelve. 9.NO CONTRACT AND SIMPLE TERMS OF SERVICE We don’t ask for a term contract for service because you should be able to evaluate us in real time, without restraint. Our [terms of service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) are simple and straight-forward. 10.VALUABLE FREE GIFT FOR CONTACTING US If you take the time to discuss answering service with us, on that same day we will ship you a hardcover copy of Sam Carpenter’s bestselling book, [_Work The System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_](https://www.workthesystem.com/), now in its 5th edition. (Sam is Centatel’s very active CEO.) December 1st 2025 marked his forty first year of ownership.) * * * ## Footer ## Elite Property Management Service - [Skip to primary navigation](https://www.centratel.com/blog/property-management-answering-service/the-elite-quality-answering-service-for-property-managers/#genesis-nav-primary) - [Skip to main content](https://www.centratel.com/blog/property-management-answering-service/the-elite-quality-answering-service-for-property-managers/#genesis-content) - [Skip to footer](https://www.centratel.com/blog/property-management-answering-service/the-elite-quality-answering-service-for-property-managers/#genesis-footer-widgets) The Highest Quality Telephone Answering Service in the United States - [Make Payment](https://thepaymentportal.com/index.php?compcode=2C1A-9FF4-91CA-7F93) - [Client Login](https://oncall.centratel.com/) - [Follow Centratel on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centratel-answering-service/) - [Follow Centratel on Twitter](https://twitter.com/centratel) - [Follow Centratel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centratel) ![A property manager happy to have Centratel answering service managing business calls](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/feat-image_ok.jpg) # The Elite-Quality Answering Service for Property Managers September 1, 2022 [Property Management](https://www.centratel.com/blog/property-management-answering-service/) By Sam Carpenter By Sam Carpenter First, here’s overview of what an answering service actually does…and the profound disarray affecting the industry. As a prelude, it’s relevant to mention that over 90% of property management companies employ an after-hours answering service. For a property management company, an answering service takes incoming calls from tenants, vendors, home or apartment building owners and then either takes a message for later delivery, or in an urgent situation, connects the caller to the property management on-call representative. Of course, the property management company relies heavily on the after-hours services of an answering service. But many property managers also engage their service to handle overflow daytime call traffic. In summary, property Management answering service accounts: - are small but complex, - must have timely and critical decision-making, and - require additional steps beyond simple information gathering. There are approximately 800 answering services in the United States. As I write this, many are in a downhill frenzy because of COVID19 mandates and related complications. Profits are down and like so many small businesses, “it’s hard to find good help.” Industry consolidation is ramped-up and so the total number of answering service providers is rapidly decreasing. The mega-size services gobbling up the small answering services are oftentimes foreign-owned and service quality thus suffers accordingly. And so, there a lot of unhappy property managers out there right now. An answering service is a profoundly complex business model all by itself, without added government-created chaos and uncertainty. Here’s why there is complexity in the industry, even in the best of times: to succeed as a business, a service must provide a sequential [emergency message delivery protocol](https://www.centratel.com/faq/#zerodefect) that is fail-safe. The demands on telephone service representatives (TSRs) are intense. There is constant decision-making within a fast-moving framework. The TSR must demonstrate one-on-one personal communication expertise including the ability to understand a wide-ranging array of cultural subtleties. A [Solid command of the English language](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/language-for-answering-service/), both spoken and written, is essential (and not a small thing, that means answering service calls _must_ be processed within the United States). For a property management company – after-hours and during business hours – the caller must be handled with concern and empathy by a TSR who must have a firm grasp of their responsibilities to the client and who understands the subtleties of the industry. For instance, consider other answering service vertical markets: visualize a panicked mother who calls late at night to reach her doctor to see what to do about her sick infant. Consider a grocery store manager who phones their HVAC company to report a large freezer unit is down with the potential loss of a huge investment in frozen goods within a matter of hours. Or imagine the emotional plight of an elderly woman calling a funeral home in the middle of the night to say her husband of fifty years has just passed away. You can fill in the blanks regarding the variety of issues that arise in your own property management business. The nature of the message-taking and message-delivery are no less critical. Centratel answering service’s operating methodology is described in my book _Work The System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_. First published in 2008, the extensively updated fourth edition was published in 2021. You can buy it online at [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Work-System-Fourth-Mechanics-Working/dp/1626347697/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1X4WAL4SPIFN2&dchild=1&keywords=work+the+system&qid=1614933360&s=books&sprefix=work+the+system%2Caps%2C181&sr=1-1) or in your local book store. If you operate or manage a business and call us to inquire about answering service, we’ll mail you a hard-cover copy for free. P.S. For guidance in interviewing a potential [answering service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/answering-service-definition/) or call center, see “ [10 Questions to Ask](https://www.centratel.com/ten-questions-ask-prospective-answering-service/).” And, here are the [four measures of a top quality answering service.](https://www.centratel.com/faq/#highest) ## Taking the Next Step * * * For a quick orientation on how we operate, take a moment to review one or more of the key points listed in Why Choose Centratel Q&A (scroll down the page if you are on a mobile phone) For more specifics on cost, to start the onboarding process, or if you have questions, fill out this form with your basic information and if it’s during regular working hours (M-F 8am to 8pm EST or 5am to 5pm PST), we’ll get back to you within minutes. Or, during the above hours, you can simply call us at 800-664-7159 or send us an email to [inquiry@centratel.com](mailto:inquiry@centratel.com). First Name \* Last Name \* Job Title Email \* Company \* Phone \* City \* State \*State \*AlabamaAlaskaArkansasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDistrict of ColumbiaDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming How did you hear about us? How did you hear about us? \*PostcardBook gift: Work the SystemLetterReferralOnline SearchWork The SystemFacebook Is your business one of our specialties \*Is your business one of our specialties \*MedicalHome Health/HospiceVeterinary24/7 BusinessHVACTrade ServiceProperty ManagementUtilityDisaster RestorationPlumbing What is your ONE primary concern with using an answering service? \*What is your primary concern with using an answering service? \*Professionalism of staffMessage delivery accuracy and timelinessConsistent high quality of serviceCost of serviceLiabilityConfidentialityOther Are you currently using a call center/telephone answering service? \* YesNo Requested service start date \*Requested service start date \*ASAPWithin 1 WeekWithin 2 WeeksWithin 1 MonthOther List any specific call requirements Submit [Terms of Service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) ### **Why Choose Centratel** **BY SAM CARPENTER** **February 1, 2026** 1.CENTRATEL’S UNIQUE 30-DAY FREE TRIAL Why is this important? Because it will provide you a truly accurate estimate of cost (we bill monthly), it will demonstrate our quality, and it gives both sides of this brand new relationship—you and Centratel—plenty of time to refine and perfect operational details. Here’s a testimonial from a new medical client that had just finished their 30-day trial: _“Of course, I love the cost as it is close to the amount I was allowed by the president of the company. I told him that if we did not continue with Centratel, I would resign as the Director of Customer Service, and I meant it. It’s a great fit. We have had NOT ONE complaint from a patient or in-house which, as you know, we received daily with our former answering service._ _I love you, Centratel, and the price. I’m ready to sign whatever documents you require._ _Thanks for the great service, and the free month_! _To a great partnership! -KB, Phoenix_“ 2.STATISTICALLY, THE BEST IN THE U.S.? Answering service quality is 100% dependent on human action and reaction, and in the course of a single day a multitude of human decisions are made by the people who process the calls: Telephone Service Representatives, or TSRs. (Some answering services refer to them as “agents.” Others, “operators.”) Like any other answering service, at Centratel we’re dealing with real live human beings and so human errors can occur. But within this labor intensive service industry that is historically known for marginal quality, Centratel’s error rate is light years ahead of established standards. Our most recent Customer Reported Error Rate (October through December, 2025) was 1 customer-reported error for every 7,017 message transactions processed. That statistic is unmatched. There’s no artificial intelligence manipulation, we do not offshore calls, and we were founded and have always operated within the United States. (Note that since early 2020, the COVID six-foot social distancing mandate drove thousands of small-to-medium sized answering services out of business. Large, often foreign-owned multi-nationals, disguised by the name of the local answering services they acquired, now thoroughly dominate the industry. Hence, an even further decline in general service quality. [See this analysis.](https://www.centratel.com/answering-service-phone-industry/)) 3.CUSTOMER SERVICE EXTRAORDINAIRE Your concerns will be instantly acted upon. It’s a work ethic that stands in stark contrast to the general decline in quality of human-to-human business communications. You’ve seen it yourself, all around. At Centratel you will know by name the customer service people you’re working with, appreciating their special listening abilities as well as their take-action-now comportment. e.g. see the testimonial in point #1 above. ‘Nuff said! 4.GETTING STARTED: IT’S SIMPLE AND FAST Getting your new Centratel answering service 30-day free trial up-and-running is accomplished within 24-48 hours. From the start, your “onboarding” customer service representative will be with you every step of the way **,** listening carefully to your concerns, answering questions and offering suggestions. 5.NEW TO USING AN ANSWERING SERVICE? The very large majority of our current answering service accounts switched to us from another service because of quality and/or cost problems. However, if you have not used a service before, you are not familiar with the options, benefits, and pitfalls. Our 30-day free trial provides you—and us—plenty of time to precisely refine your desired message-taking and delivery protocols; to get things exactly the way you want them to be without any financial risk, undue pressure, or obligation. 6.PRICING Starting at $150 per month, our rates lie in the mid-range of the industry. Note that we charge by the “transaction unit” rather than the duration of time spent handling calls. Large “mega-services” operating in the U.S. prefer time billing because it ensures the company is compensated for lower-paid/high-turnover — and thus slower — agents. _No matter the quality or how long they keep your callers on hold, they still make a profit_. And yes, it can get expensive, especially if caller on-hold time is also billed. In any answering service, it takes a long time for a new agent to become fast, efficient, and stable. At Centratel, we pamper and reward experienced agents (via high pay and great benefits) and therefore have extremely low staff turnover. Needless to say, experienced agents make fewer errors than trainees who learn on-the-job. And, transaction-unit billing is easy to understand. There is no room for fraud as in time-billing. We can easily document and explain any monthly billing we send you. 7.ACCURATELY COMPARING ANSWERING SERVICE PRICING IS COMPLICATED It’s apples and oranges. There isn’t an industry standard for billing, and each answering service has its own formula. Also, as noted above, some services charge by agent “time” while a few, like us, charge by “transaction units.” Some others combine the two. At Centratel, we charge for the work we do, not by the time we spend. The raw truth is that the only reliable way to determine monthly cost for a new service is to use that service for a solid month. Most answering services offer a 7-day free trial or no trial at all. With Centratel you get 30-days. 8. MONTHLY OR 28-DAY BILLING? Important! At Centratel, we use a “monthly” billing cycle in which invoices are compiled from the first day of a month through the last day of that month. When soliciting quotes from other services, be sure to ask if the base-rate charges are billed monthly or on a “28-day billing cycle.” There is no good reason for a 28-day billing cycle! It’s a sly manipulation by the answering service: customers billed on a 28-day cycle actually receive thirteen billings per year instead of twelve. 9.NO CONTRACT AND SIMPLE TERMS OF SERVICE We don’t ask for a term contract for service because you should be able to evaluate us in real time, without restraint. Our [terms of service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) are simple and straight-forward. 10.VALUABLE FREE GIFT FOR CONTACTING US If you take the time to discuss answering service with us, on that same day we will ship you a hardcover copy of Sam Carpenter’s bestselling book, [_Work The System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_](https://www.workthesystem.com/), now in its 5th edition. (Sam is Centatel’s very active CEO.) December 1st 2025 marked his forty first year of ownership.) * * * ## Footer ## Tweak HVAC Communications - [Skip to primary navigation](https://www.centratel.com/blog/hvac-answering-service/first-tweak-your-communications/#genesis-nav-primary) - [Skip to main content](https://www.centratel.com/blog/hvac-answering-service/first-tweak-your-communications/#genesis-content) - [Skip to footer](https://www.centratel.com/blog/hvac-answering-service/first-tweak-your-communications/#genesis-footer-widgets) The Highest Quality Telephone Answering Service in the United States - [Make Payment](https://thepaymentportal.com/index.php?compcode=2C1A-9FF4-91CA-7F93) - [Client Login](https://oncall.centratel.com/) - [Follow Centratel on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centratel-answering-service/) - [Follow Centratel on Twitter](https://twitter.com/centratel) - [Follow Centratel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centratel) ![HVAC business owners working togheter on the field](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201500%20917'%3E%3C/svg%3E) # First, Tweak Your Communications August 18, 2022 [HVAC](https://www.centratel.com/blog/hvac-answering-service/) By Sam Carpenter By Sam Carpenter I’m a telecommunications specialist and a provider of HVAC answering service, and have been for nearly four decades. And, by a variety of statistics, Centratel is the highest quality answering service in the country. Take it from me, and know this for sure: for the average HVAC business, a fast, simple, and incredibly potent system improvement is to upgrade — perhaps even revamp — your internal and external communications protocols. Times change and they change fast, and so must you if you are to keep up with your competition. Are you still operating with tools and protocols that have their roots in decades past? If you are, know that you have competitors who haven’t fallen into that trap. I’m also an author. Here’s an excerpt from Chapter 18, Hyper-Communications: Grease for the Wheels, from my business book _Work the System, the Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less._ You will find the message completely relatable in that a huge percentage of industry businesses fail to pay attention to the very simple mechanics of their communication protocols. See what you think… _“(I have found that) in the world of framers, plumbers, electricians, roofers, and concrete professionals, there is an interesting commonality among the inexperienced: it is difficult to communicate with them. Phones go unanswered, messages are left with no return calls forthcoming, and/or voice-mail boxes are full. The subcontractor has gone missing. One has to wonder how these people stay in business (and I know for sure that most of them don’t). The dysfunctional communication system is a reflection of the new subcontractor’s chaotic business methodology in which he or she is so wrapped up in doing the work and reactionary fire killing, that insidious inefficiency goes undetected as it quietly devours profits. It’s a profound error of omission in which potential and paying customers are relegated to the bottom of the priority list.”_ That’s just crazy, don’t you think? My strong advice? First, if you identify an employee or an associate or a service provider…or even just an acquaintance… who treats their communications as critically important, do what you need to do to maintain the relationship. You want them in your life. What’s a quick indication of someone who cares about their customers and employees? Telephone calls are returned quickly. That’s just one indicator. Here’s another: it’s easy for people to get quick attention after-hours. They don’t have to solve a puzzle (a complex voice mail menu, for example) to accomplish that. Second, what about _you_ personally as well as within your HVAC operation? How effective are your communication tools and methods? Know that if the mechanical protocols within your business are of average quality, then there is much that can be improved. In most small to medium-sized businesses, “average” is usually not very good! If this is you, i promise it won’t take much tweaking to jump ahead of your HVAC industry competition. You just need to focus on the details and “work your systems” to higher efficiency. So, examine your communications systems today. Upgrading inside and outside protocols and tools is perhaps the quickest, simplest and most potent system improvement you can make as you begin to leap ahead of your competition. The first step? Take care of your customers and potential customers after-hours, considering an elite-quality HVAC answering service. ## Taking the Next Step * * * For a quick orientation on how we operate, take a moment to review one or more of the key points listed in Why Choose Centratel Q&A (scroll down the page if you are on a mobile phone) For more specifics on cost, to start the onboarding process, or if you have questions, fill out this form with your basic information and if it’s during regular working hours (M-F 8am to 8pm EST or 5am to 5pm PST), we’ll get back to you within minutes. Or, during the above hours, you can simply call us at 800-664-7159 or send us an email to [inquiry@centratel.com](mailto:inquiry@centratel.com). First Name \* Last Name \* Job Title Email \* Company \* Phone \* City \* State \*State \*AlabamaAlaskaArkansasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDistrict of ColumbiaDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming How did you hear about us? How did you hear about us? \*PostcardBook gift: Work the SystemLetterReferralOnline SearchWork The SystemFacebook Is your business one of our specialties \*Is your business one of our specialties \*MedicalHome Health/HospiceVeterinary24/7 BusinessHVACTrade ServiceProperty ManagementUtilityDisaster RestorationPlumbing What is your ONE primary concern with using an answering service? \*What is your primary concern with using an answering service? \*Professionalism of staffMessage delivery accuracy and timelinessConsistent high quality of serviceCost of serviceLiabilityConfidentialityOther Are you currently using a call center/telephone answering service? \* YesNo Requested service start date \*Requested service start date \*ASAPWithin 1 WeekWithin 2 WeeksWithin 1 MonthOther List any specific call requirements Submit [Terms of Service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) ### **Why Choose Centratel** **BY SAM CARPENTER** **February 1, 2026** 1.CENTRATEL’S UNIQUE 30-DAY FREE TRIAL Why is this important? Because it will provide you a truly accurate estimate of cost (we bill monthly), it will demonstrate our quality, and it gives both sides of this brand new relationship—you and Centratel—plenty of time to refine and perfect operational details. Here’s a testimonial from a new medical client that had just finished their 30-day trial: _“Of course, I love the cost as it is close to the amount I was allowed by the president of the company. I told him that if we did not continue with Centratel, I would resign as the Director of Customer Service, and I meant it. It’s a great fit. We have had NOT ONE complaint from a patient or in-house which, as you know, we received daily with our former answering service._ _I love you, Centratel, and the price. I’m ready to sign whatever documents you require._ _Thanks for the great service, and the free month_! _To a great partnership! -KB, Phoenix_“ 2.STATISTICALLY, THE BEST IN THE U.S.? Answering service quality is 100% dependent on human action and reaction, and in the course of a single day a multitude of human decisions are made by the people who process the calls: Telephone Service Representatives, or TSRs. (Some answering services refer to them as “agents.” Others, “operators.”) Like any other answering service, at Centratel we’re dealing with real live human beings and so human errors can occur. But within this labor intensive service industry that is historically known for marginal quality, Centratel’s error rate is light years ahead of established standards. Our most recent Customer Reported Error Rate (October through December, 2025) was 1 customer-reported error for every 7,017 message transactions processed. That statistic is unmatched. There’s no artificial intelligence manipulation, we do not offshore calls, and we were founded and have always operated within the United States. (Note that since early 2020, the COVID six-foot social distancing mandate drove thousands of small-to-medium sized answering services out of business. Large, often foreign-owned multi-nationals, disguised by the name of the local answering services they acquired, now thoroughly dominate the industry. Hence, an even further decline in general service quality. [See this analysis.](https://www.centratel.com/answering-service-phone-industry/)) 3.CUSTOMER SERVICE EXTRAORDINAIRE Your concerns will be instantly acted upon. It’s a work ethic that stands in stark contrast to the general decline in quality of human-to-human business communications. You’ve seen it yourself, all around. At Centratel you will know by name the customer service people you’re working with, appreciating their special listening abilities as well as their take-action-now comportment. e.g. see the testimonial in point #1 above. ‘Nuff said! 4.GETTING STARTED: IT’S SIMPLE AND FAST Getting your new Centratel answering service 30-day free trial up-and-running is accomplished within 24-48 hours. From the start, your “onboarding” customer service representative will be with you every step of the way **,** listening carefully to your concerns, answering questions and offering suggestions. 5.NEW TO USING AN ANSWERING SERVICE? The very large majority of our current answering service accounts switched to us from another service because of quality and/or cost problems. However, if you have not used a service before, you are not familiar with the options, benefits, and pitfalls. Our 30-day free trial provides you—and us—plenty of time to precisely refine your desired message-taking and delivery protocols; to get things exactly the way you want them to be without any financial risk, undue pressure, or obligation. 6.PRICING Starting at $150 per month, our rates lie in the mid-range of the industry. Note that we charge by the “transaction unit” rather than the duration of time spent handling calls. Large “mega-services” operating in the U.S. prefer time billing because it ensures the company is compensated for lower-paid/high-turnover — and thus slower — agents. _No matter the quality or how long they keep your callers on hold, they still make a profit_. And yes, it can get expensive, especially if caller on-hold time is also billed. In any answering service, it takes a long time for a new agent to become fast, efficient, and stable. At Centratel, we pamper and reward experienced agents (via high pay and great benefits) and therefore have extremely low staff turnover. Needless to say, experienced agents make fewer errors than trainees who learn on-the-job. And, transaction-unit billing is easy to understand. There is no room for fraud as in time-billing. We can easily document and explain any monthly billing we send you. 7.ACCURATELY COMPARING ANSWERING SERVICE PRICING IS COMPLICATED It’s apples and oranges. There isn’t an industry standard for billing, and each answering service has its own formula. Also, as noted above, some services charge by agent “time” while a few, like us, charge by “transaction units.” Some others combine the two. At Centratel, we charge for the work we do, not by the time we spend. The raw truth is that the only reliable way to determine monthly cost for a new service is to use that service for a solid month. Most answering services offer a 7-day free trial or no trial at all. With Centratel you get 30-days. 8. MONTHLY OR 28-DAY BILLING? Important! At Centratel, we use a “monthly” billing cycle in which invoices are compiled from the first day of a month through the last day of that month. When soliciting quotes from other services, be sure to ask if the base-rate charges are billed monthly or on a “28-day billing cycle.” There is no good reason for a 28-day billing cycle! It’s a sly manipulation by the answering service: customers billed on a 28-day cycle actually receive thirteen billings per year instead of twelve. 9.NO CONTRACT AND SIMPLE TERMS OF SERVICE We don’t ask for a term contract for service because you should be able to evaluate us in real time, without restraint. Our [terms of service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) are simple and straight-forward. 10.VALUABLE FREE GIFT FOR CONTACTING US If you take the time to discuss answering service with us, on that same day we will ship you a hardcover copy of Sam Carpenter’s bestselling book, [_Work The System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_](https://www.workthesystem.com/), now in its 5th edition. (Sam is Centatel’s very active CEO.) December 1st 2025 marked his forty first year of ownership.) * * * ## Footer ## Elite Answering Service - [Skip to primary navigation](https://www.centratel.com/blog/home-healthcare-hospice-answering-service/the-superb-partnership-employing-an-elite-quality-answering-service/#genesis-nav-primary) - [Skip to main content](https://www.centratel.com/blog/home-healthcare-hospice-answering-service/the-superb-partnership-employing-an-elite-quality-answering-service/#genesis-content) - [Skip to footer](https://www.centratel.com/blog/home-healthcare-hospice-answering-service/the-superb-partnership-employing-an-elite-quality-answering-service/#genesis-footer-widgets) The Highest Quality Telephone Answering Service in the United States - [Make Payment](https://thepaymentportal.com/index.php?compcode=2C1A-9FF4-91CA-7F93) - [Client Login](https://oncall.centratel.com/) - [Follow Centratel on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centratel-answering-service/) - [Follow Centratel on Twitter](https://twitter.com/centratel) - [Follow Centratel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centratel) ![A home health care doctor shaking hands and providing the perfect partnership](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/feat-image-1.jpg) # The Superb Partnership: Employing an Elite-quality Answering Service July 28, 2022 [Home Healthcare & Hospice](https://www.centratel.com/blog/home-healthcare-hospice-answering-service/) By Sam Carpenter For great customer service _and_ a better bottom-line, here’s why a partnership with an elite-quality answering service is a smart decision for Home Healthcare and Hospice businesses. The reality is that family members will call for assistance 24/7/365. And, so many times they want to talk to someone _now._ Of course, patients and residents want that kind of immediate access too. How, exactly, are you handling these calls during office hours and after-hours? And it’s not just the immediacy aspect. Every time, you want to greet these callers with a serene, professional “live” human being, _not_ voice mail. This must be someone who cares and knows precisely what they’re doing. Sure, instant attention is not always possible, especially after-hours. However, a friendly, professional voice greeting whoever is calling goes a long way to reducing anxiety and to actually securing attention for the family member or patient. _No one calling in to your business likes voice mail!_ It’s mechanical and slow, and who knows if a message will be heard and then acted upon? In direct contrast, an answering service – during office hours to handle over-flow traffic and after-hours for urgent situations – instantly provides the “human factor.” This is the quiet confident human touch that so often gets lost in the shuffle. ![Protected Health Information files kept safe by Centratel HIPAA Compliant answering service](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/inner-image-1-1024x626.jpg) Yes, an elite answering service will provide bullet-proof emergency call management and message delivery escalation too. And for daytime or after-hours non-emergency message delivery, there are a multitude of options. And there’s this: one-on-one nursing is expensive. It’s better to focus nurses’ time and talents on patients, not answering phones. And for your marketing and sales, know that missed calls means missed revenue. And always remember, one can’t measure the lost business, the business that never appears! And finally, providing a caring, compassionate and professional live real-person to handle calls improves patient care and caller satisfaction. This soft, background touch will benefit everyone in your operation…and help you grow. You know it’s true! And make sure your new answering service is a qualified, HIPAA compliant service. -Sam Carpenter ## Taking the Next Step * * * For a quick orientation on how we operate, take a moment to review one or more of the key points listed in Why Choose Centratel Q&A (scroll down the page if you are on a mobile phone) For more specifics on cost, to start the onboarding process, or if you have questions, fill out this form with your basic information and if it’s during regular working hours (M-F 8am to 8pm EST or 5am to 5pm PST), we’ll get back to you within minutes. Or, during the above hours, you can simply call us at 800-664-7159 or send us an email to [inquiry@centratel.com](mailto:inquiry@centratel.com). First Name \* Last Name \* Job Title Email \* Company \* Phone \* City \* State \*State \*AlabamaAlaskaArkansasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDistrict of ColumbiaDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming How did you hear about us? How did you hear about us? \*PostcardBook gift: Work the SystemLetterReferralOnline SearchWork The SystemFacebook Is your business one of our specialties \*Is your business one of our specialties \*MedicalHome Health/HospiceVeterinary24/7 BusinessHVACTrade ServiceProperty ManagementUtilityDisaster RestorationPlumbing What is your ONE primary concern with using an answering service? \*What is your primary concern with using an answering service? \*Professionalism of staffMessage delivery accuracy and timelinessConsistent high quality of serviceCost of serviceLiabilityConfidentialityOther Are you currently using a call center/telephone answering service? \* YesNo Requested service start date \*Requested service start date \*ASAPWithin 1 WeekWithin 2 WeeksWithin 1 MonthOther List any specific call requirements Submit [Terms of Service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) ### **Why Choose Centratel** **BY SAM CARPENTER** **February 1, 2026** 1.CENTRATEL’S UNIQUE 30-DAY FREE TRIAL Why is this important? Because it will provide you a truly accurate estimate of cost (we bill monthly), it will demonstrate our quality, and it gives both sides of this brand new relationship—you and Centratel—plenty of time to refine and perfect operational details. Here’s a testimonial from a new medical client that had just finished their 30-day trial: _“Of course, I love the cost as it is close to the amount I was allowed by the president of the company. I told him that if we did not continue with Centratel, I would resign as the Director of Customer Service, and I meant it. It’s a great fit. We have had NOT ONE complaint from a patient or in-house which, as you know, we received daily with our former answering service._ _I love you, Centratel, and the price. I’m ready to sign whatever documents you require._ _Thanks for the great service, and the free month_! _To a great partnership! -KB, Phoenix_“ 2.STATISTICALLY, THE BEST IN THE U.S.? Answering service quality is 100% dependent on human action and reaction, and in the course of a single day a multitude of human decisions are made by the people who process the calls: Telephone Service Representatives, or TSRs. (Some answering services refer to them as “agents.” Others, “operators.”) Like any other answering service, at Centratel we’re dealing with real live human beings and so human errors can occur. But within this labor intensive service industry that is historically known for marginal quality, Centratel’s error rate is light years ahead of established standards. Our most recent Customer Reported Error Rate (October through December, 2025) was 1 customer-reported error for every 7,017 message transactions processed. That statistic is unmatched. There’s no artificial intelligence manipulation, we do not offshore calls, and we were founded and have always operated within the United States. (Note that since early 2020, the COVID six-foot social distancing mandate drove thousands of small-to-medium sized answering services out of business. Large, often foreign-owned multi-nationals, disguised by the name of the local answering services they acquired, now thoroughly dominate the industry. Hence, an even further decline in general service quality. [See this analysis.](https://www.centratel.com/answering-service-phone-industry/)) 3.CUSTOMER SERVICE EXTRAORDINAIRE Your concerns will be instantly acted upon. It’s a work ethic that stands in stark contrast to the general decline in quality of human-to-human business communications. You’ve seen it yourself, all around. At Centratel you will know by name the customer service people you’re working with, appreciating their special listening abilities as well as their take-action-now comportment. e.g. see the testimonial in point #1 above. ‘Nuff said! 4.GETTING STARTED: IT’S SIMPLE AND FAST Getting your new Centratel answering service 30-day free trial up-and-running is accomplished within 24-48 hours. From the start, your “onboarding” customer service representative will be with you every step of the way **,** listening carefully to your concerns, answering questions and offering suggestions. 5.NEW TO USING AN ANSWERING SERVICE? The very large majority of our current answering service accounts switched to us from another service because of quality and/or cost problems. However, if you have not used a service before, you are not familiar with the options, benefits, and pitfalls. Our 30-day free trial provides you—and us—plenty of time to precisely refine your desired message-taking and delivery protocols; to get things exactly the way you want them to be without any financial risk, undue pressure, or obligation. 6.PRICING Starting at $150 per month, our rates lie in the mid-range of the industry. Note that we charge by the “transaction unit” rather than the duration of time spent handling calls. Large “mega-services” operating in the U.S. prefer time billing because it ensures the company is compensated for lower-paid/high-turnover — and thus slower — agents. _No matter the quality or how long they keep your callers on hold, they still make a profit_. And yes, it can get expensive, especially if caller on-hold time is also billed. In any answering service, it takes a long time for a new agent to become fast, efficient, and stable. At Centratel, we pamper and reward experienced agents (via high pay and great benefits) and therefore have extremely low staff turnover. Needless to say, experienced agents make fewer errors than trainees who learn on-the-job. And, transaction-unit billing is easy to understand. There is no room for fraud as in time-billing. We can easily document and explain any monthly billing we send you. 7.ACCURATELY COMPARING ANSWERING SERVICE PRICING IS COMPLICATED It’s apples and oranges. There isn’t an industry standard for billing, and each answering service has its own formula. Also, as noted above, some services charge by agent “time” while a few, like us, charge by “transaction units.” Some others combine the two. At Centratel, we charge for the work we do, not by the time we spend. The raw truth is that the only reliable way to determine monthly cost for a new service is to use that service for a solid month. Most answering services offer a 7-day free trial or no trial at all. With Centratel you get 30-days. 8. MONTHLY OR 28-DAY BILLING? Important! At Centratel, we use a “monthly” billing cycle in which invoices are compiled from the first day of a month through the last day of that month. When soliciting quotes from other services, be sure to ask if the base-rate charges are billed monthly or on a “28-day billing cycle.” There is no good reason for a 28-day billing cycle! It’s a sly manipulation by the answering service: customers billed on a 28-day cycle actually receive thirteen billings per year instead of twelve. 9.NO CONTRACT AND SIMPLE TERMS OF SERVICE We don’t ask for a term contract for service because you should be able to evaluate us in real time, without restraint. Our [terms of service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) are simple and straight-forward. 10.VALUABLE FREE GIFT FOR CONTACTING US If you take the time to discuss answering service with us, on that same day we will ship you a hardcover copy of Sam Carpenter’s bestselling book, [_Work The System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_](https://www.workthesystem.com/), now in its 5th edition. (Sam is Centatel’s very active CEO.) December 1st 2025 marked his forty first year of ownership.) * * * ## Footer ## Veterinary Answering Services Advantage - [Skip to primary navigation](https://www.centratel.com/blog/veterinary-answering-service/a-potent-advantage-for-the-veterinarian/#genesis-nav-primary) - [Skip to main content](https://www.centratel.com/blog/veterinary-answering-service/a-potent-advantage-for-the-veterinarian/#genesis-content) - [Skip to footer](https://www.centratel.com/blog/veterinary-answering-service/a-potent-advantage-for-the-veterinarian/#genesis-footer-widgets) The Highest Quality Telephone Answering Service in the United States - [Make Payment](https://thepaymentportal.com/index.php?compcode=2C1A-9FF4-91CA-7F93) - [Client Login](https://oncall.centratel.com/) - [Follow Centratel on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centratel-answering-service/) - [Follow Centratel on Twitter](https://twitter.com/centratel) - [Follow Centratel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centratel) ![A brand-new veterinarian that choosed an elite-quality Answering Service like Centratel](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/feat-image_ok.jpg) # A Potent Advantage for the Veterinarian June 16, 2022 [Veterinary](https://www.centratel.com/blog/veterinary-answering-service/) By Sam Carpenter In any veterinary practice, providing excellent care and competitive prices _must_ happen, but in the flurry of day-to-day fire-killing, what is too-often overlooked are simple mechanical human-to-human communication mechanics. These are quiet mechanics that add calm to an operation while enhancing the bottom-line. There will always be the brand-new veterinarian, just out of vet school and creating a practice, who is overflowing with enthusiasm and therefore willing to work long, long hours with cut-rate pricing. How does one compete? It can be a simple thing, really. As these oh-so-young and new-to-business professionals dig in to their new practices, and no matter their abilities and pricing, internal chaos often ensues and quality customer service – during business office hours and after-hours – comes crashing down. In your own market, my bet is you’ve witnessed it yourself. (And of course this scenario is not limited to veterinary practices). And it’s my guess you’ve seen this too: some long-established veterinary operations continue to survive despite their own imbedded semi-dysfunctional customer service. _Perhaps this is you?_ The classic example? It’s a complex voice mail menu that frustrates callers and silently drives them to the competition. Yes, voicemail is cheap, but it’s expensive in the long-run. ![A veterinarian's assistant exhausted from listening voice mail messages from clients](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/inner-image_ok-1024x626.jpg) Know this for sure: because of it, it’s impossible to measure the number of potential clients one never gets. And what’s worse than voice mail? It’s a surly voice greeting the caller, obviously annoyed at yet another inquiry. The simple solution to these communications dilemmas is to employ an elite-quality 24/7/365 veterinary answering service that, after-hours, expertly and empathetically captures calls, immediately identifying those with immediate needs, while processing office inquiries that will be handled later. This same service can expertly handle daytime office-hours overflow calls, too. Where do you find this kind of super-answering service that has long-term experience in veterinary practices? In a churning and Covid-distracted world, and within an answering service industry that has historically not been known for reliable and cost-effective service, it’s not easy. But, _when your quality-of-doctor care and prices are already competitive_, _an elite answering service IS a potent counter-measure to burgeoning competition that is not paying attention ._ Truth is, a large percentage of veterinarians miss this, scrimping in the after-hours and even during office hours, creating road-blocks for customers and potential customers. And it’s an easy step for improving that ongoing gross-revenue problem on the P&L statement. Yes, this actually is an easy step once you find a veterinary answering service that is of premier quality. Get help now and watch your practice jump ahead! ## Taking the Next Step * * * For a quick orientation on how we operate, take a moment to review one or more of the key points listed in Why Choose Centratel Q&A (scroll down the page if you are on a mobile phone) For more specifics on cost, to start the onboarding process, or if you have questions, fill out this form with your basic information and if it’s during regular working hours (M-F 8am to 8pm EST or 5am to 5pm PST), we’ll get back to you within minutes. Or, during the above hours, you can simply call us at 800-664-7159 or send us an email to [inquiry@centratel.com](mailto:inquiry@centratel.com). First Name \* Last Name \* Job Title Email \* Company \* Phone \* City \* State \*State \*AlabamaAlaskaArkansasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDistrict of ColumbiaDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming How did you hear about us? How did you hear about us? \*PostcardBook gift: Work the SystemLetterReferralOnline SearchWork The SystemFacebook Is your business one of our specialties \*Is your business one of our specialties \*MedicalHome Health/HospiceVeterinary24/7 BusinessHVACTrade ServiceProperty ManagementUtilityDisaster RestorationPlumbing What is your ONE primary concern with using an answering service? \*What is your primary concern with using an answering service? \*Professionalism of staffMessage delivery accuracy and timelinessConsistent high quality of serviceCost of serviceLiabilityConfidentialityOther Are you currently using a call center/telephone answering service? \* YesNo Requested service start date \*Requested service start date \*ASAPWithin 1 WeekWithin 2 WeeksWithin 1 MonthOther List any specific call requirements Submit [Terms of Service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) ### **Why Choose Centratel** **BY SAM CARPENTER** **February 1, 2026** 1.CENTRATEL’S UNIQUE 30-DAY FREE TRIAL Why is this important? Because it will provide you a truly accurate estimate of cost (we bill monthly), it will demonstrate our quality, and it gives both sides of this brand new relationship—you and Centratel—plenty of time to refine and perfect operational details. Here’s a testimonial from a new medical client that had just finished their 30-day trial: _“Of course, I love the cost as it is close to the amount I was allowed by the president of the company. I told him that if we did not continue with Centratel, I would resign as the Director of Customer Service, and I meant it. It’s a great fit. We have had NOT ONE complaint from a patient or in-house which, as you know, we received daily with our former answering service._ _I love you, Centratel, and the price. I’m ready to sign whatever documents you require._ _Thanks for the great service, and the free month_! _To a great partnership! -KB, Phoenix_“ 2.STATISTICALLY, THE BEST IN THE U.S.? Answering service quality is 100% dependent on human action and reaction, and in the course of a single day a multitude of human decisions are made by the people who process the calls: Telephone Service Representatives, or TSRs. (Some answering services refer to them as “agents.” Others, “operators.”) Like any other answering service, at Centratel we’re dealing with real live human beings and so human errors can occur. But within this labor intensive service industry that is historically known for marginal quality, Centratel’s error rate is light years ahead of established standards. Our most recent Customer Reported Error Rate (October through December, 2025) was 1 customer-reported error for every 7,017 message transactions processed. That statistic is unmatched. There’s no artificial intelligence manipulation, we do not offshore calls, and we were founded and have always operated within the United States. (Note that since early 2020, the COVID six-foot social distancing mandate drove thousands of small-to-medium sized answering services out of business. Large, often foreign-owned multi-nationals, disguised by the name of the local answering services they acquired, now thoroughly dominate the industry. Hence, an even further decline in general service quality. [See this analysis.](https://www.centratel.com/answering-service-phone-industry/)) 3.CUSTOMER SERVICE EXTRAORDINAIRE Your concerns will be instantly acted upon. It’s a work ethic that stands in stark contrast to the general decline in quality of human-to-human business communications. You’ve seen it yourself, all around. At Centratel you will know by name the customer service people you’re working with, appreciating their special listening abilities as well as their take-action-now comportment. e.g. see the testimonial in point #1 above. ‘Nuff said! 4.GETTING STARTED: IT’S SIMPLE AND FAST Getting your new Centratel answering service 30-day free trial up-and-running is accomplished within 24-48 hours. From the start, your “onboarding” customer service representative will be with you every step of the way **,** listening carefully to your concerns, answering questions and offering suggestions. 5.NEW TO USING AN ANSWERING SERVICE? The very large majority of our current answering service accounts switched to us from another service because of quality and/or cost problems. However, if you have not used a service before, you are not familiar with the options, benefits, and pitfalls. Our 30-day free trial provides you—and us—plenty of time to precisely refine your desired message-taking and delivery protocols; to get things exactly the way you want them to be without any financial risk, undue pressure, or obligation. 6.PRICING Starting at $150 per month, our rates lie in the mid-range of the industry. Note that we charge by the “transaction unit” rather than the duration of time spent handling calls. Large “mega-services” operating in the U.S. prefer time billing because it ensures the company is compensated for lower-paid/high-turnover — and thus slower — agents. _No matter the quality or how long they keep your callers on hold, they still make a profit_. And yes, it can get expensive, especially if caller on-hold time is also billed. In any answering service, it takes a long time for a new agent to become fast, efficient, and stable. At Centratel, we pamper and reward experienced agents (via high pay and great benefits) and therefore have extremely low staff turnover. Needless to say, experienced agents make fewer errors than trainees who learn on-the-job. And, transaction-unit billing is easy to understand. There is no room for fraud as in time-billing. We can easily document and explain any monthly billing we send you. 7.ACCURATELY COMPARING ANSWERING SERVICE PRICING IS COMPLICATED It’s apples and oranges. There isn’t an industry standard for billing, and each answering service has its own formula. Also, as noted above, some services charge by agent “time” while a few, like us, charge by “transaction units.” Some others combine the two. At Centratel, we charge for the work we do, not by the time we spend. The raw truth is that the only reliable way to determine monthly cost for a new service is to use that service for a solid month. Most answering services offer a 7-day free trial or no trial at all. With Centratel you get 30-days. 8. MONTHLY OR 28-DAY BILLING? Important! At Centratel, we use a “monthly” billing cycle in which invoices are compiled from the first day of a month through the last day of that month. When soliciting quotes from other services, be sure to ask if the base-rate charges are billed monthly or on a “28-day billing cycle.” There is no good reason for a 28-day billing cycle! It’s a sly manipulation by the answering service: customers billed on a 28-day cycle actually receive thirteen billings per year instead of twelve. 9.NO CONTRACT AND SIMPLE TERMS OF SERVICE We don’t ask for a term contract for service because you should be able to evaluate us in real time, without restraint. Our [terms of service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) are simple and straight-forward. 10.VALUABLE FREE GIFT FOR CONTACTING US If you take the time to discuss answering service with us, on that same day we will ship you a hardcover copy of Sam Carpenter’s bestselling book, [_Work The System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_](https://www.workthesystem.com/), now in its 5th edition. (Sam is Centatel’s very active CEO.) December 1st 2025 marked his forty first year of ownership.) * * * ## Footer ## Top Answering Service - [Skip to primary navigation](https://www.centratel.com/blog/answering-service/why-centratel-is-the-highest-quality-answering-service-anywhere/#genesis-nav-primary) - [Skip to main content](https://www.centratel.com/blog/answering-service/why-centratel-is-the-highest-quality-answering-service-anywhere/#genesis-content) - [Skip to footer](https://www.centratel.com/blog/answering-service/why-centratel-is-the-highest-quality-answering-service-anywhere/#genesis-footer-widgets) The Highest Quality Telephone Answering Service in the United States - [Make Payment](https://thepaymentportal.com/index.php?compcode=2C1A-9FF4-91CA-7F93) - [Client Login](https://oncall.centratel.com/) - [Follow Centratel on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centratel-answering-service/) - [Follow Centratel on Twitter](https://twitter.com/centratel) - [Follow Centratel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centratel) ![A Telephone Service Representative works with high competence on answering client's calls](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/feat-imageOK.jpg) # Why Centratel is the Highest Quality Answering Service Anywhere May 19, 2022 [Answering Service](https://www.centratel.com/blog/answering-service/) By Andi Freeman Let’s boil this down to three major categories, each with bullet points: ## Experienced, long-term Professional Staff - Our call-agents are the center of our universe, the heart of Centratel - Compensation: it’s performance-based and it’s generous - Job applicants must meet our stringent standards of competence - Tenure of our senior call-agents? The average is over ten years, far surpassing our competitors and the industry in general - We service only a few business categories. Therefore, call-agents are industry experts - _We drug test randomly and frequently. No second chances…_ - We only hire within the domestic United States. Zero offshoring ## Account Setup & Call Handling - NO contracts. You can end the relationship anytime - You will work closely with our sales and customer service team to make sure your account is handled as you want it handled - Precise call-handling criteria is created and double-checked for accuracy. Your first month is free, to both determine your monthly cost and to iron out nuances - Our agents follow message-relay protocols precisely, managing your calls exactly as you want them to be managed ## Redundancy and Backup Reliability - Our telephony infrastructure is 100% redundant - On-site/off-site and cloud information technology architecture - Distributed, multi-technology data backups - State of the art connectivity with multiple wired and wireless fail-over carriers. With this… - …continuity of service is assured and the possibility of losing client information and caller data is zero. -Andi Freeman, CEO ## Taking the Next Step * * * For a quick orientation on how we operate, take a moment to review one or more of the key points listed in Why Choose Centratel Q&A (scroll down the page if you are on a mobile phone) For more specifics on cost, to start the onboarding process, or if you have questions, fill out this form with your basic information and if it’s during regular working hours (M-F 8am to 8pm EST or 5am to 5pm PST), we’ll get back to you within minutes. Or, during the above hours, you can simply call us at 800-664-7159 or send us an email to [inquiry@centratel.com](mailto:inquiry@centratel.com). First Name \* Last Name \* Job Title Email \* Company \* Phone \* City \* State \*State \*AlabamaAlaskaArkansasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDistrict of ColumbiaDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming How did you hear about us? How did you hear about us? \*PostcardBook gift: Work the SystemLetterReferralOnline SearchWork The SystemFacebook Is your business one of our specialties \*Is your business one of our specialties \*MedicalHome Health/HospiceVeterinary24/7 BusinessHVACTrade ServiceProperty ManagementUtilityDisaster RestorationPlumbing What is your ONE primary concern with using an answering service? \*What is your primary concern with using an answering service? \*Professionalism of staffMessage delivery accuracy and timelinessConsistent high quality of serviceCost of serviceLiabilityConfidentialityOther Are you currently using a call center/telephone answering service? \* YesNo Requested service start date \*Requested service start date \*ASAPWithin 1 WeekWithin 2 WeeksWithin 1 MonthOther List any specific call requirements Submit [Terms of Service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) ### **Why Choose Centratel** **BY SAM CARPENTER** **February 1, 2026** 1.CENTRATEL’S UNIQUE 30-DAY FREE TRIAL Why is this important? Because it will provide you a truly accurate estimate of cost (we bill monthly), it will demonstrate our quality, and it gives both sides of this brand new relationship—you and Centratel—plenty of time to refine and perfect operational details. Here’s a testimonial from a new medical client that had just finished their 30-day trial: _“Of course, I love the cost as it is close to the amount I was allowed by the president of the company. I told him that if we did not continue with Centratel, I would resign as the Director of Customer Service, and I meant it. It’s a great fit. We have had NOT ONE complaint from a patient or in-house which, as you know, we received daily with our former answering service._ _I love you, Centratel, and the price. I’m ready to sign whatever documents you require._ _Thanks for the great service, and the free month_! _To a great partnership! -KB, Phoenix_“ 2.STATISTICALLY, THE BEST IN THE U.S.? Answering service quality is 100% dependent on human action and reaction, and in the course of a single day a multitude of human decisions are made by the people who process the calls: Telephone Service Representatives, or TSRs. (Some answering services refer to them as “agents.” Others, “operators.”) Like any other answering service, at Centratel we’re dealing with real live human beings and so human errors can occur. But within this labor intensive service industry that is historically known for marginal quality, Centratel’s error rate is light years ahead of established standards. Our most recent Customer Reported Error Rate (October through December, 2025) was 1 customer-reported error for every 7,017 message transactions processed. That statistic is unmatched. There’s no artificial intelligence manipulation, we do not offshore calls, and we were founded and have always operated within the United States. (Note that since early 2020, the COVID six-foot social distancing mandate drove thousands of small-to-medium sized answering services out of business. Large, often foreign-owned multi-nationals, disguised by the name of the local answering services they acquired, now thoroughly dominate the industry. Hence, an even further decline in general service quality. [See this analysis.](https://www.centratel.com/answering-service-phone-industry/)) 3.CUSTOMER SERVICE EXTRAORDINAIRE Your concerns will be instantly acted upon. It’s a work ethic that stands in stark contrast to the general decline in quality of human-to-human business communications. You’ve seen it yourself, all around. At Centratel you will know by name the customer service people you’re working with, appreciating their special listening abilities as well as their take-action-now comportment. e.g. see the testimonial in point #1 above. ‘Nuff said! 4.GETTING STARTED: IT’S SIMPLE AND FAST Getting your new Centratel answering service 30-day free trial up-and-running is accomplished within 24-48 hours. From the start, your “onboarding” customer service representative will be with you every step of the way **,** listening carefully to your concerns, answering questions and offering suggestions. 5.NEW TO USING AN ANSWERING SERVICE? The very large majority of our current answering service accounts switched to us from another service because of quality and/or cost problems. However, if you have not used a service before, you are not familiar with the options, benefits, and pitfalls. Our 30-day free trial provides you—and us—plenty of time to precisely refine your desired message-taking and delivery protocols; to get things exactly the way you want them to be without any financial risk, undue pressure, or obligation. 6.PRICING Starting at $150 per month, our rates lie in the mid-range of the industry. Note that we charge by the “transaction unit” rather than the duration of time spent handling calls. Large “mega-services” operating in the U.S. prefer time billing because it ensures the company is compensated for lower-paid/high-turnover — and thus slower — agents. _No matter the quality or how long they keep your callers on hold, they still make a profit_. And yes, it can get expensive, especially if caller on-hold time is also billed. In any answering service, it takes a long time for a new agent to become fast, efficient, and stable. At Centratel, we pamper and reward experienced agents (via high pay and great benefits) and therefore have extremely low staff turnover. Needless to say, experienced agents make fewer errors than trainees who learn on-the-job. And, transaction-unit billing is easy to understand. There is no room for fraud as in time-billing. We can easily document and explain any monthly billing we send you. 7.ACCURATELY COMPARING ANSWERING SERVICE PRICING IS COMPLICATED It’s apples and oranges. There isn’t an industry standard for billing, and each answering service has its own formula. Also, as noted above, some services charge by agent “time” while a few, like us, charge by “transaction units.” Some others combine the two. At Centratel, we charge for the work we do, not by the time we spend. The raw truth is that the only reliable way to determine monthly cost for a new service is to use that service for a solid month. Most answering services offer a 7-day free trial or no trial at all. With Centratel you get 30-days. 8. MONTHLY OR 28-DAY BILLING? Important! At Centratel, we use a “monthly” billing cycle in which invoices are compiled from the first day of a month through the last day of that month. When soliciting quotes from other services, be sure to ask if the base-rate charges are billed monthly or on a “28-day billing cycle.” There is no good reason for a 28-day billing cycle! It’s a sly manipulation by the answering service: customers billed on a 28-day cycle actually receive thirteen billings per year instead of twelve. 9.NO CONTRACT AND SIMPLE TERMS OF SERVICE We don’t ask for a term contract for service because you should be able to evaluate us in real time, without restraint. Our [terms of service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) are simple and straight-forward. 10.VALUABLE FREE GIFT FOR CONTACTING US If you take the time to discuss answering service with us, on that same day we will ship you a hardcover copy of Sam Carpenter’s bestselling book, [_Work The System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_](https://www.workthesystem.com/), now in its 5th edition. (Sam is Centatel’s very active CEO.) December 1st 2025 marked his forty first year of ownership.) * * * ## Footer ## HVAC Answering Service - [Skip to primary navigation](https://www.centratel.com/blog/hvac-answering-service/an-hvac-specialized-elite-quality-answering-service-will-make-you-shine/#genesis-nav-primary) - [Skip to main content](https://www.centratel.com/blog/hvac-answering-service/an-hvac-specialized-elite-quality-answering-service-will-make-you-shine/#genesis-content) - [Skip to footer](https://www.centratel.com/blog/hvac-answering-service/an-hvac-specialized-elite-quality-answering-service-will-make-you-shine/#genesis-footer-widgets) The Highest Quality Telephone Answering Service in the United States - [Make Payment](https://thepaymentportal.com/index.php?compcode=2C1A-9FF4-91CA-7F93) - [Client Login](https://oncall.centratel.com/) - [Follow Centratel on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centratel-answering-service/) - [Follow Centratel on Twitter](https://twitter.com/centratel) - [Follow Centratel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centratel) ![A HVAC technician working while Centratel Telephone Answering Service handles his client's calls](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/feat-image-ok.jpg) # An HVAC-specialized, Elite-quality Answering Service Will Make you Shine! May 5, 2022 [HVAC](https://www.centratel.com/blog/hvac-answering-service/) By Sam Carpenter HVAC businesses throughout the US are thriving…at least, those that do just a few things really well: Performing quality work at a fair price and _answering the phone!_ While all HVAC companies have trained technicians ready to work, managing the 24/7 influx of customer calls and potential new-job opportunities is too often a struggle. Without adequate staff, all kinds of problems ensue. But you already know that… Fortunately, many of the challenges HVAC companies face can be quickly remedied with the help of an answering service. Especially advantageous, a busy HVAC technician can focus time where it counts: on fixing problems and installing new systems. For your techs, less time on the phone means more time spent making things happen and earning money for your enterprise! Another advantage: with a HVAC-specialized answering service, professional agents will pick up the periodic slack, handling overflow incoming calls. Based on your exact message-relay protocols, you will never again worry, or miss an opportunity, as urgent messages are routed to your technicians right away, while less urgent matters are sent to office staff, all for a fraction of the cost of hiring new employees to field calls. ![A HVAC technician working while Centratel Telephone Answering Service handles his client's calls](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201024%20626'%3E%3C/svg%3E) What about after-hours, weekends and holidays? No problem! A reputable elite-quality answering service will follow your exact message-relay protocols _at all times!_ Consider this list of issues that commonly plague HVAC businesses, and then realize a partnership with an elite-quality answering service will improve them all! - Harried office staff unable to keep up with calls during peak busy times - Inefficient time management due to interruptions - Frustrated customers leaving voicemail messages (just before they call a competitor…). - The chaos that comes with seasonal spikes in service calls - Missed sales opportunities from those who can’t get through - In general, sub-optimal service quality to customers Do any of these issues sound familiar? Of course they do. So, look into a partnership with an HVAC-specialized, elite-quality answering service. Across America, ten’s of thousands of other HVAC operations have already taken this next step. ## Taking the Next Step * * * For a quick orientation on how we operate, take a moment to review one or more of the key points listed in Why Choose Centratel Q&A (scroll down the page if you are on a mobile phone) For more specifics on cost, to start the onboarding process, or if you have questions, fill out this form with your basic information and if it’s during regular working hours (M-F 8am to 8pm EST or 5am to 5pm PST), we’ll get back to you within minutes. Or, during the above hours, you can simply call us at 800-664-7159 or send us an email to [inquiry@centratel.com](mailto:inquiry@centratel.com). First Name \* Last Name \* Job Title Email \* Company \* Phone \* City \* State \*State \*AlabamaAlaskaArkansasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDistrict of ColumbiaDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming How did you hear about us? How did you hear about us? \*PostcardBook gift: Work the SystemLetterReferralOnline SearchWork The SystemFacebook Is your business one of our specialties \*Is your business one of our specialties \*MedicalHome Health/HospiceVeterinary24/7 BusinessHVACTrade ServiceProperty ManagementUtilityDisaster RestorationPlumbing What is your ONE primary concern with using an answering service? \*What is your primary concern with using an answering service? \*Professionalism of staffMessage delivery accuracy and timelinessConsistent high quality of serviceCost of serviceLiabilityConfidentialityOther Are you currently using a call center/telephone answering service? \* YesNo Requested service start date \*Requested service start date \*ASAPWithin 1 WeekWithin 2 WeeksWithin 1 MonthOther List any specific call requirements Submit [Terms of Service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) ### **Why Choose Centratel** **BY SAM CARPENTER** **February 1, 2026** 1.CENTRATEL’S UNIQUE 30-DAY FREE TRIAL Why is this important? Because it will provide you a truly accurate estimate of cost (we bill monthly), it will demonstrate our quality, and it gives both sides of this brand new relationship—you and Centratel—plenty of time to refine and perfect operational details. Here’s a testimonial from a new medical client that had just finished their 30-day trial: _“Of course, I love the cost as it is close to the amount I was allowed by the president of the company. I told him that if we did not continue with Centratel, I would resign as the Director of Customer Service, and I meant it. It’s a great fit. We have had NOT ONE complaint from a patient or in-house which, as you know, we received daily with our former answering service._ _I love you, Centratel, and the price. I’m ready to sign whatever documents you require._ _Thanks for the great service, and the free month_! _To a great partnership! -KB, Phoenix_“ 2.STATISTICALLY, THE BEST IN THE U.S.? Answering service quality is 100% dependent on human action and reaction, and in the course of a single day a multitude of human decisions are made by the people who process the calls: Telephone Service Representatives, or TSRs. (Some answering services refer to them as “agents.” Others, “operators.”) Like any other answering service, at Centratel we’re dealing with real live human beings and so human errors can occur. But within this labor intensive service industry that is historically known for marginal quality, Centratel’s error rate is light years ahead of established standards. Our most recent Customer Reported Error Rate (October through December, 2025) was 1 customer-reported error for every 7,017 message transactions processed. That statistic is unmatched. There’s no artificial intelligence manipulation, we do not offshore calls, and we were founded and have always operated within the United States. (Note that since early 2020, the COVID six-foot social distancing mandate drove thousands of small-to-medium sized answering services out of business. Large, often foreign-owned multi-nationals, disguised by the name of the local answering services they acquired, now thoroughly dominate the industry. Hence, an even further decline in general service quality. [See this analysis.](https://www.centratel.com/answering-service-phone-industry/)) 3.CUSTOMER SERVICE EXTRAORDINAIRE Your concerns will be instantly acted upon. It’s a work ethic that stands in stark contrast to the general decline in quality of human-to-human business communications. You’ve seen it yourself, all around. At Centratel you will know by name the customer service people you’re working with, appreciating their special listening abilities as well as their take-action-now comportment. e.g. see the testimonial in point #1 above. ‘Nuff said! 4.GETTING STARTED: IT’S SIMPLE AND FAST Getting your new Centratel answering service 30-day free trial up-and-running is accomplished within 24-48 hours. From the start, your “onboarding” customer service representative will be with you every step of the way **,** listening carefully to your concerns, answering questions and offering suggestions. 5.NEW TO USING AN ANSWERING SERVICE? The very large majority of our current answering service accounts switched to us from another service because of quality and/or cost problems. However, if you have not used a service before, you are not familiar with the options, benefits, and pitfalls. Our 30-day free trial provides you—and us—plenty of time to precisely refine your desired message-taking and delivery protocols; to get things exactly the way you want them to be without any financial risk, undue pressure, or obligation. 6.PRICING Starting at $150 per month, our rates lie in the mid-range of the industry. Note that we charge by the “transaction unit” rather than the duration of time spent handling calls. Large “mega-services” operating in the U.S. prefer time billing because it ensures the company is compensated for lower-paid/high-turnover — and thus slower — agents. _No matter the quality or how long they keep your callers on hold, they still make a profit_. And yes, it can get expensive, especially if caller on-hold time is also billed. In any answering service, it takes a long time for a new agent to become fast, efficient, and stable. At Centratel, we pamper and reward experienced agents (via high pay and great benefits) and therefore have extremely low staff turnover. Needless to say, experienced agents make fewer errors than trainees who learn on-the-job. And, transaction-unit billing is easy to understand. There is no room for fraud as in time-billing. We can easily document and explain any monthly billing we send you. 7.ACCURATELY COMPARING ANSWERING SERVICE PRICING IS COMPLICATED It’s apples and oranges. There isn’t an industry standard for billing, and each answering service has its own formula. Also, as noted above, some services charge by agent “time” while a few, like us, charge by “transaction units.” Some others combine the two. At Centratel, we charge for the work we do, not by the time we spend. The raw truth is that the only reliable way to determine monthly cost for a new service is to use that service for a solid month. Most answering services offer a 7-day free trial or no trial at all. With Centratel you get 30-days. 8. MONTHLY OR 28-DAY BILLING? Important! At Centratel, we use a “monthly” billing cycle in which invoices are compiled from the first day of a month through the last day of that month. When soliciting quotes from other services, be sure to ask if the base-rate charges are billed monthly or on a “28-day billing cycle.” There is no good reason for a 28-day billing cycle! It’s a sly manipulation by the answering service: customers billed on a 28-day cycle actually receive thirteen billings per year instead of twelve. 9.NO CONTRACT AND SIMPLE TERMS OF SERVICE We don’t ask for a term contract for service because you should be able to evaluate us in real time, without restraint. Our [terms of service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) are simple and straight-forward. 10.VALUABLE FREE GIFT FOR CONTACTING US If you take the time to discuss answering service with us, on that same day we will ship you a hardcover copy of Sam Carpenter’s bestselling book, [_Work The System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_](https://www.workthesystem.com/), now in its 5th edition. (Sam is Centatel’s very active CEO.) December 1st 2025 marked his forty first year of ownership.) * * * ## Footer ## Veterinary Practice Boost - [Skip to primary navigation](https://www.centratel.com/blog/veterinary-answering-service/giving-your-veterinary-practice-a-boost-the-undeniable-benefits-of-hiring-an-elite-quality-answering-service/#genesis-nav-primary) - [Skip to main content](https://www.centratel.com/blog/veterinary-answering-service/giving-your-veterinary-practice-a-boost-the-undeniable-benefits-of-hiring-an-elite-quality-answering-service/#genesis-content) - [Skip to footer](https://www.centratel.com/blog/veterinary-answering-service/giving-your-veterinary-practice-a-boost-the-undeniable-benefits-of-hiring-an-elite-quality-answering-service/#genesis-footer-widgets) The Highest Quality Telephone Answering Service in the United States - [Make Payment](https://thepaymentportal.com/index.php?compcode=2C1A-9FF4-91CA-7F93) - [Client Login](https://oncall.centratel.com/) - [Follow Centratel on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centratel-answering-service/) - [Follow Centratel on Twitter](https://twitter.com/centratel) - [Follow Centratel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centratel) ![Happy veterinarian working with dog knowing that calls are managed by an answering service](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/CTS-giving-your-veterinary-practice-a-boost-the-undeniable-benefits-of-hiring-an-elite-quality-answering-service.jpg) # Giving your Veterinary Practice a Boost – The Undeniable Benefits of Hiring an Elite-Quality Answering Service. April 14, 2022 [Veterinary](https://www.centratel.com/blog/veterinary-answering-service/) By Sam Carpenter Are you looking for a way to give your Veterinary practice a boost…without losing your sanity in the process? Rise above the day-to-day gauntlet of non-stop patient care without compromising cost, and return to the joys of caring for animals without all the stress…. Yes, it’s possible! It’s no secret that in recent years demand for pet care has exploded as more people have become pet owners, and long-term pet owners have adopted more pets. Current estimates reveal that veterinary doctors now service anywhere from 1000 to 1500 households – that’s a lot of patients! With such demand, it’s easy to assume the number of DVMs would increase to accommodate such growth – but that is not what’s happening. Truth is, the number of DVMs is actually _contracting_ as one third of all DVMs are baby-boomers. And they are retiring faster than new graduates can enter the field. As a result, no surprise, this imbalance has put enormous strain on remaining veterinarians and their staff. This compromises work-life balance, customer service and patient care. Make sense? If this is **you** – and it likely is – any desire to improve the current state ought to immediately include consideration of the undeniable benefits that an elite-quality answering service can bring to your practice. Let’s review. ![A Veterinary business Telephone Answering Service operator helping with clients calls](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/CTS-giving-your-veterinary-practice-a-boost-the-undeniable-benefits-of-hiring-an-elite-quality-answering-service-middle-1024x536.jpg) **Improved Customer Relations:** Pet owners want thoughtful and caring service. Of course, the care of their pet(s) is an emotional matter. When a situation arises, urgent or not, they prefer immediate contact with a thoughtful, empathetic _real_ person. Unfortunately, with high daily caseloads it’s not always possible to answer every call within a few rings, and hiring additional staff can be costly. Many customers are unaware of this dilemma, so have little patience when confronted with excessive ringing followed by voicemail. But when you partner with an elite-quality answering service, especially one with expertise in the veterinary industry, customer service and satisfaction _will_ immediately improve. Customers who call in are met with a friendly and caring person to express their concerns, all while you and your staff remain focused on patient care. Relax knowing your practice won’t have to deal with annoyed customers who aren’t able to get through right away. Problem solved! **Better Work-Life Balance – Avoid Burnout:** Of course, work-life balance is important to avoid burnout. According to this recent [study](https://vetintegrations.com/insights/burnout2021/), burnout rates among all groupsof Veterinary staff _increased_ in 2021 – in direct correlation to increasing caseloads. With this knowledge, any opportunity to offload non-essential tasks – like routing evening and weekend calls to an answering service – will make it easier to manage a large number of patients with less stress. **Get More sleep**!: Your elite-quality answering service representative is expert at screening non-urgent calls…and in emergencies after-hours, in contacting the correct on-call doctor. Until we reach parity with either more veterinarians at work (not happening anytime soon…), or less demand for pet care (highly improbable), partnering with an elite-quality answering service will give your veterinary practice, and your life, a tangible boost! **Sources:** - [Census of veterinarians finds trends with shortages, practice ownership](https://www.avma.org/javma-news/2019-07-15/census-veterinarians-finds-trends-shortages-practice-ownership) - [Shortages and Excesses \| Today’s Veterinary Business](https://todaysveterinarybusiness.com/shortages-and-excesses/) - [2021 Burnout and Work/Life Balance Study in The Veterinary Profession](https://vetintegrations.com/insights/burnout2021/) ## Taking the Next Step * * * For a quick orientation on how we operate, take a moment to review one or more of the key points listed in Why Choose Centratel Q&A (scroll down the page if you are on a mobile phone) For more specifics on cost, to start the onboarding process, or if you have questions, fill out this form with your basic information and if it’s during regular working hours (M-F 8am to 8pm EST or 5am to 5pm PST), we’ll get back to you within minutes. Or, during the above hours, you can simply call us at 800-664-7159 or send us an email to [inquiry@centratel.com](mailto:inquiry@centratel.com). First Name \* Last Name \* Job Title Email \* Company \* Phone \* City \* State \*State \*AlabamaAlaskaArkansasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDistrict of ColumbiaDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming How did you hear about us? How did you hear about us? \*PostcardBook gift: Work the SystemLetterReferralOnline SearchWork The SystemFacebook Is your business one of our specialties \*Is your business one of our specialties \*MedicalHome Health/HospiceVeterinary24/7 BusinessHVACTrade ServiceProperty ManagementUtilityDisaster RestorationPlumbing What is your ONE primary concern with using an answering service? \*What is your primary concern with using an answering service? \*Professionalism of staffMessage delivery accuracy and timelinessConsistent high quality of serviceCost of serviceLiabilityConfidentialityOther Are you currently using a call center/telephone answering service? \* YesNo Requested service start date \*Requested service start date \*ASAPWithin 1 WeekWithin 2 WeeksWithin 1 MonthOther List any specific call requirements Submit [Terms of Service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) ### **Why Choose Centratel** **BY SAM CARPENTER** **February 1, 2026** 1.CENTRATEL’S UNIQUE 30-DAY FREE TRIAL Why is this important? Because it will provide you a truly accurate estimate of cost (we bill monthly), it will demonstrate our quality, and it gives both sides of this brand new relationship—you and Centratel—plenty of time to refine and perfect operational details. Here’s a testimonial from a new medical client that had just finished their 30-day trial: _“Of course, I love the cost as it is close to the amount I was allowed by the president of the company. I told him that if we did not continue with Centratel, I would resign as the Director of Customer Service, and I meant it. It’s a great fit. We have had NOT ONE complaint from a patient or in-house which, as you know, we received daily with our former answering service._ _I love you, Centratel, and the price. I’m ready to sign whatever documents you require._ _Thanks for the great service, and the free month_! _To a great partnership! -KB, Phoenix_“ 2.STATISTICALLY, THE BEST IN THE U.S.? Answering service quality is 100% dependent on human action and reaction, and in the course of a single day a multitude of human decisions are made by the people who process the calls: Telephone Service Representatives, or TSRs. (Some answering services refer to them as “agents.” Others, “operators.”) Like any other answering service, at Centratel we’re dealing with real live human beings and so human errors can occur. But within this labor intensive service industry that is historically known for marginal quality, Centratel’s error rate is light years ahead of established standards. Our most recent Customer Reported Error Rate (October through December, 2025) was 1 customer-reported error for every 7,017 message transactions processed. That statistic is unmatched. There’s no artificial intelligence manipulation, we do not offshore calls, and we were founded and have always operated within the United States. (Note that since early 2020, the COVID six-foot social distancing mandate drove thousands of small-to-medium sized answering services out of business. Large, often foreign-owned multi-nationals, disguised by the name of the local answering services they acquired, now thoroughly dominate the industry. Hence, an even further decline in general service quality. [See this analysis.](https://www.centratel.com/answering-service-phone-industry/)) 3.CUSTOMER SERVICE EXTRAORDINAIRE Your concerns will be instantly acted upon. It’s a work ethic that stands in stark contrast to the general decline in quality of human-to-human business communications. You’ve seen it yourself, all around. At Centratel you will know by name the customer service people you’re working with, appreciating their special listening abilities as well as their take-action-now comportment. e.g. see the testimonial in point #1 above. ‘Nuff said! 4.GETTING STARTED: IT’S SIMPLE AND FAST Getting your new Centratel answering service 30-day free trial up-and-running is accomplished within 24-48 hours. From the start, your “onboarding” customer service representative will be with you every step of the way **,** listening carefully to your concerns, answering questions and offering suggestions. 5.NEW TO USING AN ANSWERING SERVICE? The very large majority of our current answering service accounts switched to us from another service because of quality and/or cost problems. However, if you have not used a service before, you are not familiar with the options, benefits, and pitfalls. Our 30-day free trial provides you—and us—plenty of time to precisely refine your desired message-taking and delivery protocols; to get things exactly the way you want them to be without any financial risk, undue pressure, or obligation. 6.PRICING Starting at $150 per month, our rates lie in the mid-range of the industry. Note that we charge by the “transaction unit” rather than the duration of time spent handling calls. Large “mega-services” operating in the U.S. prefer time billing because it ensures the company is compensated for lower-paid/high-turnover — and thus slower — agents. _No matter the quality or how long they keep your callers on hold, they still make a profit_. And yes, it can get expensive, especially if caller on-hold time is also billed. In any answering service, it takes a long time for a new agent to become fast, efficient, and stable. At Centratel, we pamper and reward experienced agents (via high pay and great benefits) and therefore have extremely low staff turnover. Needless to say, experienced agents make fewer errors than trainees who learn on-the-job. And, transaction-unit billing is easy to understand. There is no room for fraud as in time-billing. We can easily document and explain any monthly billing we send you. 7.ACCURATELY COMPARING ANSWERING SERVICE PRICING IS COMPLICATED It’s apples and oranges. There isn’t an industry standard for billing, and each answering service has its own formula. Also, as noted above, some services charge by agent “time” while a few, like us, charge by “transaction units.” Some others combine the two. At Centratel, we charge for the work we do, not by the time we spend. The raw truth is that the only reliable way to determine monthly cost for a new service is to use that service for a solid month. Most answering services offer a 7-day free trial or no trial at all. With Centratel you get 30-days. 8. MONTHLY OR 28-DAY BILLING? Important! At Centratel, we use a “monthly” billing cycle in which invoices are compiled from the first day of a month through the last day of that month. When soliciting quotes from other services, be sure to ask if the base-rate charges are billed monthly or on a “28-day billing cycle.” There is no good reason for a 28-day billing cycle! It’s a sly manipulation by the answering service: customers billed on a 28-day cycle actually receive thirteen billings per year instead of twelve. 9.NO CONTRACT AND SIMPLE TERMS OF SERVICE We don’t ask for a term contract for service because you should be able to evaluate us in real time, without restraint. Our [terms of service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) are simple and straight-forward. 10.VALUABLE FREE GIFT FOR CONTACTING US If you take the time to discuss answering service with us, on that same day we will ship you a hardcover copy of Sam Carpenter’s bestselling book, [_Work The System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_](https://www.workthesystem.com/), now in its 5th edition. (Sam is Centatel’s very active CEO.) December 1st 2025 marked his forty first year of ownership.) * * * ## Footer ## HVAC Answering Services - [Skip to primary navigation](https://www.centratel.com/blog/hvac-answering-service/an-elite-answering-service-will-lead-to-positive-online-reviews-for-your-hvac-business/#genesis-nav-primary) - [Skip to main content](https://www.centratel.com/blog/hvac-answering-service/an-elite-answering-service-will-lead-to-positive-online-reviews-for-your-hvac-business/#genesis-content) - [Skip to footer](https://www.centratel.com/blog/hvac-answering-service/an-elite-answering-service-will-lead-to-positive-online-reviews-for-your-hvac-business/#genesis-footer-widgets) The Highest Quality Telephone Answering Service in the United States - [Make Payment](https://thepaymentportal.com/index.php?compcode=2C1A-9FF4-91CA-7F93) - [Client Login](https://oncall.centratel.com/) - [Follow Centratel on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centratel-answering-service/) - [Follow Centratel on Twitter](https://twitter.com/centratel) - [Follow Centratel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centratel) ![After a call with an elite quality answering service, HVAC agent working at customer house](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/CTS-an-elite-answering-service-will-lead-to-positive-online-reviews-for-your-hvac-business-header.jpg) # An Elite Answering Service Will Lead to Positive Online Reviews for Your HVAC Business March 31, 2022 [HVAC](https://www.centratel.com/blog/hvac-answering-service/) By Sam Carpenter Did you know that using an elite answering service for your HVAC business will lead to an increase in positive client reviews? And that positive client reviews lead to more business? Here’s why an elite, experienced HVAC answering service is so valuable. ## The Importance of Positive Customer Reviews Perhaps the single best way to promote your business beyond word-of-mouth referrals is to present an array of positive client reviews. No other marketing approach will give a potential client more peace of mind. With this fact it comes as no surprise that there is a large online presence of customer review platforms; Google My Business, Yelp, Reddit, along with paid organizations like TrustPilot and FourSquare, to name a few. Private blogs and public social media accounts also make up a large portion of the review landscape where your customers are likely to come across your company information. Your HVAC clients now have more ways to share their experiences than ever before. If you think these reviews and casual commentaries don’t impact your HVAC business, it really is time for you to reevaluate. There is a direct correlation between the number of positive reviews and actual new business…and higher client satisfaction. As the research shows, the reach of one client is far, far wider today than it was just 10 years ago. Consider some powerful [statistics](https://www.invespcro.com/blog/the-importance-of-online-customer-reviews-infographic/) from professionals who took the time to ask consumers about their decision- making steps when deciding on whether to do business with an organization. - 90% of consumers read online reviews before visiting a business - 88% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations - 72% say that positive reviews make them trust a local business more. - 72% say they are unlikely to act before reading a positive review - 86% say they are hesitant to engage with a business that has online negative reviews These numbers reveal that potential clients who investigate your HVAC business almost certainly have vetted your operation through online client reviews _first_. (Isn’t this what YOU do when checking out a new business?) ![HVAC technician helped by his answering service, working while happy customer assists](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/CTS-an-elite-answering-service-will-lead-to-positive-online-reviews-for-your-hvac-business-middle-1024x626.jpg) So, nowadays, first impressions happen online. Most of the phone inquiries and personal visits you receive are from people who have already determined that you are a reliable and trustworthy HVAC…because they’ve read favorable reviews about you online. So how can an elite-quality answering service produce more positive reviews for your HVAC business? (And equally important, how can a high quality service reduce the likelihood that clients will leave negative reviews?) It’s very simple: - Partnering with an elite-quality answering service allows customers to always reach a live person when they call. No frustrating voicemail and delayed responses. - Technicians will be less distracted as non-urgent calls are easily screened for later follow-up. This means improved service quality and greater efficiency. - After-hours coverage provides complete peace of mind that no calls get missed even in the middle of the night – as emergency calls get routed immediately to on-call staff. Literally, tens of thousands of US-based HVACs already use an answering service. But truth is, there is a significant difference between an average quality service and an elite quality service. ## Taking the Next Step * * * For a quick orientation on how we operate, take a moment to review one or more of the key points listed in Why Choose Centratel Q&A (scroll down the page if you are on a mobile phone) For more specifics on cost, to start the onboarding process, or if you have questions, fill out this form with your basic information and if it’s during regular working hours (M-F 8am to 8pm EST or 5am to 5pm PST), we’ll get back to you within minutes. Or, during the above hours, you can simply call us at 800-664-7159 or send us an email to [inquiry@centratel.com](mailto:inquiry@centratel.com). First Name \* Last Name \* Job Title Email \* Company \* Phone \* City \* State \*State \*AlabamaAlaskaArkansasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDistrict of ColumbiaDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming How did you hear about us? How did you hear about us? \*PostcardBook gift: Work the SystemLetterReferralOnline SearchWork The SystemFacebook Is your business one of our specialties \*Is your business one of our specialties \*MedicalHome Health/HospiceVeterinary24/7 BusinessHVACTrade ServiceProperty ManagementUtilityDisaster RestorationPlumbing What is your ONE primary concern with using an answering service? \*What is your primary concern with using an answering service? \*Professionalism of staffMessage delivery accuracy and timelinessConsistent high quality of serviceCost of serviceLiabilityConfidentialityOther Are you currently using a call center/telephone answering service? \* YesNo Requested service start date \*Requested service start date \*ASAPWithin 1 WeekWithin 2 WeeksWithin 1 MonthOther List any specific call requirements Submit [Terms of Service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) ### **Why Choose Centratel** **BY SAM CARPENTER** **February 1, 2026** 1.CENTRATEL’S UNIQUE 30-DAY FREE TRIAL Why is this important? Because it will provide you a truly accurate estimate of cost (we bill monthly), it will demonstrate our quality, and it gives both sides of this brand new relationship—you and Centratel—plenty of time to refine and perfect operational details. Here’s a testimonial from a new medical client that had just finished their 30-day trial: _“Of course, I love the cost as it is close to the amount I was allowed by the president of the company. I told him that if we did not continue with Centratel, I would resign as the Director of Customer Service, and I meant it. It’s a great fit. We have had NOT ONE complaint from a patient or in-house which, as you know, we received daily with our former answering service._ _I love you, Centratel, and the price. I’m ready to sign whatever documents you require._ _Thanks for the great service, and the free month_! _To a great partnership! -KB, Phoenix_“ 2.STATISTICALLY, THE BEST IN THE U.S.? Answering service quality is 100% dependent on human action and reaction, and in the course of a single day a multitude of human decisions are made by the people who process the calls: Telephone Service Representatives, or TSRs. (Some answering services refer to them as “agents.” Others, “operators.”) Like any other answering service, at Centratel we’re dealing with real live human beings and so human errors can occur. But within this labor intensive service industry that is historically known for marginal quality, Centratel’s error rate is light years ahead of established standards. Our most recent Customer Reported Error Rate (October through December, 2025) was 1 customer-reported error for every 7,017 message transactions processed. That statistic is unmatched. There’s no artificial intelligence manipulation, we do not offshore calls, and we were founded and have always operated within the United States. (Note that since early 2020, the COVID six-foot social distancing mandate drove thousands of small-to-medium sized answering services out of business. Large, often foreign-owned multi-nationals, disguised by the name of the local answering services they acquired, now thoroughly dominate the industry. Hence, an even further decline in general service quality. [See this analysis.](https://www.centratel.com/answering-service-phone-industry/)) 3.CUSTOMER SERVICE EXTRAORDINAIRE Your concerns will be instantly acted upon. It’s a work ethic that stands in stark contrast to the general decline in quality of human-to-human business communications. You’ve seen it yourself, all around. At Centratel you will know by name the customer service people you’re working with, appreciating their special listening abilities as well as their take-action-now comportment. e.g. see the testimonial in point #1 above. ‘Nuff said! 4.GETTING STARTED: IT’S SIMPLE AND FAST Getting your new Centratel answering service 30-day free trial up-and-running is accomplished within 24-48 hours. From the start, your “onboarding” customer service representative will be with you every step of the way **,** listening carefully to your concerns, answering questions and offering suggestions. 5.NEW TO USING AN ANSWERING SERVICE? The very large majority of our current answering service accounts switched to us from another service because of quality and/or cost problems. However, if you have not used a service before, you are not familiar with the options, benefits, and pitfalls. Our 30-day free trial provides you—and us—plenty of time to precisely refine your desired message-taking and delivery protocols; to get things exactly the way you want them to be without any financial risk, undue pressure, or obligation. 6.PRICING Starting at $150 per month, our rates lie in the mid-range of the industry. Note that we charge by the “transaction unit” rather than the duration of time spent handling calls. Large “mega-services” operating in the U.S. prefer time billing because it ensures the company is compensated for lower-paid/high-turnover — and thus slower — agents. _No matter the quality or how long they keep your callers on hold, they still make a profit_. And yes, it can get expensive, especially if caller on-hold time is also billed. In any answering service, it takes a long time for a new agent to become fast, efficient, and stable. At Centratel, we pamper and reward experienced agents (via high pay and great benefits) and therefore have extremely low staff turnover. Needless to say, experienced agents make fewer errors than trainees who learn on-the-job. And, transaction-unit billing is easy to understand. There is no room for fraud as in time-billing. We can easily document and explain any monthly billing we send you. 7.ACCURATELY COMPARING ANSWERING SERVICE PRICING IS COMPLICATED It’s apples and oranges. There isn’t an industry standard for billing, and each answering service has its own formula. Also, as noted above, some services charge by agent “time” while a few, like us, charge by “transaction units.” Some others combine the two. At Centratel, we charge for the work we do, not by the time we spend. The raw truth is that the only reliable way to determine monthly cost for a new service is to use that service for a solid month. Most answering services offer a 7-day free trial or no trial at all. With Centratel you get 30-days. 8. MONTHLY OR 28-DAY BILLING? Important! At Centratel, we use a “monthly” billing cycle in which invoices are compiled from the first day of a month through the last day of that month. When soliciting quotes from other services, be sure to ask if the base-rate charges are billed monthly or on a “28-day billing cycle.” There is no good reason for a 28-day billing cycle! It’s a sly manipulation by the answering service: customers billed on a 28-day cycle actually receive thirteen billings per year instead of twelve. 9.NO CONTRACT AND SIMPLE TERMS OF SERVICE We don’t ask for a term contract for service because you should be able to evaluate us in real time, without restraint. Our [terms of service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) are simple and straight-forward. 10.VALUABLE FREE GIFT FOR CONTACTING US If you take the time to discuss answering service with us, on that same day we will ship you a hardcover copy of Sam Carpenter’s bestselling book, [_Work The System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_](https://www.workthesystem.com/), now in its 5th edition. (Sam is Centatel’s very active CEO.) December 1st 2025 marked his forty first year of ownership.) * * * ## Footer ## Plumbing Business Benefits - [Skip to primary navigation](https://www.centratel.com/blog/trade-service-answering-service/five-reasons-why-your-plumbing-business-needs-an-answering-service/#genesis-nav-primary) - [Skip to main content](https://www.centratel.com/blog/trade-service-answering-service/five-reasons-why-your-plumbing-business-needs-an-answering-service/#genesis-content) - [Skip to footer](https://www.centratel.com/blog/trade-service-answering-service/five-reasons-why-your-plumbing-business-needs-an-answering-service/#genesis-footer-widgets) The Highest Quality Telephone Answering Service in the United States - [Make Payment](https://thepaymentportal.com/index.php?compcode=2C1A-9FF4-91CA-7F93) - [Client Login](https://oncall.centratel.com/) - [Follow Centratel on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centratel-answering-service/) - [Follow Centratel on Twitter](https://twitter.com/centratel) - [Follow Centratel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centratel) ![Plumbing business owner while working helped by an HVAC answering service](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/CTS-five-reasons-why-your-plumbing-business-needs-an-answering-service.jpg) # Five Reasons Your Plumbing Business Needs an Elite-Quality Answering Service March 10, 2022 [Trade Service](https://www.centratel.com/blog/trade-service-answering-service/) By Sam Carpenter The plumbing industry is growing steadily with approximately 130,000 plumbing businesses currently [operating in the U.S](https://www.ibisworld.com/industry-statistics/number-of-businesses/plumbers-united-states/). With such intense competition, what can you do to help make _your_ plumbing business the preferred contractor? One often overlooked but highly effective solution is to partner with an elite-quality plumbing answering service. Here are 5 reasons to partner with one today: 1. **Complete After-Hours and Weekend Coverage** Your customers call you with plumbing emergencies at all hours of the day – _especially_ _after hours_. Immediate response is paramount, which means that your staff (or you) must answer every single call. _Anything less and you miss potential sales opportunities._ With an elite-quality plumbing answering service, your calls will be handled super-efficiently,as emergency calls are routed to you right away. 2. **24/7 Availability** No more stress juggling incoming calls while on the job or during off hours. An elite-quality plumbing answering service provides immediate access to professional agents when you are not available. Ditch that outdated voicemail menu: customers don’t like it! It’s silently costing you business…. 3. **Improved Customer Service** Communicate with your clients in real-time. Let’s say it again: no more voicemail messages or full voicemail boxes (that prevent customers from even leaving a message – certainly not a good signal to your clients and potential clients.) Instead, callers reach a real person who listens intently and professionally. Using exact emergency and non-emergency message dispatch protocols, the elite-quality answering service agent will demonstrate to your clients that you can respond to any challenge. 4. **Improved Efficiency and Productivity** Complete your work faster and more precisely – and more profitably than ever before. With an elite-quality answering service processing your overflow and/or after-hours calls, there will be far fewer disruptions to distract you or your plumbers’ focus from the task at hand. 5. **Significantly Increase Revenue** Partnering with an elite-quality answering service ensures that _critical calls representing potential new bids or job opportunities_ _will not be missed_. Always remember, that if you miss a call from someone in need of immediate service, that person will simply move on to another plumbing company that is able to answer in-the-moment. Increasing the amount of calls you “capture” will result in more business, period. ![A Centratel infographic about the elite plumbing answering service provided](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/CTS-5-reasons-why-your-plumbing-business-needs-an-answering-service-intro-1024x313.jpg) In these competitive times, instantly jump ahead of your competition with the help of an elite-quality answering service. Win more complex – and more lucrative – jobs by being 100% reachable, responsive and organized. Demonstrate to every caller that you prioritize communications because you value _their_ time. Partner with an elite-quality plumbing answering service today! ## Taking the Next Step * * * For a quick orientation on how we operate, take a moment to review one or more of the key points listed in Why Choose Centratel Q&A (scroll down the page if you are on a mobile phone) For more specifics on cost, to start the onboarding process, or if you have questions, fill out this form with your basic information and if it’s during regular working hours (M-F 8am to 8pm EST or 5am to 5pm PST), we’ll get back to you within minutes. Or, during the above hours, you can simply call us at 800-664-7159 or send us an email to [inquiry@centratel.com](mailto:inquiry@centratel.com). First Name \* Last Name \* Job Title Email \* Company \* Phone \* City \* State \*State \*AlabamaAlaskaArkansasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDistrict of ColumbiaDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming How did you hear about us? How did you hear about us? \*PostcardBook gift: Work the SystemLetterReferralOnline SearchWork The SystemFacebook Is your business one of our specialties \*Is your business one of our specialties \*MedicalHome Health/HospiceVeterinary24/7 BusinessHVACTrade ServiceProperty ManagementUtilityDisaster RestorationPlumbing What is your ONE primary concern with using an answering service? \*What is your primary concern with using an answering service? \*Professionalism of staffMessage delivery accuracy and timelinessConsistent high quality of serviceCost of serviceLiabilityConfidentialityOther Are you currently using a call center/telephone answering service? \* YesNo Requested service start date \*Requested service start date \*ASAPWithin 1 WeekWithin 2 WeeksWithin 1 MonthOther List any specific call requirements Submit [Terms of Service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) ### **Why Choose Centratel** **BY SAM CARPENTER** **February 1, 2026** 1.CENTRATEL’S UNIQUE 30-DAY FREE TRIAL Why is this important? Because it will provide you a truly accurate estimate of cost (we bill monthly), it will demonstrate our quality, and it gives both sides of this brand new relationship—you and Centratel—plenty of time to refine and perfect operational details. Here’s a testimonial from a new medical client that had just finished their 30-day trial: _“Of course, I love the cost as it is close to the amount I was allowed by the president of the company. I told him that if we did not continue with Centratel, I would resign as the Director of Customer Service, and I meant it. It’s a great fit. We have had NOT ONE complaint from a patient or in-house which, as you know, we received daily with our former answering service._ _I love you, Centratel, and the price. I’m ready to sign whatever documents you require._ _Thanks for the great service, and the free month_! _To a great partnership! -KB, Phoenix_“ 2.STATISTICALLY, THE BEST IN THE U.S.? Answering service quality is 100% dependent on human action and reaction, and in the course of a single day a multitude of human decisions are made by the people who process the calls: Telephone Service Representatives, or TSRs. (Some answering services refer to them as “agents.” Others, “operators.”) Like any other answering service, at Centratel we’re dealing with real live human beings and so human errors can occur. But within this labor intensive service industry that is historically known for marginal quality, Centratel’s error rate is light years ahead of established standards. Our most recent Customer Reported Error Rate (October through December, 2025) was 1 customer-reported error for every 7,017 message transactions processed. That statistic is unmatched. There’s no artificial intelligence manipulation, we do not offshore calls, and we were founded and have always operated within the United States. (Note that since early 2020, the COVID six-foot social distancing mandate drove thousands of small-to-medium sized answering services out of business. Large, often foreign-owned multi-nationals, disguised by the name of the local answering services they acquired, now thoroughly dominate the industry. Hence, an even further decline in general service quality. [See this analysis.](https://www.centratel.com/answering-service-phone-industry/)) 3.CUSTOMER SERVICE EXTRAORDINAIRE Your concerns will be instantly acted upon. It’s a work ethic that stands in stark contrast to the general decline in quality of human-to-human business communications. You’ve seen it yourself, all around. At Centratel you will know by name the customer service people you’re working with, appreciating their special listening abilities as well as their take-action-now comportment. e.g. see the testimonial in point #1 above. ‘Nuff said! 4.GETTING STARTED: IT’S SIMPLE AND FAST Getting your new Centratel answering service 30-day free trial up-and-running is accomplished within 24-48 hours. From the start, your “onboarding” customer service representative will be with you every step of the way **,** listening carefully to your concerns, answering questions and offering suggestions. 5.NEW TO USING AN ANSWERING SERVICE? The very large majority of our current answering service accounts switched to us from another service because of quality and/or cost problems. However, if you have not used a service before, you are not familiar with the options, benefits, and pitfalls. Our 30-day free trial provides you—and us—plenty of time to precisely refine your desired message-taking and delivery protocols; to get things exactly the way you want them to be without any financial risk, undue pressure, or obligation. 6.PRICING Starting at $150 per month, our rates lie in the mid-range of the industry. Note that we charge by the “transaction unit” rather than the duration of time spent handling calls. Large “mega-services” operating in the U.S. prefer time billing because it ensures the company is compensated for lower-paid/high-turnover — and thus slower — agents. _No matter the quality or how long they keep your callers on hold, they still make a profit_. And yes, it can get expensive, especially if caller on-hold time is also billed. In any answering service, it takes a long time for a new agent to become fast, efficient, and stable. At Centratel, we pamper and reward experienced agents (via high pay and great benefits) and therefore have extremely low staff turnover. Needless to say, experienced agents make fewer errors than trainees who learn on-the-job. And, transaction-unit billing is easy to understand. There is no room for fraud as in time-billing. We can easily document and explain any monthly billing we send you. 7.ACCURATELY COMPARING ANSWERING SERVICE PRICING IS COMPLICATED It’s apples and oranges. There isn’t an industry standard for billing, and each answering service has its own formula. Also, as noted above, some services charge by agent “time” while a few, like us, charge by “transaction units.” Some others combine the two. At Centratel, we charge for the work we do, not by the time we spend. The raw truth is that the only reliable way to determine monthly cost for a new service is to use that service for a solid month. Most answering services offer a 7-day free trial or no trial at all. With Centratel you get 30-days. 8. MONTHLY OR 28-DAY BILLING? Important! At Centratel, we use a “monthly” billing cycle in which invoices are compiled from the first day of a month through the last day of that month. When soliciting quotes from other services, be sure to ask if the base-rate charges are billed monthly or on a “28-day billing cycle.” There is no good reason for a 28-day billing cycle! It’s a sly manipulation by the answering service: customers billed on a 28-day cycle actually receive thirteen billings per year instead of twelve. 9.NO CONTRACT AND SIMPLE TERMS OF SERVICE We don’t ask for a term contract for service because you should be able to evaluate us in real time, without restraint. Our [terms of service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) are simple and straight-forward. 10.VALUABLE FREE GIFT FOR CONTACTING US If you take the time to discuss answering service with us, on that same day we will ship you a hardcover copy of Sam Carpenter’s bestselling book, [_Work The System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_](https://www.workthesystem.com/), now in its 5th edition. (Sam is Centatel’s very active CEO.) December 1st 2025 marked his forty first year of ownership.) * * * ## Footer ## After-Hours Call Coverage - [Skip to primary navigation](https://www.centratel.com/blog/property-management-answering-service/after-hours-call-coverage-for-your-property-management-business/#genesis-nav-primary) - [Skip to main content](https://www.centratel.com/blog/property-management-answering-service/after-hours-call-coverage-for-your-property-management-business/#genesis-content) - [Skip to footer](https://www.centratel.com/blog/property-management-answering-service/after-hours-call-coverage-for-your-property-management-business/#genesis-footer-widgets) The Highest Quality Telephone Answering Service in the United States - [Make Payment](https://thepaymentportal.com/index.php?compcode=2C1A-9FF4-91CA-7F93) - [Client Login](https://oncall.centratel.com/) - [Follow Centratel on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centratel-answering-service/) - [Follow Centratel on Twitter](https://twitter.com/centratel) - [Follow Centratel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centratel) ![A Property Manager talking with his after-hours telephone answering service](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/CTS-after-hours-call-coverage-for-your-property-management-business.jpg) # After-Hours call coverage for your property management business February 24, 2022 [Property Management](https://www.centratel.com/blog/property-management-answering-service/) By Sam Carpenter If you don’t have after-hours phone coverage for your property management company, you’re missing one of the most powerful components of a thriving business: availability. Let’s talk about some of the biggest advantages to working with an elite-quality professional answering service that operates around the clock. ## **Exceptional Customer Care** When a potential client or current tenant calls and receives a pre-recorded message, it’s horribly impersonal. No one likes to leave a voicemail, especially in emergency situations. To avoid these caller-frustrations (as well as potential missed opportunities), give your clients instant access to a live person at all hours of the day. In the U.S., thousands of your competitors are already doing this… Here are some immediate benefits: - New clients will know high quality customer service from their first encounter. You can be sure this kind of great caller-experience will contribute to a better bottom line and consistent growth. - Because they receive a fast, human response to their concerns, current tenants and clients will feel they are important and that your operation is super-professional. - Because of the above, expect constant referrals. It’s very simple: excellent customer care leads to loyal tenants and clients…and growth. ## **Relief for Team Members** And there is this: during business hours your busy staff are not always able to give their full attention to incoming calls. For example, if you are advertising new properties, you’ll likely receive simultaneous calls from people requesting more information…and your staff may be tied up on the phone. You can relieve the tension on your people by allowing a property management answering service to assist with overflow calls. With messages that are dispatched immediately by your service, staff can then respond to those inquiries during calmer business hours. ![Property Manager helped by a property management answering service with happy client](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/CTS-after-hours-call-coverage-for-your-property-management-business-intro-1024x626.jpg) ## **Emergencies Receive Prompt Attention** What about emergency calls? If they come in after-hours, you may not know about the problem until the next morning. In the meantime, your tenants and clients are handling the situation without your support or guidance, very possibly in the wee hours of the morning or on a weekend afternoon or holiday. An after-hours answering service is the simple way to ensure you’re immediately made aware of emergencies, as your service immediately notifies you of emergencies while screening out non-urgent calls. It’s a beautiful thing: Gain peace of mind knowing you will always know the moment an emergency call is received. And…no more waking up to field non-urgent calls that really could wait until the next regular office hours. ## **The Difference a Quality Answering Service Makes** You can improve the flow of business in your property management company while easing the stress of your employees, practically overnight. It’s as simple as contacting us to discuss your after-hours phone service options. Ensuring that you can act immediately when emergencies arise, we’re your secret to improving customer care, boosting morale in the office, and bolstering your bottom line. ## Taking the Next Step * * * For a quick orientation on how we operate, take a moment to review one or more of the key points listed in Why Choose Centratel Q&A (scroll down the page if you are on a mobile phone) For more specifics on cost, to start the onboarding process, or if you have questions, fill out this form with your basic information and if it’s during regular working hours (M-F 8am to 8pm EST or 5am to 5pm PST), we’ll get back to you within minutes. Or, during the above hours, you can simply call us at 800-664-7159 or send us an email to [inquiry@centratel.com](mailto:inquiry@centratel.com). First Name \* Last Name \* Job Title Email \* Company \* Phone \* City \* State \*State \*AlabamaAlaskaArkansasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDistrict of ColumbiaDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming How did you hear about us? How did you hear about us? \*PostcardBook gift: Work the SystemLetterReferralOnline SearchWork The SystemFacebook Is your business one of our specialties \*Is your business one of our specialties \*MedicalHome Health/HospiceVeterinary24/7 BusinessHVACTrade ServiceProperty ManagementUtilityDisaster RestorationPlumbing What is your ONE primary concern with using an answering service? \*What is your primary concern with using an answering service? \*Professionalism of staffMessage delivery accuracy and timelinessConsistent high quality of serviceCost of serviceLiabilityConfidentialityOther Are you currently using a call center/telephone answering service? \* YesNo Requested service start date \*Requested service start date \*ASAPWithin 1 WeekWithin 2 WeeksWithin 1 MonthOther List any specific call requirements Submit [Terms of Service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) ### **Why Choose Centratel** **BY SAM CARPENTER** **February 1, 2026** 1.CENTRATEL’S UNIQUE 30-DAY FREE TRIAL Why is this important? Because it will provide you a truly accurate estimate of cost (we bill monthly), it will demonstrate our quality, and it gives both sides of this brand new relationship—you and Centratel—plenty of time to refine and perfect operational details. Here’s a testimonial from a new medical client that had just finished their 30-day trial: _“Of course, I love the cost as it is close to the amount I was allowed by the president of the company. I told him that if we did not continue with Centratel, I would resign as the Director of Customer Service, and I meant it. It’s a great fit. We have had NOT ONE complaint from a patient or in-house which, as you know, we received daily with our former answering service._ _I love you, Centratel, and the price. I’m ready to sign whatever documents you require._ _Thanks for the great service, and the free month_! _To a great partnership! -KB, Phoenix_“ 2.STATISTICALLY, THE BEST IN THE U.S.? Answering service quality is 100% dependent on human action and reaction, and in the course of a single day a multitude of human decisions are made by the people who process the calls: Telephone Service Representatives, or TSRs. (Some answering services refer to them as “agents.” Others, “operators.”) Like any other answering service, at Centratel we’re dealing with real live human beings and so human errors can occur. But within this labor intensive service industry that is historically known for marginal quality, Centratel’s error rate is light years ahead of established standards. Our most recent Customer Reported Error Rate (October through December, 2025) was 1 customer-reported error for every 7,017 message transactions processed. That statistic is unmatched. There’s no artificial intelligence manipulation, we do not offshore calls, and we were founded and have always operated within the United States. (Note that since early 2020, the COVID six-foot social distancing mandate drove thousands of small-to-medium sized answering services out of business. Large, often foreign-owned multi-nationals, disguised by the name of the local answering services they acquired, now thoroughly dominate the industry. Hence, an even further decline in general service quality. [See this analysis.](https://www.centratel.com/answering-service-phone-industry/)) 3.CUSTOMER SERVICE EXTRAORDINAIRE Your concerns will be instantly acted upon. It’s a work ethic that stands in stark contrast to the general decline in quality of human-to-human business communications. You’ve seen it yourself, all around. At Centratel you will know by name the customer service people you’re working with, appreciating their special listening abilities as well as their take-action-now comportment. e.g. see the testimonial in point #1 above. ‘Nuff said! 4.GETTING STARTED: IT’S SIMPLE AND FAST Getting your new Centratel answering service 30-day free trial up-and-running is accomplished within 24-48 hours. From the start, your “onboarding” customer service representative will be with you every step of the way **,** listening carefully to your concerns, answering questions and offering suggestions. 5.NEW TO USING AN ANSWERING SERVICE? The very large majority of our current answering service accounts switched to us from another service because of quality and/or cost problems. However, if you have not used a service before, you are not familiar with the options, benefits, and pitfalls. Our 30-day free trial provides you—and us—plenty of time to precisely refine your desired message-taking and delivery protocols; to get things exactly the way you want them to be without any financial risk, undue pressure, or obligation. 6.PRICING Starting at $150 per month, our rates lie in the mid-range of the industry. Note that we charge by the “transaction unit” rather than the duration of time spent handling calls. Large “mega-services” operating in the U.S. prefer time billing because it ensures the company is compensated for lower-paid/high-turnover — and thus slower — agents. _No matter the quality or how long they keep your callers on hold, they still make a profit_. And yes, it can get expensive, especially if caller on-hold time is also billed. In any answering service, it takes a long time for a new agent to become fast, efficient, and stable. At Centratel, we pamper and reward experienced agents (via high pay and great benefits) and therefore have extremely low staff turnover. Needless to say, experienced agents make fewer errors than trainees who learn on-the-job. And, transaction-unit billing is easy to understand. There is no room for fraud as in time-billing. We can easily document and explain any monthly billing we send you. 7.ACCURATELY COMPARING ANSWERING SERVICE PRICING IS COMPLICATED It’s apples and oranges. There isn’t an industry standard for billing, and each answering service has its own formula. Also, as noted above, some services charge by agent “time” while a few, like us, charge by “transaction units.” Some others combine the two. At Centratel, we charge for the work we do, not by the time we spend. The raw truth is that the only reliable way to determine monthly cost for a new service is to use that service for a solid month. Most answering services offer a 7-day free trial or no trial at all. With Centratel you get 30-days. 8. MONTHLY OR 28-DAY BILLING? Important! At Centratel, we use a “monthly” billing cycle in which invoices are compiled from the first day of a month through the last day of that month. When soliciting quotes from other services, be sure to ask if the base-rate charges are billed monthly or on a “28-day billing cycle.” There is no good reason for a 28-day billing cycle! It’s a sly manipulation by the answering service: customers billed on a 28-day cycle actually receive thirteen billings per year instead of twelve. 9.NO CONTRACT AND SIMPLE TERMS OF SERVICE We don’t ask for a term contract for service because you should be able to evaluate us in real time, without restraint. Our [terms of service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) are simple and straight-forward. 10.VALUABLE FREE GIFT FOR CONTACTING US If you take the time to discuss answering service with us, on that same day we will ship you a hardcover copy of Sam Carpenter’s bestselling book, [_Work The System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_](https://www.workthesystem.com/), now in its 5th edition. (Sam is Centatel’s very active CEO.) December 1st 2025 marked his forty first year of ownership.) * * * ## Footer ## Veterinary Service Solutions - [Skip to primary navigation](https://www.centratel.com/blog/veterinary-answering-service/how-an-answering-service-can-alleviate-the-workforce-crisis-of-veterinarians/#genesis-nav-primary) - [Skip to main content](https://www.centratel.com/blog/veterinary-answering-service/how-an-answering-service-can-alleviate-the-workforce-crisis-of-veterinarians/#genesis-content) - [Skip to footer](https://www.centratel.com/blog/veterinary-answering-service/how-an-answering-service-can-alleviate-the-workforce-crisis-of-veterinarians/#genesis-footer-widgets) The Highest Quality Telephone Answering Service in the United States - [Make Payment](https://thepaymentportal.com/index.php?compcode=2C1A-9FF4-91CA-7F93) - [Client Login](https://oncall.centratel.com/) - [Follow Centratel on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centratel-answering-service/) - [Follow Centratel on Twitter](https://twitter.com/centratel) - [Follow Centratel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centratel) ![A veterinarian with a dog smiling while Cetratel Telephone Answering Service takes care of her calls](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/CTS-how-an-answering-service-can-alleviate-the-workforce-crisis-of-veterinarians.jpg) # How an Answering Service Can Alleviate the Workforce Crisis of Veterinarians January 27, 2022 [Veterinary](https://www.centratel.com/blog/veterinary-answering-service/) By Sam Carpenter Of course, you know this: For the past 18 months veterinarians and animal hospitals have been intensively looking for help as they struggle to keep up with ever-rising pet care demands amidst a changing workplace environment. While many factors have contributed to this, the COVID fiasco is widely viewed as the cause. No question, patients spending more time at home and around their pets are demanding more professional attention than ever before. Veterinarians adjusting to new regulations aren’t able to see as many patients in a day as they once could. Combined with the ongoing shortage of qualified veterinary doctors and staff leaves the veterinary industry in difficult, uncharted territory. The following article found [**here**](https://www.avma.org/javma-news/2021-09-15/are-we-veterinary-workforce-crisis), recently published by the American Veterinary Medical Association, speaks to the current climate of the industry in great detail. It presents valuable insights into how the pandemic has affected pet ownership and veterinary operations, and perhaps most importantly, how best to adapt. With an understanding of the factors at play, and with no indication that major changes are afoot, what can be done to help alleviate the burdens many veterinary clinics and animal hospitals face? One smart solution referenced in the [**AVMA article**](https://www.avma.org/javma-news/2021-09-15/are-we-veterinary-workforce-crisis), is to **partner with an elite veterinary answering service.** So how can this make a difference? ![A veterinary business dedicated Telephone Service Representative answering clients calls](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/CTS-how-an-answering-service-can-alleviate-the-workforce-crisis-of-veterinarians-img-1024x626.jpg) The benefits to using an elite answering service are many-fold, but at the core is the premise that by outsourcing basic tasks, like fielding incoming calls during and after-hours, staff time can be reallocated to improved customer service and greater patient satisfaction. Below are some of the immediate benefits veterinarians will achieve with the use of an elite veterinary answering service: - **Improved workplace Productivity and Efficiency:** Use trained and specialized staff where they’re needed most, with patients. No more fielding calls for appointment changes or prescription refills, or any other non-urgent and basic request that pulls staff away from more important priorities. Call -capture and messaging by live agents who are kind and professional ensures immediate delivery of every message to office staff. And it makes you look good. - **Greater** **Customer Service and Patient Satisfaction**: Immediately address patient complaints about long hold times or not getting through at all. A “live “ answering service ensures incoming calls are answered promptly and professionally, alleviating the burden on staff to manage calls during busy business hours while providing customers with the service they expect. Calls get handled precisely according to your own emergency protocols, with live agents taking messages and immediately routing them to staff. Emergency messages are escalated for immediate attention while non urgent calls are routed to staff for later follow up. - **Improved Staff Morale:** Provide much needed relief for staff who are tackling 5 things at once. - **Cost savings.** All the above can be yours for a fraction of the cost of another full-time administrative staff member. For veterinary clinics and animal hospitals that are struggling, looking for ways to remove the pressure, one thing remains clear: a strong partnership with an elite veterinary answering service is a viable, time-tested and immediate solution that **_will_** help alleviate some of today’s most aggravating challenges. In the U.S. literally tens of thousands of vet offices use this most basic service. Again, [**here is the link to AVMA article, originally posted in their Sept 21 Journal**](https://www.avma.org/javma-news/2021-09-15/are-we-veterinary-workforce-crisis). ## Taking the Next Step * * * For a quick orientation on how we operate, take a moment to review one or more of the key points listed in Why Choose Centratel Q&A (scroll down the page if you are on a mobile phone) For more specifics on cost, to start the onboarding process, or if you have questions, fill out this form with your basic information and if it’s during regular working hours (M-F 8am to 8pm EST or 5am to 5pm PST), we’ll get back to you within minutes. Or, during the above hours, you can simply call us at 800-664-7159 or send us an email to [inquiry@centratel.com](mailto:inquiry@centratel.com). First Name \* Last Name \* Job Title Email \* Company \* Phone \* City \* State \*State \*AlabamaAlaskaArkansasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDistrict of ColumbiaDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming How did you hear about us? How did you hear about us? \*PostcardBook gift: Work the SystemLetterReferralOnline SearchWork The SystemFacebook Is your business one of our specialties \*Is your business one of our specialties \*MedicalHome Health/HospiceVeterinary24/7 BusinessHVACTrade ServiceProperty ManagementUtilityDisaster RestorationPlumbing What is your ONE primary concern with using an answering service? \*What is your primary concern with using an answering service? \*Professionalism of staffMessage delivery accuracy and timelinessConsistent high quality of serviceCost of serviceLiabilityConfidentialityOther Are you currently using a call center/telephone answering service? \* YesNo Requested service start date \*Requested service start date \*ASAPWithin 1 WeekWithin 2 WeeksWithin 1 MonthOther List any specific call requirements Submit [Terms of Service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) ### **Why Choose Centratel** **BY SAM CARPENTER** **February 1, 2026** 1.CENTRATEL’S UNIQUE 30-DAY FREE TRIAL Why is this important? Because it will provide you a truly accurate estimate of cost (we bill monthly), it will demonstrate our quality, and it gives both sides of this brand new relationship—you and Centratel—plenty of time to refine and perfect operational details. Here’s a testimonial from a new medical client that had just finished their 30-day trial: _“Of course, I love the cost as it is close to the amount I was allowed by the president of the company. I told him that if we did not continue with Centratel, I would resign as the Director of Customer Service, and I meant it. It’s a great fit. We have had NOT ONE complaint from a patient or in-house which, as you know, we received daily with our former answering service._ _I love you, Centratel, and the price. I’m ready to sign whatever documents you require._ _Thanks for the great service, and the free month_! _To a great partnership! -KB, Phoenix_“ 2.STATISTICALLY, THE BEST IN THE U.S.? Answering service quality is 100% dependent on human action and reaction, and in the course of a single day a multitude of human decisions are made by the people who process the calls: Telephone Service Representatives, or TSRs. (Some answering services refer to them as “agents.” Others, “operators.”) Like any other answering service, at Centratel we’re dealing with real live human beings and so human errors can occur. But within this labor intensive service industry that is historically known for marginal quality, Centratel’s error rate is light years ahead of established standards. Our most recent Customer Reported Error Rate (October through December, 2025) was 1 customer-reported error for every 7,017 message transactions processed. That statistic is unmatched. There’s no artificial intelligence manipulation, we do not offshore calls, and we were founded and have always operated within the United States. (Note that since early 2020, the COVID six-foot social distancing mandate drove thousands of small-to-medium sized answering services out of business. Large, often foreign-owned multi-nationals, disguised by the name of the local answering services they acquired, now thoroughly dominate the industry. Hence, an even further decline in general service quality. [See this analysis.](https://www.centratel.com/answering-service-phone-industry/)) 3.CUSTOMER SERVICE EXTRAORDINAIRE Your concerns will be instantly acted upon. It’s a work ethic that stands in stark contrast to the general decline in quality of human-to-human business communications. You’ve seen it yourself, all around. At Centratel you will know by name the customer service people you’re working with, appreciating their special listening abilities as well as their take-action-now comportment. e.g. see the testimonial in point #1 above. ‘Nuff said! 4.GETTING STARTED: IT’S SIMPLE AND FAST Getting your new Centratel answering service 30-day free trial up-and-running is accomplished within 24-48 hours. From the start, your “onboarding” customer service representative will be with you every step of the way **,** listening carefully to your concerns, answering questions and offering suggestions. 5.NEW TO USING AN ANSWERING SERVICE? The very large majority of our current answering service accounts switched to us from another service because of quality and/or cost problems. However, if you have not used a service before, you are not familiar with the options, benefits, and pitfalls. Our 30-day free trial provides you—and us—plenty of time to precisely refine your desired message-taking and delivery protocols; to get things exactly the way you want them to be without any financial risk, undue pressure, or obligation. 6.PRICING Starting at $150 per month, our rates lie in the mid-range of the industry. Note that we charge by the “transaction unit” rather than the duration of time spent handling calls. Large “mega-services” operating in the U.S. prefer time billing because it ensures the company is compensated for lower-paid/high-turnover — and thus slower — agents. _No matter the quality or how long they keep your callers on hold, they still make a profit_. And yes, it can get expensive, especially if caller on-hold time is also billed. In any answering service, it takes a long time for a new agent to become fast, efficient, and stable. At Centratel, we pamper and reward experienced agents (via high pay and great benefits) and therefore have extremely low staff turnover. Needless to say, experienced agents make fewer errors than trainees who learn on-the-job. And, transaction-unit billing is easy to understand. There is no room for fraud as in time-billing. We can easily document and explain any monthly billing we send you. 7.ACCURATELY COMPARING ANSWERING SERVICE PRICING IS COMPLICATED It’s apples and oranges. There isn’t an industry standard for billing, and each answering service has its own formula. Also, as noted above, some services charge by agent “time” while a few, like us, charge by “transaction units.” Some others combine the two. At Centratel, we charge for the work we do, not by the time we spend. The raw truth is that the only reliable way to determine monthly cost for a new service is to use that service for a solid month. Most answering services offer a 7-day free trial or no trial at all. With Centratel you get 30-days. 8. MONTHLY OR 28-DAY BILLING? Important! At Centratel, we use a “monthly” billing cycle in which invoices are compiled from the first day of a month through the last day of that month. When soliciting quotes from other services, be sure to ask if the base-rate charges are billed monthly or on a “28-day billing cycle.” There is no good reason for a 28-day billing cycle! It’s a sly manipulation by the answering service: customers billed on a 28-day cycle actually receive thirteen billings per year instead of twelve. 9.NO CONTRACT AND SIMPLE TERMS OF SERVICE We don’t ask for a term contract for service because you should be able to evaluate us in real time, without restraint. Our [terms of service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) are simple and straight-forward. 10.VALUABLE FREE GIFT FOR CONTACTING US If you take the time to discuss answering service with us, on that same day we will ship you a hardcover copy of Sam Carpenter’s bestselling book, [_Work The System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_](https://www.workthesystem.com/), now in its 5th edition. (Sam is Centatel’s very active CEO.) December 1st 2025 marked his forty first year of ownership.) * * * ## Footer ## Elite HVAC Answering Service - [Skip to primary navigation](https://www.centratel.com/blog/hvac-answering-service/is-it-time-to-partner-with-an-elite-quality-hvac-specialized-answering-service/#genesis-nav-primary) - [Skip to main content](https://www.centratel.com/blog/hvac-answering-service/is-it-time-to-partner-with-an-elite-quality-hvac-specialized-answering-service/#genesis-content) - [Skip to footer](https://www.centratel.com/blog/hvac-answering-service/is-it-time-to-partner-with-an-elite-quality-hvac-specialized-answering-service/#genesis-footer-widgets) The Highest Quality Telephone Answering Service in the United States - [Make Payment](https://thepaymentportal.com/index.php?compcode=2C1A-9FF4-91CA-7F93) - [Client Login](https://oncall.centratel.com/) - [Follow Centratel on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centratel-answering-service/) - [Follow Centratel on Twitter](https://twitter.com/centratel) - [Follow Centratel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centratel) ![Operator on the roof of building supported by an elite HVAC-Specialized Answering Service](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/CTS-knowing-its-time-to-partner-with-an-elite-hvac-specialized-answering-service.jpg) # Is it Time to Partner with an Elite-quality, HVAC-Specialized Answering Service? January 13, 2022 [HVAC](https://www.centratel.com/blog/hvac-answering-service/) By Sam Carpenter What type of changes can you make to set your business apart from the competition? One answer is simple but so often overlooked: partnering with an elite-quality HVAC-Specialized Answering Service! How do you know if your HVAC business can benefit? The tell-tale conditions are easy to recognize, and once you see these indicators, you will wonder why you went so long without seeking help! Here are the signs to watch out for…and then act on! Keep in mind, literally tens of thousands of US-based HVAC businesses use some form of “live answering service” for customer care and call-capture. ## **After-hours: Your calls come in at all hours and it’s taking a toll** Incoming customer and sales calls during business hours are great when staffing is full. But what about customers who call in after hours, weekends and holidays?  (And if you’re a smaller operation, do _you_ get stuck taking those calls?) Is your staff working undesirable and unpredictable on-call shifts to help cover these odd hours? Of course, customers will call in whenever they have a need, and deciphering caller requests requires a real person to answer every call regardless of the time of day. Yes, this can be overwhelming! _With the help of an elite-quality HVAC answering service you can outsource your incoming calls to experienced agents who handle each and every customer call with professionalism and care._ Agents act as call-screeners and will route emergency messages to on-call staff for priority attention, while saving non-urgent messages to for next-business-day attention. What better way to alleviate the burden of after-hours calls while still guaranteeing important inquiries never get missed? ![HVAC technician works knowing that callers receive great high quality customer service](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/CTS-knowing-its-time-to-partner-with-an-elite-hvac-specialized-answering-service-intro-1024x478.jpg) ## **During the day: You and your staff are often disrupted…and productivity is suffering** Are incoming calls disrupting your staff’s workflow? _How many of your technicians get interrupted on the job site?_ Customers and potential customers like to explain what their situation is and expect your people to carefully listen as they go through the troubleshooting they tried before giving up and calling. While one-on-one customer service is important and a critical component of an HVAC business, it can come at great expense to busy staff. Using an elite-quality answering service will ensure your callers always receive super-high quality customer service…while eliminating costly disruptions for your people. And again, emergency calls are always routed immediately to on-call staff so if someone is disrupted on the job it’s for good reason! ## **Your customers are complaining of long hold times…or must leave a voicemail** Are you short-staffed _during_ business hours, unable to keep up with calls? Customers who call in expect to talk to a human being. If you put incoming callers on-hold or send them to voicemail, you’re going to permanently lose some percentage valuable business. (And always remember that it is impossible to measure the business that you don’t get.) While current customers are more likely to stay on the line, waiting on-hold is frustrating. And for the caller, leaving a voice mail message or filling out an on-line form, not knowing _if_ or _when_ a response will be forthcoming, is frustrating to the point of despair. It’s _not_ good! Further, what about new customers? This incredibly important segment of callers is most apt to hang up if put on hold, and move down the online laundry list of other competing HVAC companies. _New customers with emergency situations require immediate assistance_. Hiring an elite HVAC answering service to capture over-flow calls, during the day or after-hours, will guarantee that every customer who calls your number will speak to a real live person without painful hold times or impersonal voicemail. In the answering service industry, this is known as “call capture.” This is huge! ## **Don’t wait. Act now!** If these scenarios are familiar to you and your business is facing one or more of these problems on a regular basis, it’s high time you consider employing an elite-quality answering service.  Your new service can be up and running in as little as 48 hours – and the cost will be a fraction of what it would cost to hire a new employee. There really is no better way to energize your business than to partner with an experienced elite, HVAC-specialized Answering Service. ## Taking the Next Step * * * For a quick orientation on how we operate, take a moment to review one or more of the key points listed in Why Choose Centratel Q&A (scroll down the page if you are on a mobile phone) For more specifics on cost, to start the onboarding process, or if you have questions, fill out this form with your basic information and if it’s during regular working hours (M-F 8am to 8pm EST or 5am to 5pm PST), we’ll get back to you within minutes. Or, during the above hours, you can simply call us at 800-664-7159 or send us an email to [inquiry@centratel.com](mailto:inquiry@centratel.com). First Name \* Last Name \* Job Title Email \* Company \* Phone \* City \* State \*State \*AlabamaAlaskaArkansasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDistrict of ColumbiaDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming How did you hear about us? How did you hear about us? \*PostcardBook gift: Work the SystemLetterReferralOnline SearchWork The SystemFacebook Is your business one of our specialties \*Is your business one of our specialties \*MedicalHome Health/HospiceVeterinary24/7 BusinessHVACTrade ServiceProperty ManagementUtilityDisaster RestorationPlumbing What is your ONE primary concern with using an answering service? \*What is your primary concern with using an answering service? \*Professionalism of staffMessage delivery accuracy and timelinessConsistent high quality of serviceCost of serviceLiabilityConfidentialityOther Are you currently using a call center/telephone answering service? \* YesNo Requested service start date \*Requested service start date \*ASAPWithin 1 WeekWithin 2 WeeksWithin 1 MonthOther List any specific call requirements Submit [Terms of Service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) ### **Why Choose Centratel** **BY SAM CARPENTER** **February 1, 2026** 1.CENTRATEL’S UNIQUE 30-DAY FREE TRIAL Why is this important? Because it will provide you a truly accurate estimate of cost (we bill monthly), it will demonstrate our quality, and it gives both sides of this brand new relationship—you and Centratel—plenty of time to refine and perfect operational details. Here’s a testimonial from a new medical client that had just finished their 30-day trial: _“Of course, I love the cost as it is close to the amount I was allowed by the president of the company. I told him that if we did not continue with Centratel, I would resign as the Director of Customer Service, and I meant it. It’s a great fit. We have had NOT ONE complaint from a patient or in-house which, as you know, we received daily with our former answering service._ _I love you, Centratel, and the price. I’m ready to sign whatever documents you require._ _Thanks for the great service, and the free month_! _To a great partnership! -KB, Phoenix_“ 2.STATISTICALLY, THE BEST IN THE U.S.? Answering service quality is 100% dependent on human action and reaction, and in the course of a single day a multitude of human decisions are made by the people who process the calls: Telephone Service Representatives, or TSRs. (Some answering services refer to them as “agents.” Others, “operators.”) Like any other answering service, at Centratel we’re dealing with real live human beings and so human errors can occur. But within this labor intensive service industry that is historically known for marginal quality, Centratel’s error rate is light years ahead of established standards. Our most recent Customer Reported Error Rate (October through December, 2025) was 1 customer-reported error for every 7,017 message transactions processed. That statistic is unmatched. There’s no artificial intelligence manipulation, we do not offshore calls, and we were founded and have always operated within the United States. (Note that since early 2020, the COVID six-foot social distancing mandate drove thousands of small-to-medium sized answering services out of business. Large, often foreign-owned multi-nationals, disguised by the name of the local answering services they acquired, now thoroughly dominate the industry. Hence, an even further decline in general service quality. [See this analysis.](https://www.centratel.com/answering-service-phone-industry/)) 3.CUSTOMER SERVICE EXTRAORDINAIRE Your concerns will be instantly acted upon. It’s a work ethic that stands in stark contrast to the general decline in quality of human-to-human business communications. You’ve seen it yourself, all around. At Centratel you will know by name the customer service people you’re working with, appreciating their special listening abilities as well as their take-action-now comportment. e.g. see the testimonial in point #1 above. ‘Nuff said! 4.GETTING STARTED: IT’S SIMPLE AND FAST Getting your new Centratel answering service 30-day free trial up-and-running is accomplished within 24-48 hours. From the start, your “onboarding” customer service representative will be with you every step of the way **,** listening carefully to your concerns, answering questions and offering suggestions. 5.NEW TO USING AN ANSWERING SERVICE? The very large majority of our current answering service accounts switched to us from another service because of quality and/or cost problems. However, if you have not used a service before, you are not familiar with the options, benefits, and pitfalls. Our 30-day free trial provides you—and us—plenty of time to precisely refine your desired message-taking and delivery protocols; to get things exactly the way you want them to be without any financial risk, undue pressure, or obligation. 6.PRICING Starting at $150 per month, our rates lie in the mid-range of the industry. Note that we charge by the “transaction unit” rather than the duration of time spent handling calls. Large “mega-services” operating in the U.S. prefer time billing because it ensures the company is compensated for lower-paid/high-turnover — and thus slower — agents. _No matter the quality or how long they keep your callers on hold, they still make a profit_. And yes, it can get expensive, especially if caller on-hold time is also billed. In any answering service, it takes a long time for a new agent to become fast, efficient, and stable. At Centratel, we pamper and reward experienced agents (via high pay and great benefits) and therefore have extremely low staff turnover. Needless to say, experienced agents make fewer errors than trainees who learn on-the-job. And, transaction-unit billing is easy to understand. There is no room for fraud as in time-billing. We can easily document and explain any monthly billing we send you. 7.ACCURATELY COMPARING ANSWERING SERVICE PRICING IS COMPLICATED It’s apples and oranges. There isn’t an industry standard for billing, and each answering service has its own formula. Also, as noted above, some services charge by agent “time” while a few, like us, charge by “transaction units.” Some others combine the two. At Centratel, we charge for the work we do, not by the time we spend. The raw truth is that the only reliable way to determine monthly cost for a new service is to use that service for a solid month. Most answering services offer a 7-day free trial or no trial at all. With Centratel you get 30-days. 8. MONTHLY OR 28-DAY BILLING? Important! At Centratel, we use a “monthly” billing cycle in which invoices are compiled from the first day of a month through the last day of that month. When soliciting quotes from other services, be sure to ask if the base-rate charges are billed monthly or on a “28-day billing cycle.” There is no good reason for a 28-day billing cycle! It’s a sly manipulation by the answering service: customers billed on a 28-day cycle actually receive thirteen billings per year instead of twelve. 9.NO CONTRACT AND SIMPLE TERMS OF SERVICE We don’t ask for a term contract for service because you should be able to evaluate us in real time, without restraint. Our [terms of service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) are simple and straight-forward. 10.VALUABLE FREE GIFT FOR CONTACTING US If you take the time to discuss answering service with us, on that same day we will ship you a hardcover copy of Sam Carpenter’s bestselling book, [_Work The System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_](https://www.workthesystem.com/), now in its 5th edition. (Sam is Centatel’s very active CEO.) December 1st 2025 marked his forty first year of ownership.) * * * ## Footer ## Holiday Season Support - [Skip to primary navigation](https://www.centratel.com/blog/answering-service/get-through-the-busy-holiday-season-with-the-help-of-an-elite-answering-service/#genesis-nav-primary) - [Skip to main content](https://www.centratel.com/blog/answering-service/get-through-the-busy-holiday-season-with-the-help-of-an-elite-answering-service/#genesis-content) - [Skip to footer](https://www.centratel.com/blog/answering-service/get-through-the-busy-holiday-season-with-the-help-of-an-elite-answering-service/#genesis-footer-widgets) The Highest Quality Telephone Answering Service in the United States - [Make Payment](https://thepaymentportal.com/index.php?compcode=2C1A-9FF4-91CA-7F93) - [Client Login](https://oncall.centratel.com/) - [Follow Centratel on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centratel-answering-service/) - [Follow Centratel on Twitter](https://twitter.com/centratel) - [Follow Centratel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centratel) ![Gifts under the tree during Holiday Season with the help of an elite Answering Service!](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/CTS-get-through-the-busy-holiday-season-with-the-help-of-an-elite-answering-service.jpg) # Get Through The Busy Holiday Season with the Help of an Elite Answering Service! December 16, 2021 [Answering Service](https://www.centratel.com/blog/answering-service/) By Sam Carpenter As the holidays quietly loom ahead, businesses face a barrage of year-end activity that can overwhelm staff and frustrate customers. And to complicate this yearly challenge, in some states there’s the, albeit waning, COVID mandate challenge. Don’t let heightened demand for services and limited availability of staff get in the way of ending the year on a positive note. Finding solutions that allow your business to operate smoothly during these hectic times, such as hiring an Elite Answering Service, will ensure you get through the holiday season with little stress. At Centratel, we’ve been assisting clients in managing their incoming calls for almost 40 years. As [experts in the HVAC, Property Management, Veterinary, and Home health and Hospice Industries, to name a few](https://www.centratel.com/business-specialties/), our agents are the very best\* in handling overflow calls for our clients, freeing up their limited staff for other, high priority functions. What about emergency calls? Our agents will follow your exact call-routing protocol to ensure these calls are immediately delivered to your on-call personnel. Other non-critical messages are quietly yet immediately routed to administrative staff for action. If there are any doubts about whether you should partner with an elite answering service through the holiday season, consider these immediate benefits: - You can honor employee vacation requests even when it’s busy. Employing a service to manage calls when understaffed is a smart solution to accommodate holiday activities, vacations and even peak flu season/COVID-related illnesses that cause staffing headaches. And of course, a commitment to work-life balance promotes goodwill among employees. - Provide your customers and patients with superior service! Customers know that the holiday season is a predictably hectic time of year. Hold-times are common and customer service can be less than it should be. Give your clients a gift this holiday season, treating them to immediate and professional service by a live person…no matter when they call. - Did we say NO voicemail? Never send your customers to an impersonal voicemail box again. Have your overflow calls routed to our answering service and watch your customers rejoice! Gain peace of mind knowing that even if staff is limited, no caller is left to wait and wonder, after following confusing message prompts or forced to leave a message they aren’t sure anyone will receive. Never underestimate the value of human-to-human discourse in this age of mechanized communication… For sure, the holidays can be a stressful time, but they don’t have to be! Partnering with an Elite Answering Service like Centratel is a winner for your staff, your customers and your bottom line. Call [Centrate](https://www.centratel.com/) l today to learn more about our services and to request a price quote. _\*Our Customer Reported Error rate consistently scores one reported error for every 9,000+ calls processed, light-years ahead of competing answering services._ ## Taking the Next Step * * * For a quick orientation on how we operate, take a moment to review one or more of the key points listed in Why Choose Centratel Q&A (scroll down the page if you are on a mobile phone) For more specifics on cost, to start the onboarding process, or if you have questions, fill out this form with your basic information and if it’s during regular working hours (M-F 8am to 8pm EST or 5am to 5pm PST), we’ll get back to you within minutes. Or, during the above hours, you can simply call us at 800-664-7159 or send us an email to [inquiry@centratel.com](mailto:inquiry@centratel.com). First Name \* Last Name \* Job Title Email \* Company \* Phone \* City \* State \*State \*AlabamaAlaskaArkansasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDistrict of ColumbiaDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming How did you hear about us? How did you hear about us? \*PostcardBook gift: Work the SystemLetterReferralOnline SearchWork The SystemFacebook Is your business one of our specialties \*Is your business one of our specialties \*MedicalHome Health/HospiceVeterinary24/7 BusinessHVACTrade ServiceProperty ManagementUtilityDisaster RestorationPlumbing What is your ONE primary concern with using an answering service? \*What is your primary concern with using an answering service? \*Professionalism of staffMessage delivery accuracy and timelinessConsistent high quality of serviceCost of serviceLiabilityConfidentialityOther Are you currently using a call center/telephone answering service? \* YesNo Requested service start date \*Requested service start date \*ASAPWithin 1 WeekWithin 2 WeeksWithin 1 MonthOther List any specific call requirements Submit [Terms of Service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) ### **Why Choose Centratel** **BY SAM CARPENTER** **February 1, 2026** 1.CENTRATEL’S UNIQUE 30-DAY FREE TRIAL Why is this important? Because it will provide you a truly accurate estimate of cost (we bill monthly), it will demonstrate our quality, and it gives both sides of this brand new relationship—you and Centratel—plenty of time to refine and perfect operational details. Here’s a testimonial from a new medical client that had just finished their 30-day trial: _“Of course, I love the cost as it is close to the amount I was allowed by the president of the company. I told him that if we did not continue with Centratel, I would resign as the Director of Customer Service, and I meant it. It’s a great fit. We have had NOT ONE complaint from a patient or in-house which, as you know, we received daily with our former answering service._ _I love you, Centratel, and the price. I’m ready to sign whatever documents you require._ _Thanks for the great service, and the free month_! _To a great partnership! -KB, Phoenix_“ 2.STATISTICALLY, THE BEST IN THE U.S.? Answering service quality is 100% dependent on human action and reaction, and in the course of a single day a multitude of human decisions are made by the people who process the calls: Telephone Service Representatives, or TSRs. (Some answering services refer to them as “agents.” Others, “operators.”) Like any other answering service, at Centratel we’re dealing with real live human beings and so human errors can occur. But within this labor intensive service industry that is historically known for marginal quality, Centratel’s error rate is light years ahead of established standards. Our most recent Customer Reported Error Rate (October through December, 2025) was 1 customer-reported error for every 7,017 message transactions processed. That statistic is unmatched. There’s no artificial intelligence manipulation, we do not offshore calls, and we were founded and have always operated within the United States. (Note that since early 2020, the COVID six-foot social distancing mandate drove thousands of small-to-medium sized answering services out of business. Large, often foreign-owned multi-nationals, disguised by the name of the local answering services they acquired, now thoroughly dominate the industry. Hence, an even further decline in general service quality. [See this analysis.](https://www.centratel.com/answering-service-phone-industry/)) 3.CUSTOMER SERVICE EXTRAORDINAIRE Your concerns will be instantly acted upon. It’s a work ethic that stands in stark contrast to the general decline in quality of human-to-human business communications. You’ve seen it yourself, all around. At Centratel you will know by name the customer service people you’re working with, appreciating their special listening abilities as well as their take-action-now comportment. e.g. see the testimonial in point #1 above. ‘Nuff said! 4.GETTING STARTED: IT’S SIMPLE AND FAST Getting your new Centratel answering service 30-day free trial up-and-running is accomplished within 24-48 hours. From the start, your “onboarding” customer service representative will be with you every step of the way **,** listening carefully to your concerns, answering questions and offering suggestions. 5.NEW TO USING AN ANSWERING SERVICE? The very large majority of our current answering service accounts switched to us from another service because of quality and/or cost problems. However, if you have not used a service before, you are not familiar with the options, benefits, and pitfalls. Our 30-day free trial provides you—and us—plenty of time to precisely refine your desired message-taking and delivery protocols; to get things exactly the way you want them to be without any financial risk, undue pressure, or obligation. 6.PRICING Starting at $150 per month, our rates lie in the mid-range of the industry. Note that we charge by the “transaction unit” rather than the duration of time spent handling calls. Large “mega-services” operating in the U.S. prefer time billing because it ensures the company is compensated for lower-paid/high-turnover — and thus slower — agents. _No matter the quality or how long they keep your callers on hold, they still make a profit_. And yes, it can get expensive, especially if caller on-hold time is also billed. In any answering service, it takes a long time for a new agent to become fast, efficient, and stable. At Centratel, we pamper and reward experienced agents (via high pay and great benefits) and therefore have extremely low staff turnover. Needless to say, experienced agents make fewer errors than trainees who learn on-the-job. And, transaction-unit billing is easy to understand. There is no room for fraud as in time-billing. We can easily document and explain any monthly billing we send you. 7.ACCURATELY COMPARING ANSWERING SERVICE PRICING IS COMPLICATED It’s apples and oranges. There isn’t an industry standard for billing, and each answering service has its own formula. Also, as noted above, some services charge by agent “time” while a few, like us, charge by “transaction units.” Some others combine the two. At Centratel, we charge for the work we do, not by the time we spend. The raw truth is that the only reliable way to determine monthly cost for a new service is to use that service for a solid month. Most answering services offer a 7-day free trial or no trial at all. With Centratel you get 30-days. 8. MONTHLY OR 28-DAY BILLING? Important! At Centratel, we use a “monthly” billing cycle in which invoices are compiled from the first day of a month through the last day of that month. When soliciting quotes from other services, be sure to ask if the base-rate charges are billed monthly or on a “28-day billing cycle.” There is no good reason for a 28-day billing cycle! It’s a sly manipulation by the answering service: customers billed on a 28-day cycle actually receive thirteen billings per year instead of twelve. 9.NO CONTRACT AND SIMPLE TERMS OF SERVICE We don’t ask for a term contract for service because you should be able to evaluate us in real time, without restraint. Our [terms of service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) are simple and straight-forward. 10.VALUABLE FREE GIFT FOR CONTACTING US If you take the time to discuss answering service with us, on that same day we will ship you a hardcover copy of Sam Carpenter’s bestselling book, [_Work The System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_](https://www.workthesystem.com/), now in its 5th edition. (Sam is Centatel’s very active CEO.) December 1st 2025 marked his forty first year of ownership.) * * * ## Footer ## Staffing Solutions Here - [Skip to primary navigation](https://www.centratel.com/blog/home-healthcare-hospice-answering-service/the-staffing-shortage-nightmare-telephone-answering-services-pick-up-the-slack/#genesis-nav-primary) - [Skip to main content](https://www.centratel.com/blog/home-healthcare-hospice-answering-service/the-staffing-shortage-nightmare-telephone-answering-services-pick-up-the-slack/#genesis-content) - [Skip to footer](https://www.centratel.com/blog/home-healthcare-hospice-answering-service/the-staffing-shortage-nightmare-telephone-answering-services-pick-up-the-slack/#genesis-footer-widgets) The Highest Quality Telephone Answering Service in the United States - [Make Payment](https://thepaymentportal.com/index.php?compcode=2C1A-9FF4-91CA-7F93) - [Client Login](https://oncall.centratel.com/) - [Follow Centratel on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centratel-answering-service/) - [Follow Centratel on Twitter](https://twitter.com/centratel) - [Follow Centratel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centratel) ![A home healthcare nurse working with the help of an elite-quality answering service](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201500%20917'%3E%3C/svg%3E) # The Staffing Shortage Nightmare: Telephone Answering Services Pick up the Slack December 2, 2021 [Home Healthcare & Hospice](https://www.centratel.com/blog/home-healthcare-hospice-answering-service/) By Sam Carpenter Staffing shortages are nothing new but now the situation is getting downright dire. Yes, in 2021 a multitude of economic hammer-blows converged, and almost all are directly or indirectly related to the COVID-19 physical and governmental regulatory onslaught. A new [industry survey](https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Fact-Sheets/FactSheets/Workforce-Survey-September2021.pdf) indicates alarming realities: 1. Only 1% of nursing homes and 4% of assisted living facilities (ALFs) say they are fully staffed 2. 58% of nursing homes and 28% of ALFs say they are limiting admissions because of the above 3. More than one-third of nursing homes and about one in five ALF operators say they are “very concerned” they’ll have to shut their doors altogether if the labor shortage does not turn around 4. 99% of nursing homes and 100% of ALFs have asked staff to work overtime and take extra shifts With these more-than-troubling conditions, what solutions are available _right now_, as you struggle to hire and maintain staff? One clear-cut simple solution is to **partner with an elite answering service** to assist with inbound calls. Without compromising quality of service, an elite answering service – with solid experience in the home healthcare industry – can provide a wealth of immediate benefits when your staff is limited: - **Front-office back up** including after-hours and weekend coverage as well as over-flow assistance during the day. No more missed calls or patients and family dealing with impersonal voicemail. - **Tremendous flexibility** – an answering service can take calls as many or as little calls as needed, with no heads-up necessary - **Maintain customer satisfaction:** patients and family members are greeted by a live person: a kind, compassionate and professional agent trained to manage calls in the healthcare industry - **Avoid staff burnout:** – off-load calls to an answering service for immediate relief – while ensuring emergency calls are still managed properly - **Assist with additional tasks and services:** trained agents will take caregiver call-outs, pass along requests for specialty appointments, contact account managers about new inquiries, filter unwanted and unsolicited contacts from telemarketers, and more. An answering service can skillfully handle a multitude of necessary, but inconvenient duties that might otherwise distract or your in-house team. While staffing challenges are likely to persist, there is one fail-safe solution that home healthcare operations can turn to in times of need: the valuable partnership with an elite-quality answering service. ## Taking the Next Step * * * For a quick orientation on how we operate, take a moment to review one or more of the key points listed in Why Choose Centratel Q&A (scroll down the page if you are on a mobile phone) For more specifics on cost, to start the onboarding process, or if you have questions, fill out this form with your basic information and if it’s during regular working hours (M-F 8am to 8pm EST or 5am to 5pm PST), we’ll get back to you within minutes. Or, during the above hours, you can simply call us at 800-664-7159 or send us an email to [inquiry@centratel.com](mailto:inquiry@centratel.com). First Name \* Last Name \* Job Title Email \* Company \* Phone \* City \* State \*State \*AlabamaAlaskaArkansasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDistrict of ColumbiaDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming How did you hear about us? How did you hear about us? \*PostcardBook gift: Work the SystemLetterReferralOnline SearchWork The SystemFacebook Is your business one of our specialties \*Is your business one of our specialties \*MedicalHome Health/HospiceVeterinary24/7 BusinessHVACTrade ServiceProperty ManagementUtilityDisaster RestorationPlumbing What is your ONE primary concern with using an answering service? \*What is your primary concern with using an answering service? \*Professionalism of staffMessage delivery accuracy and timelinessConsistent high quality of serviceCost of serviceLiabilityConfidentialityOther Are you currently using a call center/telephone answering service? \* YesNo Requested service start date \*Requested service start date \*ASAPWithin 1 WeekWithin 2 WeeksWithin 1 MonthOther List any specific call requirements Submit [Terms of Service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) ### **Why Choose Centratel** **BY SAM CARPENTER** **February 1, 2026** 1.CENTRATEL’S UNIQUE 30-DAY FREE TRIAL Why is this important? Because it will provide you a truly accurate estimate of cost (we bill monthly), it will demonstrate our quality, and it gives both sides of this brand new relationship—you and Centratel—plenty of time to refine and perfect operational details. Here’s a testimonial from a new medical client that had just finished their 30-day trial: _“Of course, I love the cost as it is close to the amount I was allowed by the president of the company. I told him that if we did not continue with Centratel, I would resign as the Director of Customer Service, and I meant it. It’s a great fit. We have had NOT ONE complaint from a patient or in-house which, as you know, we received daily with our former answering service._ _I love you, Centratel, and the price. I’m ready to sign whatever documents you require._ _Thanks for the great service, and the free month_! _To a great partnership! -KB, Phoenix_“ 2.STATISTICALLY, THE BEST IN THE U.S.? Answering service quality is 100% dependent on human action and reaction, and in the course of a single day a multitude of human decisions are made by the people who process the calls: Telephone Service Representatives, or TSRs. (Some answering services refer to them as “agents.” Others, “operators.”) Like any other answering service, at Centratel we’re dealing with real live human beings and so human errors can occur. But within this labor intensive service industry that is historically known for marginal quality, Centratel’s error rate is light years ahead of established standards. Our most recent Customer Reported Error Rate (October through December, 2025) was 1 customer-reported error for every 7,017 message transactions processed. That statistic is unmatched. There’s no artificial intelligence manipulation, we do not offshore calls, and we were founded and have always operated within the United States. (Note that since early 2020, the COVID six-foot social distancing mandate drove thousands of small-to-medium sized answering services out of business. Large, often foreign-owned multi-nationals, disguised by the name of the local answering services they acquired, now thoroughly dominate the industry. Hence, an even further decline in general service quality. [See this analysis.](https://www.centratel.com/answering-service-phone-industry/)) 3.CUSTOMER SERVICE EXTRAORDINAIRE Your concerns will be instantly acted upon. It’s a work ethic that stands in stark contrast to the general decline in quality of human-to-human business communications. You’ve seen it yourself, all around. At Centratel you will know by name the customer service people you’re working with, appreciating their special listening abilities as well as their take-action-now comportment. e.g. see the testimonial in point #1 above. ‘Nuff said! 4.GETTING STARTED: IT’S SIMPLE AND FAST Getting your new Centratel answering service 30-day free trial up-and-running is accomplished within 24-48 hours. From the start, your “onboarding” customer service representative will be with you every step of the way **,** listening carefully to your concerns, answering questions and offering suggestions. 5.NEW TO USING AN ANSWERING SERVICE? The very large majority of our current answering service accounts switched to us from another service because of quality and/or cost problems. However, if you have not used a service before, you are not familiar with the options, benefits, and pitfalls. Our 30-day free trial provides you—and us—plenty of time to precisely refine your desired message-taking and delivery protocols; to get things exactly the way you want them to be without any financial risk, undue pressure, or obligation. 6.PRICING Starting at $150 per month, our rates lie in the mid-range of the industry. Note that we charge by the “transaction unit” rather than the duration of time spent handling calls. Large “mega-services” operating in the U.S. prefer time billing because it ensures the company is compensated for lower-paid/high-turnover — and thus slower — agents. _No matter the quality or how long they keep your callers on hold, they still make a profit_. And yes, it can get expensive, especially if caller on-hold time is also billed. In any answering service, it takes a long time for a new agent to become fast, efficient, and stable. At Centratel, we pamper and reward experienced agents (via high pay and great benefits) and therefore have extremely low staff turnover. Needless to say, experienced agents make fewer errors than trainees who learn on-the-job. And, transaction-unit billing is easy to understand. There is no room for fraud as in time-billing. We can easily document and explain any monthly billing we send you. 7.ACCURATELY COMPARING ANSWERING SERVICE PRICING IS COMPLICATED It’s apples and oranges. There isn’t an industry standard for billing, and each answering service has its own formula. Also, as noted above, some services charge by agent “time” while a few, like us, charge by “transaction units.” Some others combine the two. At Centratel, we charge for the work we do, not by the time we spend. The raw truth is that the only reliable way to determine monthly cost for a new service is to use that service for a solid month. Most answering services offer a 7-day free trial or no trial at all. With Centratel you get 30-days. 8. MONTHLY OR 28-DAY BILLING? Important! At Centratel, we use a “monthly” billing cycle in which invoices are compiled from the first day of a month through the last day of that month. When soliciting quotes from other services, be sure to ask if the base-rate charges are billed monthly or on a “28-day billing cycle.” There is no good reason for a 28-day billing cycle! It’s a sly manipulation by the answering service: customers billed on a 28-day cycle actually receive thirteen billings per year instead of twelve. 9.NO CONTRACT AND SIMPLE TERMS OF SERVICE We don’t ask for a term contract for service because you should be able to evaluate us in real time, without restraint. Our [terms of service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) are simple and straight-forward. 10.VALUABLE FREE GIFT FOR CONTACTING US If you take the time to discuss answering service with us, on that same day we will ship you a hardcover copy of Sam Carpenter’s bestselling book, [_Work The System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_](https://www.workthesystem.com/), now in its 5th edition. (Sam is Centatel’s very active CEO.) December 1st 2025 marked his forty first year of ownership.) * * * ## Footer ## HVAC Call Management - [Skip to primary navigation](https://www.centratel.com/blog/hvac-answering-service/never-lose-customers-to-the-competition/#genesis-nav-primary) - [Skip to main content](https://www.centratel.com/blog/hvac-answering-service/never-lose-customers-to-the-competition/#genesis-content) - [Skip to footer](https://www.centratel.com/blog/hvac-answering-service/never-lose-customers-to-the-competition/#genesis-footer-widgets) The Highest Quality Telephone Answering Service in the United States - [Make Payment](https://thepaymentportal.com/index.php?compcode=2C1A-9FF4-91CA-7F93) - [Client Login](https://oncall.centratel.com/) - [Follow Centratel on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centratel-answering-service/) - [Follow Centratel on Twitter](https://twitter.com/centratel) - [Follow Centratel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centratel) ![HVAC business owner ready to work sure that his calls are managed by an answering service](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/CTS-never-lose-customers-to-the-competition.jpg) # Never Lose Customers to the Competition! October 28, 2021 [HVAC](https://www.centratel.com/blog/hvac-answering-service/) By Sam Carpenter Your phone rings 24/7. So how can your HVAC company be sure to handle all these calls so no customers are forced to call your competition? Truth is, you probably _are_ losing customers to the competition, and don’t even know it! Hiring an experienced elite-quality HVAC answering service, like Centratel, will enable you to capture every single inquiry. ![An experienced HVAC telephone answering service specialist helping with calls](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/CTS-never-lose-customers-to-the-competition-intro-1024x478.jpg) ## **Avoid Voicemail** If your staff is on the phone, where do your incoming calls go? Customers with an immediate need (most of them!) want to speak to a real live human being, and they want to do it _now_! Hiring an elite-quality HVAC answering service like Centratel, with 41 years of experience in the HVAC field, will guarantee your customers – and potential customers – are instantly assisted. ## **No More Long Hold Times** Putting callers on hold more than momentarily is never a good thing. They’re likely to call another company _right now_ so they can instantly speak to a real person. Statistically, _Centratel is literally_ _the highest quality answering service in the U.S.,_ and a big part of holding that mantle over the last two decades is that we are always fully staffed with very highly-paid, career telephone agents. (More than a few of our TSR staff have been with Centratel for over twenty years.) Our TSR agents possess intimate knowledge and expertise in the HVAC industry, able to act as an intimate extension of your operation. And we’re so good at what we do that customers will hardly, if ever, know that we are not physically working from inside your office as part of your permanent in-house staff. ## **Assertively Employ Active Listening** Once the customer is on the phone, employing super-active listening skills delivered in a friendly-yet-professional demeanor will ensure you provide a positive experience to your customer that is worth remembering. Centratel TSRs are trained to ask pertinent questions and then carefully _listen_, as they capture and then deliver precisely accurate information to your people. Capturing every single customer call is vital to your HVAC company’s success. Don’t lose potential clients, or current customers, due to long hold times, voicemail-jail and other customer-frustrating hurdles. Hiring an elite-quality HVAC answering service like Centratel is your solution to ensuring your calls – all of them! – are handled quickly and professionally, 24/7. ## Taking the Next Step * * * For a quick orientation on how we operate, take a moment to review one or more of the key points listed in Why Choose Centratel Q&A (scroll down the page if you are on a mobile phone) For more specifics on cost, to start the onboarding process, or if you have questions, fill out this form with your basic information and if it’s during regular working hours (M-F 8am to 8pm EST or 5am to 5pm PST), we’ll get back to you within minutes. Or, during the above hours, you can simply call us at 800-664-7159 or send us an email to [inquiry@centratel.com](mailto:inquiry@centratel.com). First Name \* Last Name \* Job Title Email \* Company \* Phone \* City \* State \*State \*AlabamaAlaskaArkansasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDistrict of ColumbiaDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming How did you hear about us? How did you hear about us? \*PostcardBook gift: Work the SystemLetterReferralOnline SearchWork The SystemFacebook Is your business one of our specialties \*Is your business one of our specialties \*MedicalHome Health/HospiceVeterinary24/7 BusinessHVACTrade ServiceProperty ManagementUtilityDisaster RestorationPlumbing What is your ONE primary concern with using an answering service? \*What is your primary concern with using an answering service? \*Professionalism of staffMessage delivery accuracy and timelinessConsistent high quality of serviceCost of serviceLiabilityConfidentialityOther Are you currently using a call center/telephone answering service? \* YesNo Requested service start date \*Requested service start date \*ASAPWithin 1 WeekWithin 2 WeeksWithin 1 MonthOther List any specific call requirements Submit [Terms of Service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) ### **Why Choose Centratel** **BY SAM CARPENTER** **February 1, 2026** 1.CENTRATEL’S UNIQUE 30-DAY FREE TRIAL Why is this important? Because it will provide you a truly accurate estimate of cost (we bill monthly), it will demonstrate our quality, and it gives both sides of this brand new relationship—you and Centratel—plenty of time to refine and perfect operational details. Here’s a testimonial from a new medical client that had just finished their 30-day trial: _“Of course, I love the cost as it is close to the amount I was allowed by the president of the company. I told him that if we did not continue with Centratel, I would resign as the Director of Customer Service, and I meant it. It’s a great fit. We have had NOT ONE complaint from a patient or in-house which, as you know, we received daily with our former answering service._ _I love you, Centratel, and the price. I’m ready to sign whatever documents you require._ _Thanks for the great service, and the free month_! _To a great partnership! -KB, Phoenix_“ 2.STATISTICALLY, THE BEST IN THE U.S.? Answering service quality is 100% dependent on human action and reaction, and in the course of a single day a multitude of human decisions are made by the people who process the calls: Telephone Service Representatives, or TSRs. (Some answering services refer to them as “agents.” Others, “operators.”) Like any other answering service, at Centratel we’re dealing with real live human beings and so human errors can occur. But within this labor intensive service industry that is historically known for marginal quality, Centratel’s error rate is light years ahead of established standards. Our most recent Customer Reported Error Rate (October through December, 2025) was 1 customer-reported error for every 7,017 message transactions processed. That statistic is unmatched. There’s no artificial intelligence manipulation, we do not offshore calls, and we were founded and have always operated within the United States. (Note that since early 2020, the COVID six-foot social distancing mandate drove thousands of small-to-medium sized answering services out of business. Large, often foreign-owned multi-nationals, disguised by the name of the local answering services they acquired, now thoroughly dominate the industry. Hence, an even further decline in general service quality. [See this analysis.](https://www.centratel.com/answering-service-phone-industry/)) 3.CUSTOMER SERVICE EXTRAORDINAIRE Your concerns will be instantly acted upon. It’s a work ethic that stands in stark contrast to the general decline in quality of human-to-human business communications. You’ve seen it yourself, all around. At Centratel you will know by name the customer service people you’re working with, appreciating their special listening abilities as well as their take-action-now comportment. e.g. see the testimonial in point #1 above. ‘Nuff said! 4.GETTING STARTED: IT’S SIMPLE AND FAST Getting your new Centratel answering service 30-day free trial up-and-running is accomplished within 24-48 hours. From the start, your “onboarding” customer service representative will be with you every step of the way **,** listening carefully to your concerns, answering questions and offering suggestions. 5.NEW TO USING AN ANSWERING SERVICE? The very large majority of our current answering service accounts switched to us from another service because of quality and/or cost problems. However, if you have not used a service before, you are not familiar with the options, benefits, and pitfalls. Our 30-day free trial provides you—and us—plenty of time to precisely refine your desired message-taking and delivery protocols; to get things exactly the way you want them to be without any financial risk, undue pressure, or obligation. 6.PRICING Starting at $150 per month, our rates lie in the mid-range of the industry. Note that we charge by the “transaction unit” rather than the duration of time spent handling calls. Large “mega-services” operating in the U.S. prefer time billing because it ensures the company is compensated for lower-paid/high-turnover — and thus slower — agents. _No matter the quality or how long they keep your callers on hold, they still make a profit_. And yes, it can get expensive, especially if caller on-hold time is also billed. In any answering service, it takes a long time for a new agent to become fast, efficient, and stable. At Centratel, we pamper and reward experienced agents (via high pay and great benefits) and therefore have extremely low staff turnover. Needless to say, experienced agents make fewer errors than trainees who learn on-the-job. And, transaction-unit billing is easy to understand. There is no room for fraud as in time-billing. We can easily document and explain any monthly billing we send you. 7.ACCURATELY COMPARING ANSWERING SERVICE PRICING IS COMPLICATED It’s apples and oranges. There isn’t an industry standard for billing, and each answering service has its own formula. Also, as noted above, some services charge by agent “time” while a few, like us, charge by “transaction units.” Some others combine the two. At Centratel, we charge for the work we do, not by the time we spend. The raw truth is that the only reliable way to determine monthly cost for a new service is to use that service for a solid month. Most answering services offer a 7-day free trial or no trial at all. With Centratel you get 30-days. 8. MONTHLY OR 28-DAY BILLING? Important! At Centratel, we use a “monthly” billing cycle in which invoices are compiled from the first day of a month through the last day of that month. When soliciting quotes from other services, be sure to ask if the base-rate charges are billed monthly or on a “28-day billing cycle.” There is no good reason for a 28-day billing cycle! It’s a sly manipulation by the answering service: customers billed on a 28-day cycle actually receive thirteen billings per year instead of twelve. 9.NO CONTRACT AND SIMPLE TERMS OF SERVICE We don’t ask for a term contract for service because you should be able to evaluate us in real time, without restraint. Our [terms of service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) are simple and straight-forward. 10.VALUABLE FREE GIFT FOR CONTACTING US If you take the time to discuss answering service with us, on that same day we will ship you a hardcover copy of Sam Carpenter’s bestselling book, [_Work The System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_](https://www.workthesystem.com/), now in its 5th edition. (Sam is Centatel’s very active CEO.) December 1st 2025 marked his forty first year of ownership.) * * * ## Footer ## HVAC Business Support - [Skip to primary navigation](https://www.centratel.com/blog/hvac-answering-service/five-ways-an-answering-service-will-powerfully-assist-your-hvac-business/#genesis-nav-primary) - [Skip to main content](https://www.centratel.com/blog/hvac-answering-service/five-ways-an-answering-service-will-powerfully-assist-your-hvac-business/#genesis-content) - [Skip to footer](https://www.centratel.com/blog/hvac-answering-service/five-ways-an-answering-service-will-powerfully-assist-your-hvac-business/#genesis-footer-widgets) The Highest Quality Telephone Answering Service in the United States - [Make Payment](https://thepaymentportal.com/index.php?compcode=2C1A-9FF4-91CA-7F93) - [Client Login](https://oncall.centratel.com/) - [Follow Centratel on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centratel-answering-service/) - [Follow Centratel on Twitter](https://twitter.com/centratel) - [Follow Centratel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centratel) ![HVAC business owner works happily knowing that calls are managed by an answering service](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/HVAC_Tech_Oct_2021-scaled-opt.jpg) # Five Ways a Premier-Quality Answering Service will Energize your HVAC Business October 14, 2021 [HVAC](https://www.centratel.com/blog/hvac-answering-service/) By Sam Carpenter Partnering with an elite-quality answering service provides significant benefits to both small and medium-sized HVAC businesses. In the United States, tens of thousands of HVAC contractors use answering services to enhance their service efficiency, improve client satisfaction and enhance their bottom lines. But aren’t answering services cost prohibitive? Not at all! Even elite-quality answering service call-plans typically start for less than $100 per month and can provide instant benefits that will enable you to: 1. Complete your work faster and more precisely – and more profitably than ever before. As we process your overflow and/or after-hours calls, there will be no more disruptions on the job that will distract your technician’s focus from the task at hand 2. Communicate with – and satisfy – your clients in real-time. No more voicemail messages… or full voicemail boxes (that prevent customers from speaking or even leaving a message – certainly not a good signal to your clients and potential clients.) Callers reach a live human being agent who listens intently and then interacts professionally and with zero-defect. Using exact emergency and non-emergency message dispatch protocols, an elite-quality answering service agent will demonstrate to your clients that you can respond to any challenge 3. Protect your field workers from burn-out. No more non-emergency calls in the middle of the night or on weekends… 4. Significantly increase revenue! Now you can rest assured that critical calls representing potential new bids or job opportunities will not be missed. And clearly, if you miss a call from someone in need of immediate service, that person will simply move on to the next online listing looking for an HVAC company that actually answers in the moment. (In the answering service world, this is called “call capture.”) 5. Instantly jump ahead of your competition. Win more complex – and more lucrative – jobs by being 100% reachable, responsive and organized. Demonstrate to every caller that you prioritize communications With the help of an elite-quality answering service to perfect your communications, both large and small HVAC companies are opening the door for new business opportunities and additional avenues for growth, for a whole lot less than you might think. ## Taking the Next Step * * * For a quick orientation on how we operate, take a moment to review one or more of the key points listed in Why Choose Centratel Q&A (scroll down the page if you are on a mobile phone) For more specifics on cost, to start the onboarding process, or if you have questions, fill out this form with your basic information and if it’s during regular working hours (M-F 8am to 8pm EST or 5am to 5pm PST), we’ll get back to you within minutes. Or, during the above hours, you can simply call us at 800-664-7159 or send us an email to [inquiry@centratel.com](mailto:inquiry@centratel.com). First Name \* Last Name \* Job Title Email \* Company \* Phone \* City \* State \*State \*AlabamaAlaskaArkansasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDistrict of ColumbiaDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming How did you hear about us? How did you hear about us? \*PostcardBook gift: Work the SystemLetterReferralOnline SearchWork The SystemFacebook Is your business one of our specialties \*Is your business one of our specialties \*MedicalHome Health/HospiceVeterinary24/7 BusinessHVACTrade ServiceProperty ManagementUtilityDisaster RestorationPlumbing What is your ONE primary concern with using an answering service? \*What is your primary concern with using an answering service? \*Professionalism of staffMessage delivery accuracy and timelinessConsistent high quality of serviceCost of serviceLiabilityConfidentialityOther Are you currently using a call center/telephone answering service? \* YesNo Requested service start date \*Requested service start date \*ASAPWithin 1 WeekWithin 2 WeeksWithin 1 MonthOther List any specific call requirements Submit [Terms of Service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) ### **Why Choose Centratel** **BY SAM CARPENTER** **February 1, 2026** 1.CENTRATEL’S UNIQUE 30-DAY FREE TRIAL Why is this important? Because it will provide you a truly accurate estimate of cost (we bill monthly), it will demonstrate our quality, and it gives both sides of this brand new relationship—you and Centratel—plenty of time to refine and perfect operational details. Here’s a testimonial from a new medical client that had just finished their 30-day trial: _“Of course, I love the cost as it is close to the amount I was allowed by the president of the company. I told him that if we did not continue with Centratel, I would resign as the Director of Customer Service, and I meant it. It’s a great fit. We have had NOT ONE complaint from a patient or in-house which, as you know, we received daily with our former answering service._ _I love you, Centratel, and the price. I’m ready to sign whatever documents you require._ _Thanks for the great service, and the free month_! _To a great partnership! -KB, Phoenix_“ 2.STATISTICALLY, THE BEST IN THE U.S.? Answering service quality is 100% dependent on human action and reaction, and in the course of a single day a multitude of human decisions are made by the people who process the calls: Telephone Service Representatives, or TSRs. (Some answering services refer to them as “agents.” Others, “operators.”) Like any other answering service, at Centratel we’re dealing with real live human beings and so human errors can occur. But within this labor intensive service industry that is historically known for marginal quality, Centratel’s error rate is light years ahead of established standards. Our most recent Customer Reported Error Rate (October through December, 2025) was 1 customer-reported error for every 7,017 message transactions processed. That statistic is unmatched. There’s no artificial intelligence manipulation, we do not offshore calls, and we were founded and have always operated within the United States. (Note that since early 2020, the COVID six-foot social distancing mandate drove thousands of small-to-medium sized answering services out of business. Large, often foreign-owned multi-nationals, disguised by the name of the local answering services they acquired, now thoroughly dominate the industry. Hence, an even further decline in general service quality. [See this analysis.](https://www.centratel.com/answering-service-phone-industry/)) 3.CUSTOMER SERVICE EXTRAORDINAIRE Your concerns will be instantly acted upon. It’s a work ethic that stands in stark contrast to the general decline in quality of human-to-human business communications. You’ve seen it yourself, all around. At Centratel you will know by name the customer service people you’re working with, appreciating their special listening abilities as well as their take-action-now comportment. e.g. see the testimonial in point #1 above. ‘Nuff said! 4.GETTING STARTED: IT’S SIMPLE AND FAST Getting your new Centratel answering service 30-day free trial up-and-running is accomplished within 24-48 hours. From the start, your “onboarding” customer service representative will be with you every step of the way **,** listening carefully to your concerns, answering questions and offering suggestions. 5.NEW TO USING AN ANSWERING SERVICE? The very large majority of our current answering service accounts switched to us from another service because of quality and/or cost problems. However, if you have not used a service before, you are not familiar with the options, benefits, and pitfalls. Our 30-day free trial provides you—and us—plenty of time to precisely refine your desired message-taking and delivery protocols; to get things exactly the way you want them to be without any financial risk, undue pressure, or obligation. 6.PRICING Starting at $150 per month, our rates lie in the mid-range of the industry. Note that we charge by the “transaction unit” rather than the duration of time spent handling calls. Large “mega-services” operating in the U.S. prefer time billing because it ensures the company is compensated for lower-paid/high-turnover — and thus slower — agents. _No matter the quality or how long they keep your callers on hold, they still make a profit_. And yes, it can get expensive, especially if caller on-hold time is also billed. In any answering service, it takes a long time for a new agent to become fast, efficient, and stable. At Centratel, we pamper and reward experienced agents (via high pay and great benefits) and therefore have extremely low staff turnover. Needless to say, experienced agents make fewer errors than trainees who learn on-the-job. And, transaction-unit billing is easy to understand. There is no room for fraud as in time-billing. We can easily document and explain any monthly billing we send you. 7.ACCURATELY COMPARING ANSWERING SERVICE PRICING IS COMPLICATED It’s apples and oranges. There isn’t an industry standard for billing, and each answering service has its own formula. Also, as noted above, some services charge by agent “time” while a few, like us, charge by “transaction units.” Some others combine the two. At Centratel, we charge for the work we do, not by the time we spend. The raw truth is that the only reliable way to determine monthly cost for a new service is to use that service for a solid month. Most answering services offer a 7-day free trial or no trial at all. With Centratel you get 30-days. 8. MONTHLY OR 28-DAY BILLING? Important! At Centratel, we use a “monthly” billing cycle in which invoices are compiled from the first day of a month through the last day of that month. When soliciting quotes from other services, be sure to ask if the base-rate charges are billed monthly or on a “28-day billing cycle.” There is no good reason for a 28-day billing cycle! It’s a sly manipulation by the answering service: customers billed on a 28-day cycle actually receive thirteen billings per year instead of twelve. 9.NO CONTRACT AND SIMPLE TERMS OF SERVICE We don’t ask for a term contract for service because you should be able to evaluate us in real time, without restraint. Our [terms of service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) are simple and straight-forward. 10.VALUABLE FREE GIFT FOR CONTACTING US If you take the time to discuss answering service with us, on that same day we will ship you a hardcover copy of Sam Carpenter’s bestselling book, [_Work The System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_](https://www.workthesystem.com/), now in its 5th edition. (Sam is Centatel’s very active CEO.) December 1st 2025 marked his forty first year of ownership.) * * * ## Footer ## Client Reviews Boost - [Skip to primary navigation](https://www.centratel.com/blog/home-healthcare-hospice-answering-service/dramatically-multiply-positive-client-reviews-for-your-home-health-care-business-by-using-an-elite-answering-service/#genesis-nav-primary) - [Skip to main content](https://www.centratel.com/blog/home-healthcare-hospice-answering-service/dramatically-multiply-positive-client-reviews-for-your-home-health-care-business-by-using-an-elite-answering-service/#genesis-content) - [Skip to footer](https://www.centratel.com/blog/home-healthcare-hospice-answering-service/dramatically-multiply-positive-client-reviews-for-your-home-health-care-business-by-using-an-elite-answering-service/#genesis-footer-widgets) The Highest Quality Telephone Answering Service in the United States - [Make Payment](https://thepaymentportal.com/index.php?compcode=2C1A-9FF4-91CA-7F93) - [Client Login](https://oncall.centratel.com/) - [Follow Centratel on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centratel-answering-service/) - [Follow Centratel on Twitter](https://twitter.com/centratel) - [Follow Centratel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centratel) ![Woman helping a home healthcare client while Home Health Answering Service is taking calls](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/CTS-dramatically-multiply-positive-client-reviews-for-your-home-health-care-business-by-using-an-elite-answering-service-header.jpg) # Dramatically Multiply Positive Client Reviews for Your Home Health Care Business by Using an Elite Answering Service September 30, 2021 [Home Healthcare & Hospice](https://www.centratel.com/blog/home-healthcare-hospice-answering-service/) By Sam Carpenter There is no question about it: positive online client reviews lead to more new business for any home health care operation. Here’s why the strategic partnership between an elite-quality HIPAA compliant answering services and your business will lead to solid growth. * * * ## **The Importance of Positive Reviews** You know this already: beyond direct word-of-mouth referrals, the single best way to promote your business is to produce an array of positive online client reviews. Nothing gives a potential client more peace of mind and confirmation that your business is going to meet and exceed their expectations, than other customers who have come before and provided reviews stating their satisfaction. There are many customer review platforms: Google My Business, Yelp, Reddit, along with pay-for organizations like TrustPilot and FourSquare. There are others, too. Private blogs and public social media accounts also make up a large portion of the review landscape where your customers are likely to come across your company information. _Your home healthcare clients now have more ways than ever to share their experiences._ If you think these reviews and casual commentaries don’t impact your business, it’s time to consider the research. Look at the stats: there is a direct correlation between the number of positive reviews and growth. As research shows, the reach of one client is far wider today than it was ten years ago. Consider these [powerful statistics](https://www.invespcro.com/blog/the-importance-of-online-customer-reviews-infographic/) from professionals who took the time to ask consumers about their decision-making steps when considering on whether or not to do business with an organization. - _90% of consumers read online reviews before visiting a business. 90%!_ - 88% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations - 72% say that positive reviews make them trust a local business more. - 72% say they are unlikely to act before reading a positive review - 86% say they are hesitant to engage with a business that has online negative reviews It’s conclusive: _potential clients who seek out your home health care business, have almost certainly first vetted your organization through online client reviews._ This means first impressions about your business happen quietly, online, while you’re not even present. Because they read favorable reviews somewhere online, _a huge majority of the phone inquiries and personal visits you receive are from people who have already determined that you’re reliable and trustworthy_. ![A home health care HIPAA compliant answering service operator helping a client](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/CTS-dramatically-multiply-positive-client-reviews-for-your-home-health-care-business-by-using-an-elite-answering-service-cover-1024x536.jpg) * * * ## **Using an Elite Answering Service will lead to more positive client reviews** So, how exactly can employing an elite-quality answering service lead to more positive reviews for your home health care business? And equally important, how can this affiliation reduce negative reviews? It’s very simple: - Partnering with an elite-quality answering service will ensure family members and patients reach a real person every single time they call, 24/7/365. No more client/patient frustration with voicemail and the inevitable delayed responses - Nurses can attend to patients with little disruption as non-urgent calls can easily be screened by the service for later follow up. No question, this leads to improved patient care, allowing staff to stay focused and positive - After-hours coverage guarantees that no calls are missed even in the middle of the night, as urgent calls are identified and then routed immediately to on-call nursing staff. The best services are skilled at deciphering the non-urgent from the urgent - Utilizing an elite answering service will streamline, organize and deliver non-urgent calls for optimum efficiency allowing staff to focus on high priority patient care. There will be no more middle-of-the-night non-urgent calls to your on-call staff. Those issues will be electronically delivered to your administration office the next day - A HIPAA compliant answering service assures customers that their communications are always rigorously protected and secure, leading to complete peace of mind It really is a simple thing. Your home health care business is a 24/7/365 operation, and your staff _has_ to be available to take calls. Across the United States, elite-quality answering services provide invaluable assistance to home healthcare businesses so they can perform at their best. Give Centratel a call for more information, or [check our online information here](https://www.centratel.com/home-healthcarehospice/). ## Taking the Next Step * * * For a quick orientation on how we operate, take a moment to review one or more of the key points listed in Why Choose Centratel Q&A (scroll down the page if you are on a mobile phone) For more specifics on cost, to start the onboarding process, or if you have questions, fill out this form with your basic information and if it’s during regular working hours (M-F 8am to 8pm EST or 5am to 5pm PST), we’ll get back to you within minutes. Or, during the above hours, you can simply call us at 800-664-7159 or send us an email to [inquiry@centratel.com](mailto:inquiry@centratel.com). First Name \* Last Name \* Job Title Email \* Company \* Phone \* City \* State \*State \*AlabamaAlaskaArkansasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDistrict of ColumbiaDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming How did you hear about us? How did you hear about us? \*PostcardBook gift: Work the SystemLetterReferralOnline SearchWork The SystemFacebook Is your business one of our specialties \*Is your business one of our specialties \*MedicalHome Health/HospiceVeterinary24/7 BusinessHVACTrade ServiceProperty ManagementUtilityDisaster RestorationPlumbing What is your ONE primary concern with using an answering service? \*What is your primary concern with using an answering service? \*Professionalism of staffMessage delivery accuracy and timelinessConsistent high quality of serviceCost of serviceLiabilityConfidentialityOther Are you currently using a call center/telephone answering service? \* YesNo Requested service start date \*Requested service start date \*ASAPWithin 1 WeekWithin 2 WeeksWithin 1 MonthOther List any specific call requirements Submit [Terms of Service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) ### **Why Choose Centratel** **BY SAM CARPENTER** **February 1, 2026** 1.CENTRATEL’S UNIQUE 30-DAY FREE TRIAL Why is this important? Because it will provide you a truly accurate estimate of cost (we bill monthly), it will demonstrate our quality, and it gives both sides of this brand new relationship—you and Centratel—plenty of time to refine and perfect operational details. Here’s a testimonial from a new medical client that had just finished their 30-day trial: _“Of course, I love the cost as it is close to the amount I was allowed by the president of the company. I told him that if we did not continue with Centratel, I would resign as the Director of Customer Service, and I meant it. It’s a great fit. We have had NOT ONE complaint from a patient or in-house which, as you know, we received daily with our former answering service._ _I love you, Centratel, and the price. I’m ready to sign whatever documents you require._ _Thanks for the great service, and the free month_! _To a great partnership! -KB, Phoenix_“ 2.STATISTICALLY, THE BEST IN THE U.S.? Answering service quality is 100% dependent on human action and reaction, and in the course of a single day a multitude of human decisions are made by the people who process the calls: Telephone Service Representatives, or TSRs. (Some answering services refer to them as “agents.” Others, “operators.”) Like any other answering service, at Centratel we’re dealing with real live human beings and so human errors can occur. But within this labor intensive service industry that is historically known for marginal quality, Centratel’s error rate is light years ahead of established standards. Our most recent Customer Reported Error Rate (October through December, 2025) was 1 customer-reported error for every 7,017 message transactions processed. That statistic is unmatched. There’s no artificial intelligence manipulation, we do not offshore calls, and we were founded and have always operated within the United States. (Note that since early 2020, the COVID six-foot social distancing mandate drove thousands of small-to-medium sized answering services out of business. Large, often foreign-owned multi-nationals, disguised by the name of the local answering services they acquired, now thoroughly dominate the industry. Hence, an even further decline in general service quality. [See this analysis.](https://www.centratel.com/answering-service-phone-industry/)) 3.CUSTOMER SERVICE EXTRAORDINAIRE Your concerns will be instantly acted upon. It’s a work ethic that stands in stark contrast to the general decline in quality of human-to-human business communications. You’ve seen it yourself, all around. At Centratel you will know by name the customer service people you’re working with, appreciating their special listening abilities as well as their take-action-now comportment. e.g. see the testimonial in point #1 above. ‘Nuff said! 4.GETTING STARTED: IT’S SIMPLE AND FAST Getting your new Centratel answering service 30-day free trial up-and-running is accomplished within 24-48 hours. From the start, your “onboarding” customer service representative will be with you every step of the way **,** listening carefully to your concerns, answering questions and offering suggestions. 5.NEW TO USING AN ANSWERING SERVICE? The very large majority of our current answering service accounts switched to us from another service because of quality and/or cost problems. However, if you have not used a service before, you are not familiar with the options, benefits, and pitfalls. Our 30-day free trial provides you—and us—plenty of time to precisely refine your desired message-taking and delivery protocols; to get things exactly the way you want them to be without any financial risk, undue pressure, or obligation. 6.PRICING Starting at $150 per month, our rates lie in the mid-range of the industry. Note that we charge by the “transaction unit” rather than the duration of time spent handling calls. Large “mega-services” operating in the U.S. prefer time billing because it ensures the company is compensated for lower-paid/high-turnover — and thus slower — agents. _No matter the quality or how long they keep your callers on hold, they still make a profit_. And yes, it can get expensive, especially if caller on-hold time is also billed. In any answering service, it takes a long time for a new agent to become fast, efficient, and stable. At Centratel, we pamper and reward experienced agents (via high pay and great benefits) and therefore have extremely low staff turnover. Needless to say, experienced agents make fewer errors than trainees who learn on-the-job. And, transaction-unit billing is easy to understand. There is no room for fraud as in time-billing. We can easily document and explain any monthly billing we send you. 7.ACCURATELY COMPARING ANSWERING SERVICE PRICING IS COMPLICATED It’s apples and oranges. There isn’t an industry standard for billing, and each answering service has its own formula. Also, as noted above, some services charge by agent “time” while a few, like us, charge by “transaction units.” Some others combine the two. At Centratel, we charge for the work we do, not by the time we spend. The raw truth is that the only reliable way to determine monthly cost for a new service is to use that service for a solid month. Most answering services offer a 7-day free trial or no trial at all. With Centratel you get 30-days. 8. MONTHLY OR 28-DAY BILLING? Important! At Centratel, we use a “monthly” billing cycle in which invoices are compiled from the first day of a month through the last day of that month. When soliciting quotes from other services, be sure to ask if the base-rate charges are billed monthly or on a “28-day billing cycle.” There is no good reason for a 28-day billing cycle! It’s a sly manipulation by the answering service: customers billed on a 28-day cycle actually receive thirteen billings per year instead of twelve. 9.NO CONTRACT AND SIMPLE TERMS OF SERVICE We don’t ask for a term contract for service because you should be able to evaluate us in real time, without restraint. Our [terms of service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) are simple and straight-forward. 10.VALUABLE FREE GIFT FOR CONTACTING US If you take the time to discuss answering service with us, on that same day we will ship you a hardcover copy of Sam Carpenter’s bestselling book, [_Work The System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_](https://www.workthesystem.com/), now in its 5th edition. (Sam is Centatel’s very active CEO.) December 1st 2025 marked his forty first year of ownership.) * * * ## Footer ## Quality Answering Service - [Skip to primary navigation](https://www.centratel.com/blog/home-healthcare-hospice-answering-service/using-an-elite-quality-answering-service-to-reduce-caregiver-stress-and-improve-patient-care/#genesis-nav-primary) - [Skip to main content](https://www.centratel.com/blog/home-healthcare-hospice-answering-service/using-an-elite-quality-answering-service-to-reduce-caregiver-stress-and-improve-patient-care/#genesis-content) - [Skip to footer](https://www.centratel.com/blog/home-healthcare-hospice-answering-service/using-an-elite-quality-answering-service-to-reduce-caregiver-stress-and-improve-patient-care/#genesis-footer-widgets) The Highest Quality Telephone Answering Service in the United States - [Make Payment](https://thepaymentportal.com/index.php?compcode=2C1A-9FF4-91CA-7F93) - [Client Login](https://oncall.centratel.com/) - [Follow Centratel on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centratel-answering-service/) - [Follow Centratel on Twitter](https://twitter.com/centratel) - [Follow Centratel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centratel) ![Nurse helping patient while Home Health Answering Service is helping with incoming calls](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201500%20917'%3E%3C/svg%3E) # Using an Elite-Quality Answering Service to Reduce Caregiver Stress and Improve Patient Care September 16, 2021 [Home Healthcare & Hospice](https://www.centratel.com/blog/home-healthcare-hospice-answering-service/) By Sam Carpenter Of course, you know this already: **Family members expect the highest levels of competence, professionalism, and compassion in every single encounter with your organization**. They expect friendly and available staff, staff members who aren’t rushed and who are able to focus their best energy on the patient. To help achieve these high standards, many home healthcare businesses choose to partner with an elite-quality telephone answering service. So, how exactly can a telephone answering service reduce caregiver stress and improve patient care for your home healthcare business? Read on to learn all the ways a truly high-quality home health telephone answering service can help your staff perform smoothly, efficiently and compassionately. * * * ![Homecare customer helped by telephone answering service with a blue color with a quote](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201024%20626'%3E%3C/svg%3E) ## **Provide complete call coverage when staff is busy** Patients and family members do not want to be put on hold or receive a recorded voicemail. Whether staff is helping patients, meeting with family or handling new patient inquiries, no calls are missed. And, emergency calls are delivered immediately to your home health staff no matter where they are or what they are doing. What better way to build trust than to provide 24/7 accessibility to new and current patients, while also allowing staff to focus on immediate priorities? ## **Provide high quality after-hours call coverage no matter the time of day** Without compromising quality of service, the elite answering provides “front-office” backup when staffing is limited. This includes screening for emergency calls…and ensuring that emotional family members will reach your staff members immediately. Compassionate, competent, and deeply experienced answering service agents are valuable assets to your business. ## **Discern between urgent and non-urgent calls** Experienced career agents are able to quickly differentiate between urgent and non-urgent calls; immediately live-transferring urgent calls to your staff. Escalating emergency message relay protocols are precisely implemented according to your specific guidelines, ensuring immediate message delivery to the right people. Non-urgent messages are dispatched using alternative delayed-delivery methods: no more fielding non-urgent calls at 11pm because there is no way to determine who is calling and what they are calling about. This makes life easier for your on-call staff, and for you… ## **HIPAA Compliant Care** The elite answering services that specialize in the Home Healthcare industry employs agents who are HIPAA trained and certified. Patient health information is rigorously protected. Confidentiality is never compromised, putting patients and their caregivers at ease. It really is a simple thing. Your home healthcare business is a 24/7/365 operation. And your staff _has_ to be available to take calls. **Across the United States, elite-quality answering services provide invaluable assistance to home healthcare businesses so they can perform at their best**. Give Centratel a call for more information, or [check our online information here](https://www.centratel.com/home-healthcarehospice/). ## Taking the Next Step * * * For a quick orientation on how we operate, take a moment to review one or more of the key points listed in Why Choose Centratel Q&A (scroll down the page if you are on a mobile phone) For more specifics on cost, to start the onboarding process, or if you have questions, fill out this form with your basic information and if it’s during regular working hours (M-F 8am to 8pm EST or 5am to 5pm PST), we’ll get back to you within minutes. Or, during the above hours, you can simply call us at 800-664-7159 or send us an email to [inquiry@centratel.com](mailto:inquiry@centratel.com). First Name \* Last Name \* Job Title Email \* Company \* Phone \* City \* State \*State \*AlabamaAlaskaArkansasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDistrict of ColumbiaDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming How did you hear about us? How did you hear about us? \*PostcardBook gift: Work the SystemLetterReferralOnline SearchWork The SystemFacebook Is your business one of our specialties \*Is your business one of our specialties \*MedicalHome Health/HospiceVeterinary24/7 BusinessHVACTrade ServiceProperty ManagementUtilityDisaster RestorationPlumbing What is your ONE primary concern with using an answering service? \*What is your primary concern with using an answering service? \*Professionalism of staffMessage delivery accuracy and timelinessConsistent high quality of serviceCost of serviceLiabilityConfidentialityOther Are you currently using a call center/telephone answering service? \* YesNo Requested service start date \*Requested service start date \*ASAPWithin 1 WeekWithin 2 WeeksWithin 1 MonthOther List any specific call requirements Submit [Terms of Service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) ### **Why Choose Centratel** **BY SAM CARPENTER** **February 1, 2026** 1.CENTRATEL’S UNIQUE 30-DAY FREE TRIAL Why is this important? Because it will provide you a truly accurate estimate of cost (we bill monthly), it will demonstrate our quality, and it gives both sides of this brand new relationship—you and Centratel—plenty of time to refine and perfect operational details. Here’s a testimonial from a new medical client that had just finished their 30-day trial: _“Of course, I love the cost as it is close to the amount I was allowed by the president of the company. I told him that if we did not continue with Centratel, I would resign as the Director of Customer Service, and I meant it. It’s a great fit. We have had NOT ONE complaint from a patient or in-house which, as you know, we received daily with our former answering service._ _I love you, Centratel, and the price. I’m ready to sign whatever documents you require._ _Thanks for the great service, and the free month_! _To a great partnership! -KB, Phoenix_“ 2.STATISTICALLY, THE BEST IN THE U.S.? Answering service quality is 100% dependent on human action and reaction, and in the course of a single day a multitude of human decisions are made by the people who process the calls: Telephone Service Representatives, or TSRs. (Some answering services refer to them as “agents.” Others, “operators.”) Like any other answering service, at Centratel we’re dealing with real live human beings and so human errors can occur. But within this labor intensive service industry that is historically known for marginal quality, Centratel’s error rate is light years ahead of established standards. Our most recent Customer Reported Error Rate (October through December, 2025) was 1 customer-reported error for every 7,017 message transactions processed. That statistic is unmatched. There’s no artificial intelligence manipulation, we do not offshore calls, and we were founded and have always operated within the United States. (Note that since early 2020, the COVID six-foot social distancing mandate drove thousands of small-to-medium sized answering services out of business. Large, often foreign-owned multi-nationals, disguised by the name of the local answering services they acquired, now thoroughly dominate the industry. Hence, an even further decline in general service quality. [See this analysis.](https://www.centratel.com/answering-service-phone-industry/)) 3.CUSTOMER SERVICE EXTRAORDINAIRE Your concerns will be instantly acted upon. It’s a work ethic that stands in stark contrast to the general decline in quality of human-to-human business communications. You’ve seen it yourself, all around. At Centratel you will know by name the customer service people you’re working with, appreciating their special listening abilities as well as their take-action-now comportment. e.g. see the testimonial in point #1 above. ‘Nuff said! 4.GETTING STARTED: IT’S SIMPLE AND FAST Getting your new Centratel answering service 30-day free trial up-and-running is accomplished within 24-48 hours. From the start, your “onboarding” customer service representative will be with you every step of the way **,** listening carefully to your concerns, answering questions and offering suggestions. 5.NEW TO USING AN ANSWERING SERVICE? The very large majority of our current answering service accounts switched to us from another service because of quality and/or cost problems. However, if you have not used a service before, you are not familiar with the options, benefits, and pitfalls. Our 30-day free trial provides you—and us—plenty of time to precisely refine your desired message-taking and delivery protocols; to get things exactly the way you want them to be without any financial risk, undue pressure, or obligation. 6.PRICING Starting at $150 per month, our rates lie in the mid-range of the industry. Note that we charge by the “transaction unit” rather than the duration of time spent handling calls. Large “mega-services” operating in the U.S. prefer time billing because it ensures the company is compensated for lower-paid/high-turnover — and thus slower — agents. _No matter the quality or how long they keep your callers on hold, they still make a profit_. And yes, it can get expensive, especially if caller on-hold time is also billed. In any answering service, it takes a long time for a new agent to become fast, efficient, and stable. At Centratel, we pamper and reward experienced agents (via high pay and great benefits) and therefore have extremely low staff turnover. Needless to say, experienced agents make fewer errors than trainees who learn on-the-job. And, transaction-unit billing is easy to understand. There is no room for fraud as in time-billing. We can easily document and explain any monthly billing we send you. 7.ACCURATELY COMPARING ANSWERING SERVICE PRICING IS COMPLICATED It’s apples and oranges. There isn’t an industry standard for billing, and each answering service has its own formula. Also, as noted above, some services charge by agent “time” while a few, like us, charge by “transaction units.” Some others combine the two. At Centratel, we charge for the work we do, not by the time we spend. The raw truth is that the only reliable way to determine monthly cost for a new service is to use that service for a solid month. Most answering services offer a 7-day free trial or no trial at all. With Centratel you get 30-days. 8. MONTHLY OR 28-DAY BILLING? Important! At Centratel, we use a “monthly” billing cycle in which invoices are compiled from the first day of a month through the last day of that month. When soliciting quotes from other services, be sure to ask if the base-rate charges are billed monthly or on a “28-day billing cycle.” There is no good reason for a 28-day billing cycle! It’s a sly manipulation by the answering service: customers billed on a 28-day cycle actually receive thirteen billings per year instead of twelve. 9.NO CONTRACT AND SIMPLE TERMS OF SERVICE We don’t ask for a term contract for service because you should be able to evaluate us in real time, without restraint. Our [terms of service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) are simple and straight-forward. 10.VALUABLE FREE GIFT FOR CONTACTING US If you take the time to discuss answering service with us, on that same day we will ship you a hardcover copy of Sam Carpenter’s bestselling book, [_Work The System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_](https://www.workthesystem.com/), now in its 5th edition. (Sam is Centatel’s very active CEO.) December 1st 2025 marked his forty first year of ownership.) * * * ## Footer ## Property Management Enhancement - [Skip to primary navigation](https://www.centratel.com/blog/property-management-answering-service/the-answering-service-enhancing-the-property-managers-bottom-line/#genesis-nav-primary) - [Skip to main content](https://www.centratel.com/blog/property-management-answering-service/the-answering-service-enhancing-the-property-managers-bottom-line/#genesis-content) - [Skip to footer](https://www.centratel.com/blog/property-management-answering-service/the-answering-service-enhancing-the-property-managers-bottom-line/#genesis-footer-widgets) The Highest Quality Telephone Answering Service in the United States - [Make Payment](https://thepaymentportal.com/index.php?compcode=2C1A-9FF4-91CA-7F93) - [Client Login](https://oncall.centratel.com/) - [Follow Centratel on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centratel-answering-service/) - [Follow Centratel on Twitter](https://twitter.com/centratel) - [Follow Centratel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centratel) ![A property manager meeting people with the help of his telephone answering service](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/CTS-the-answering-service-enhancing-the-property-managers-bottom-line.jpg) # The Answering Service: Enhancing the Property Manager’s Bottom Line September 10, 2021 [Property Management](https://www.centratel.com/blog/property-management-answering-service/) By Sam Carpenter It’s a no-brainer: to grow, and yes, to show a great bottom-line, property management companies must always be reachable. 24/7/365. Partnering with an elite-quality answering service provides valuable assistance in numerous critical service areas. So, what exactly can a telephone answering service do for your property management business, and why should you consider using one? And if you’re already using one, ask yourself this question: today, am I truly satisfied with my service? Keep this question in mind as you read about all the ways an elite-quality answering service can positively impact your business. ![A Telephone Answering Service operator smiling while helping the Property Manager](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/CTS-the-answering-service-enhancing-the-property-managers-bottom-line-middle-1024x626.jpg) 1. **Provide complete call coverage during the day when staff is** busy showing properties, meeting with vendors, or investigating on-site issues. No incoming calls will ever be missed or go to voicemail…and urgent calls can be instantly delivered to management/administrative staff no matter where they are or what they are doing. 2. **Process after-hours calls** to provide “front office” quality call coverage when office staff (or the Property Manager) are not working. This includes screening for emergency maintenance issues, handling lock outs, taking referrals, and more. 3. **Screen and dispatch emergency maintenance Issues.** Urgent maintenance messages will be dispatched in an escalated fashion ensuring timely and accurate message delivery to the right people for their immediate response. Non-urgent maintenance callers can be screened with the information stored for later delivery. No more at-home fielding of non-urgent calls at 11:00PM because there is no way to determine who is calling and what they are calling about. 4. **Dispatching security issues, noise complaints, etc.** that fall outside the scope of the management business. These issues can be handled immediately and transparently by referring or transferring the caller to onsite security, the police department, and others. 5. **Untangling corporate messaging complexity:** Multiple properties with multiple on-call personnel? No problem. Messages from callers of various properties can be triaged to different property managers or on-all personnel with ease. It really is a simple thing. Your property management business is a 24/7/365 operation. Someone _has_ to be available to take calls. After-hours, is this person too often you, the property management company manager or owner? Across the United States, elite-quality answering services handle a limited number of vertical markets, with property management companies perhaps the most numerous. Give Centratel a call for more information, or [check our online information here](https://www.centratel.com/property-management/). ## Taking the Next Step * * * For a quick orientation on how we operate, take a moment to review one or more of the key points listed in Why Choose Centratel Q&A (scroll down the page if you are on a mobile phone) For more specifics on cost, to start the onboarding process, or if you have questions, fill out this form with your basic information and if it’s during regular working hours (M-F 8am to 8pm EST or 5am to 5pm PST), we’ll get back to you within minutes. Or, during the above hours, you can simply call us at 800-664-7159 or send us an email to [inquiry@centratel.com](mailto:inquiry@centratel.com). First Name \* Last Name \* Job Title Email \* Company \* Phone \* City \* State \*State \*AlabamaAlaskaArkansasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDistrict of ColumbiaDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming How did you hear about us? How did you hear about us? \*PostcardBook gift: Work the SystemLetterReferralOnline SearchWork The SystemFacebook Is your business one of our specialties \*Is your business one of our specialties \*MedicalHome Health/HospiceVeterinary24/7 BusinessHVACTrade ServiceProperty ManagementUtilityDisaster RestorationPlumbing What is your ONE primary concern with using an answering service? \*What is your primary concern with using an answering service? \*Professionalism of staffMessage delivery accuracy and timelinessConsistent high quality of serviceCost of serviceLiabilityConfidentialityOther Are you currently using a call center/telephone answering service? \* YesNo Requested service start date \*Requested service start date \*ASAPWithin 1 WeekWithin 2 WeeksWithin 1 MonthOther List any specific call requirements Submit [Terms of Service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) ### **Why Choose Centratel** **BY SAM CARPENTER** **February 1, 2026** 1.CENTRATEL’S UNIQUE 30-DAY FREE TRIAL Why is this important? Because it will provide you a truly accurate estimate of cost (we bill monthly), it will demonstrate our quality, and it gives both sides of this brand new relationship—you and Centratel—plenty of time to refine and perfect operational details. Here’s a testimonial from a new medical client that had just finished their 30-day trial: _“Of course, I love the cost as it is close to the amount I was allowed by the president of the company. I told him that if we did not continue with Centratel, I would resign as the Director of Customer Service, and I meant it. It’s a great fit. We have had NOT ONE complaint from a patient or in-house which, as you know, we received daily with our former answering service._ _I love you, Centratel, and the price. I’m ready to sign whatever documents you require._ _Thanks for the great service, and the free month_! _To a great partnership! -KB, Phoenix_“ 2.STATISTICALLY, THE BEST IN THE U.S.? Answering service quality is 100% dependent on human action and reaction, and in the course of a single day a multitude of human decisions are made by the people who process the calls: Telephone Service Representatives, or TSRs. (Some answering services refer to them as “agents.” Others, “operators.”) Like any other answering service, at Centratel we’re dealing with real live human beings and so human errors can occur. But within this labor intensive service industry that is historically known for marginal quality, Centratel’s error rate is light years ahead of established standards. Our most recent Customer Reported Error Rate (October through December, 2025) was 1 customer-reported error for every 7,017 message transactions processed. That statistic is unmatched. There’s no artificial intelligence manipulation, we do not offshore calls, and we were founded and have always operated within the United States. (Note that since early 2020, the COVID six-foot social distancing mandate drove thousands of small-to-medium sized answering services out of business. Large, often foreign-owned multi-nationals, disguised by the name of the local answering services they acquired, now thoroughly dominate the industry. Hence, an even further decline in general service quality. [See this analysis.](https://www.centratel.com/answering-service-phone-industry/)) 3.CUSTOMER SERVICE EXTRAORDINAIRE Your concerns will be instantly acted upon. It’s a work ethic that stands in stark contrast to the general decline in quality of human-to-human business communications. You’ve seen it yourself, all around. At Centratel you will know by name the customer service people you’re working with, appreciating their special listening abilities as well as their take-action-now comportment. e.g. see the testimonial in point #1 above. ‘Nuff said! 4.GETTING STARTED: IT’S SIMPLE AND FAST Getting your new Centratel answering service 30-day free trial up-and-running is accomplished within 24-48 hours. From the start, your “onboarding” customer service representative will be with you every step of the way **,** listening carefully to your concerns, answering questions and offering suggestions. 5.NEW TO USING AN ANSWERING SERVICE? The very large majority of our current answering service accounts switched to us from another service because of quality and/or cost problems. However, if you have not used a service before, you are not familiar with the options, benefits, and pitfalls. Our 30-day free trial provides you—and us—plenty of time to precisely refine your desired message-taking and delivery protocols; to get things exactly the way you want them to be without any financial risk, undue pressure, or obligation. 6.PRICING Starting at $150 per month, our rates lie in the mid-range of the industry. Note that we charge by the “transaction unit” rather than the duration of time spent handling calls. Large “mega-services” operating in the U.S. prefer time billing because it ensures the company is compensated for lower-paid/high-turnover — and thus slower — agents. _No matter the quality or how long they keep your callers on hold, they still make a profit_. And yes, it can get expensive, especially if caller on-hold time is also billed. In any answering service, it takes a long time for a new agent to become fast, efficient, and stable. At Centratel, we pamper and reward experienced agents (via high pay and great benefits) and therefore have extremely low staff turnover. Needless to say, experienced agents make fewer errors than trainees who learn on-the-job. And, transaction-unit billing is easy to understand. There is no room for fraud as in time-billing. We can easily document and explain any monthly billing we send you. 7.ACCURATELY COMPARING ANSWERING SERVICE PRICING IS COMPLICATED It’s apples and oranges. There isn’t an industry standard for billing, and each answering service has its own formula. Also, as noted above, some services charge by agent “time” while a few, like us, charge by “transaction units.” Some others combine the two. At Centratel, we charge for the work we do, not by the time we spend. The raw truth is that the only reliable way to determine monthly cost for a new service is to use that service for a solid month. Most answering services offer a 7-day free trial or no trial at all. With Centratel you get 30-days. 8. MONTHLY OR 28-DAY BILLING? Important! At Centratel, we use a “monthly” billing cycle in which invoices are compiled from the first day of a month through the last day of that month. When soliciting quotes from other services, be sure to ask if the base-rate charges are billed monthly or on a “28-day billing cycle.” There is no good reason for a 28-day billing cycle! It’s a sly manipulation by the answering service: customers billed on a 28-day cycle actually receive thirteen billings per year instead of twelve. 9.NO CONTRACT AND SIMPLE TERMS OF SERVICE We don’t ask for a term contract for service because you should be able to evaluate us in real time, without restraint. Our [terms of service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) are simple and straight-forward. 10.VALUABLE FREE GIFT FOR CONTACTING US If you take the time to discuss answering service with us, on that same day we will ship you a hardcover copy of Sam Carpenter’s bestselling book, [_Work The System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_](https://www.workthesystem.com/), now in its 5th edition. (Sam is Centatel’s very active CEO.) December 1st 2025 marked his forty first year of ownership.) * * * ## Footer ## HVAC Business Survival - [Skip to primary navigation](https://www.centratel.com/blog/hvac-answering-service/days-of-instability-and-the-survival-of-your-hvac-business/#genesis-nav-primary) - [Skip to main content](https://www.centratel.com/blog/hvac-answering-service/days-of-instability-and-the-survival-of-your-hvac-business/#genesis-content) - [Skip to footer](https://www.centratel.com/blog/hvac-answering-service/days-of-instability-and-the-survival-of-your-hvac-business/#genesis-footer-widgets) The Highest Quality Telephone Answering Service in the United States - [Make Payment](https://thepaymentportal.com/index.php?compcode=2C1A-9FF4-91CA-7F93) - [Client Login](https://oncall.centratel.com/) - [Follow Centratel on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centratel-answering-service/) - [Follow Centratel on Twitter](https://twitter.com/centratel) - [Follow Centratel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centratel) ![The process followed by an HVAC business owner helped by his telephone answering service](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/CTS-days-of-instability-and-the-survival-of-your-hvac-business-header.jpg) # Days of Instability…and the Survival of Your HVAC Business June 24, 2021 [HVAC](https://www.centratel.com/blog/hvac-answering-service/) By Sam Carpenter In this time of social and economic upheaval (yes, an understatement), HVAC business owners are passionate to preserve what they’ve built. So much is at stake! Here I’ll mention the top half dozen backup measures that we’ve taken at Centratel, my answering service business. And because there are parallels, you can use just a little bit of imagination to determine if you’ll need to take similar actions in your HVAC operation. Perhaps the most important backup consideration is your communications between your customers and your on-call staff. We’ll get to that. Consider the following as you think about your own business. [Centratel](https://www.centratel.com/) (which BTW, provides communications backup to hundreds of HVAC’s nationwide), has seen all kinds of internal ups and downs over its four-decade history. But until now I’ve never felt an end-of-the-line blow could come instantly, _from the outside:_ sudden dysfunctions such as mob actions, electricity grid failure, government fiat or safety/mechanical problems with our building. And of course, the perfect illustration of these concerns is the off-the-wall COVID-19 debacle – _the_ social and political nightmare of our age. It blind-sided all of us. For an answering service, without an investment in time and money, a head-quarters building evacuation would have ended everything, darn near instantly. For my family and me, what would that have meant? A lifetime’s work…gone! ![An HVAC operator fixing ventilation system helped by his HVAC telephone answering service](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/CTS-days-of-instability-and-the-survival-of-your-hvac-business-inside-1024x626.jpg) ## **_And how is it for you at your HVAC business?_** As an owner/manager, what would you do if a crisis hit and your office was evacuated? Or if a critical utility was shut down? Do you have redundancy in your equipment, your data…your people? Could you manage things without being able to answer the phone or be physically in your office? Do you use an answering service? If so, what if that answering service abruptly shut down? How tenuous is the literal survival of your business? Two years ago. I could feel something unexpected could be coming although I had no clue to what it might be. And so my Centratel staff and I started planning, experimenting and investing. What did we do? To be able to continue to process customer calls no matter what, we installed high tech battery, telephone, internet, and cloud-based data backups. Also, of course, we have a super-reliable electric generator that uses multiple fuels. But our main safety-net is the fact that we can switch our entire hardware and software infrastructure to another location…In short, if our Bend, Oregon HQ building caught fire and burned down, there would be no interruption in the service we provide our 1,300 nationwide clients, wholly due to our redundancy in equipment, software, and utility access points. Maybe 2% of the 800 or so answering services nationwide have this capability. My guess it’s less than that. But never mind: Centratel _will_ survive and even prosper, as other answering services fold. If your HVAC operation employs an answering service, that answering service can literally be the on/off switch for your company. _If your answering service goes down, you go down too._ Is your answering service thoroughly prepared? Probably not. And it’s ironic: for this most-critical-backup, it’s simple to get started if you have never used one. At Centratel, we’ve even installed redundancy in our staff: every one of our seven managers has an understudy/backup. And for our actual daily protocols and processes for the business, every single one of them is thoroughly documented as I describe in my book, the just-released fourth edition of [_Work the System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_](https://www.amazon.com/Work-System-Fourth-Mechanics-Working/dp/1626347697/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1614506305&sr=8-1) _._ _(Call us and we’ll send you a hardcover copy, gratis.)_ So, what about your HVAC business? What would altogether _take-you-out?_ Are you thinking it’s a long-shot chance that an emergency of this scale could occur? Time to think again, because the outside world is encroaching more than ever before. You know that’s true…. Are you ready? Don’t lose what you’ve worked so hard to build! -Sam Carpenter, Owner/President, Centratel ## Taking the Next Step * * * For a quick orientation on how we operate, take a moment to review one or more of the key points listed in Why Choose Centratel Q&A (scroll down the page if you are on a mobile phone) For more specifics on cost, to start the onboarding process, or if you have questions, fill out this form with your basic information and if it’s during regular working hours (M-F 8am to 8pm EST or 5am to 5pm PST), we’ll get back to you within minutes. Or, during the above hours, you can simply call us at 800-664-7159 or send us an email to [inquiry@centratel.com](mailto:inquiry@centratel.com). First Name \* Last Name \* Job Title Email \* Company \* Phone \* City \* State \*State \*AlabamaAlaskaArkansasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDistrict of ColumbiaDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming How did you hear about us? How did you hear about us? \*PostcardBook gift: Work the SystemLetterReferralOnline SearchWork The SystemFacebook Is your business one of our specialties \*Is your business one of our specialties \*MedicalHome Health/HospiceVeterinary24/7 BusinessHVACTrade ServiceProperty ManagementUtilityDisaster RestorationPlumbing What is your ONE primary concern with using an answering service? \*What is your primary concern with using an answering service? \*Professionalism of staffMessage delivery accuracy and timelinessConsistent high quality of serviceCost of serviceLiabilityConfidentialityOther Are you currently using a call center/telephone answering service? \* YesNo Requested service start date \*Requested service start date \*ASAPWithin 1 WeekWithin 2 WeeksWithin 1 MonthOther List any specific call requirements Submit [Terms of Service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) ### **Why Choose Centratel** **BY SAM CARPENTER** **February 1, 2026** 1.CENTRATEL’S UNIQUE 30-DAY FREE TRIAL Why is this important? Because it will provide you a truly accurate estimate of cost (we bill monthly), it will demonstrate our quality, and it gives both sides of this brand new relationship—you and Centratel—plenty of time to refine and perfect operational details. Here’s a testimonial from a new medical client that had just finished their 30-day trial: _“Of course, I love the cost as it is close to the amount I was allowed by the president of the company. I told him that if we did not continue with Centratel, I would resign as the Director of Customer Service, and I meant it. It’s a great fit. We have had NOT ONE complaint from a patient or in-house which, as you know, we received daily with our former answering service._ _I love you, Centratel, and the price. I’m ready to sign whatever documents you require._ _Thanks for the great service, and the free month_! _To a great partnership! -KB, Phoenix_“ 2.STATISTICALLY, THE BEST IN THE U.S.? Answering service quality is 100% dependent on human action and reaction, and in the course of a single day a multitude of human decisions are made by the people who process the calls: Telephone Service Representatives, or TSRs. (Some answering services refer to them as “agents.” Others, “operators.”) Like any other answering service, at Centratel we’re dealing with real live human beings and so human errors can occur. But within this labor intensive service industry that is historically known for marginal quality, Centratel’s error rate is light years ahead of established standards. Our most recent Customer Reported Error Rate (October through December, 2025) was 1 customer-reported error for every 7,017 message transactions processed. That statistic is unmatched. There’s no artificial intelligence manipulation, we do not offshore calls, and we were founded and have always operated within the United States. (Note that since early 2020, the COVID six-foot social distancing mandate drove thousands of small-to-medium sized answering services out of business. Large, often foreign-owned multi-nationals, disguised by the name of the local answering services they acquired, now thoroughly dominate the industry. Hence, an even further decline in general service quality. [See this analysis.](https://www.centratel.com/answering-service-phone-industry/)) 3.CUSTOMER SERVICE EXTRAORDINAIRE Your concerns will be instantly acted upon. It’s a work ethic that stands in stark contrast to the general decline in quality of human-to-human business communications. You’ve seen it yourself, all around. At Centratel you will know by name the customer service people you’re working with, appreciating their special listening abilities as well as their take-action-now comportment. e.g. see the testimonial in point #1 above. ‘Nuff said! 4.GETTING STARTED: IT’S SIMPLE AND FAST Getting your new Centratel answering service 30-day free trial up-and-running is accomplished within 24-48 hours. From the start, your “onboarding” customer service representative will be with you every step of the way **,** listening carefully to your concerns, answering questions and offering suggestions. 5.NEW TO USING AN ANSWERING SERVICE? The very large majority of our current answering service accounts switched to us from another service because of quality and/or cost problems. However, if you have not used a service before, you are not familiar with the options, benefits, and pitfalls. Our 30-day free trial provides you—and us—plenty of time to precisely refine your desired message-taking and delivery protocols; to get things exactly the way you want them to be without any financial risk, undue pressure, or obligation. 6.PRICING Starting at $150 per month, our rates lie in the mid-range of the industry. Note that we charge by the “transaction unit” rather than the duration of time spent handling calls. Large “mega-services” operating in the U.S. prefer time billing because it ensures the company is compensated for lower-paid/high-turnover — and thus slower — agents. _No matter the quality or how long they keep your callers on hold, they still make a profit_. And yes, it can get expensive, especially if caller on-hold time is also billed. In any answering service, it takes a long time for a new agent to become fast, efficient, and stable. At Centratel, we pamper and reward experienced agents (via high pay and great benefits) and therefore have extremely low staff turnover. Needless to say, experienced agents make fewer errors than trainees who learn on-the-job. And, transaction-unit billing is easy to understand. There is no room for fraud as in time-billing. We can easily document and explain any monthly billing we send you. 7.ACCURATELY COMPARING ANSWERING SERVICE PRICING IS COMPLICATED It’s apples and oranges. There isn’t an industry standard for billing, and each answering service has its own formula. Also, as noted above, some services charge by agent “time” while a few, like us, charge by “transaction units.” Some others combine the two. At Centratel, we charge for the work we do, not by the time we spend. The raw truth is that the only reliable way to determine monthly cost for a new service is to use that service for a solid month. Most answering services offer a 7-day free trial or no trial at all. With Centratel you get 30-days. 8. MONTHLY OR 28-DAY BILLING? Important! At Centratel, we use a “monthly” billing cycle in which invoices are compiled from the first day of a month through the last day of that month. When soliciting quotes from other services, be sure to ask if the base-rate charges are billed monthly or on a “28-day billing cycle.” There is no good reason for a 28-day billing cycle! It’s a sly manipulation by the answering service: customers billed on a 28-day cycle actually receive thirteen billings per year instead of twelve. 9.NO CONTRACT AND SIMPLE TERMS OF SERVICE We don’t ask for a term contract for service because you should be able to evaluate us in real time, without restraint. Our [terms of service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) are simple and straight-forward. 10.VALUABLE FREE GIFT FOR CONTACTING US If you take the time to discuss answering service with us, on that same day we will ship you a hardcover copy of Sam Carpenter’s bestselling book, [_Work The System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_](https://www.workthesystem.com/), now in its 5th edition. (Sam is Centatel’s very active CEO.) December 1st 2025 marked his forty first year of ownership.) * * * ## Footer ## Mobile Veterinary Advantage - [Skip to primary navigation](https://www.centratel.com/blog/veterinary-answering-service/mobile-veterinary-business-heres-your-tactical-advantage/#genesis-nav-primary) - [Skip to main content](https://www.centratel.com/blog/veterinary-answering-service/mobile-veterinary-business-heres-your-tactical-advantage/#genesis-content) - [Skip to footer](https://www.centratel.com/blog/veterinary-answering-service/mobile-veterinary-business-heres-your-tactical-advantage/#genesis-footer-widgets) The Highest Quality Telephone Answering Service in the United States - [Make Payment](https://thepaymentportal.com/index.php?compcode=2C1A-9FF4-91CA-7F93) - [Client Login](https://oncall.centratel.com/) - [Follow Centratel on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centratel-answering-service/) - [Follow Centratel on Twitter](https://twitter.com/centratel) - [Follow Centratel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centratel) ![Two veterinaries working on a field with cows helped by their veterinary answering service](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/CTS-Whitepaper-visuals-Vet-article-April-2021.jpg) # Mobile Veterinary Business? Here’s Your Tactical Advantage. May 6, 2021 [Veterinary](https://www.centratel.com/blog/veterinary-answering-service/) By Sam Carpenter In the veterinary world, over the past few decades, there has been a powerful trend toward mobile service, either as an add-on to an existing practice or as an outright start-up. For solid tactical and economic advantages, including hi-tech and super-accurate message processing/delivery, _and_ on-the-spot communication with clients, the typical mobile vet service especially depends on a professional answering/dispatch service. At [Centratel](https://www.centratel.com/) we’ve been processing calls for mobile rapid-response vet services from way back in the mid-80’s when they first came on the scene. Some important points: 1. Veterinarians who are mobile spend a considerable amount of time driving to and from appointments and so are often physically unable to properly manage incoming calls. **Using an answering service allows vets to manage their calls and messages at all times of day, 24-7-365, for a fraction of the cost of a full-time employee…as they focus on immediate real-time demands.** Some work on-the-fly from appointment to appointment while others set up shop in parking lots or high traffic locations. Being mobile – without a physical office – does not mean a veterinarian has to compromise the traditional benefits of a brick-and-mortar home-base. A top-notch answering/dispatching service will project the image – and provide the customer service – of a robust single-location office. 2. Exceptional answering service veterinary receptionist skills are mandatory: with a long history of serving mobile _and_ brick-and-mortar veterinary clinics, our agents are super-efficient yet compassionate and sensitive. They understand the importance of handling calls with care and then getting messages delivered immediately. 3. Perhaps the most important benefit of an answering service is that **no incoming calls will be missed during a super-busy day, after hours, on weekends, or on holidays**. 4. We have found that the somewhat mercenary business-positioning of our answering service clients revolves around two necessities: First “call-capture.” Missed calls equal lost business…so the goal is to not miss any calls! And second, it’s a simple fact that making it easy for the caller to quickly get what they want (in your vet business, this means communicating with you), leads to happy clients and more revenue. It’s the same for other answering service clients: doctors, veterinarians, HVAC professionals, property managers. etc. _It’s the way the world works_, and at Centratel, we make it our prime mission, day-in and day-out, to provide the above two necessities: we’re fast, efficient and economical and we’ve had decades of experience in which to hone our expertise. 5. We don’t make mistakes. (OK. Yes, it’s better-said that we _rarely_ make mistakes.) A recent tally of our Customer Reported Error Rate statistic shows that for every 6500+ messages our agents processed, we received one customer complaint. In the professional answering service game, where there is so much room for failure, this statistic is an industry-wide superior achievement. [We compile this statistic quarterly.](https://www.centratel.com/) ![A veterinary owner assisted by her veterinary answering service visiting a brown horse](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/CTS-Whitepaper-visuals-Vet-article-April-2021-middle-1024x533.jpg) Give us a call to discuss the above and to answer your questions and we’ll send you a free-and-no-obligation hardcover copy of the best-seller fourth edition of the book, [_Work the System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_,](https://www.amazon.com/Work-System-Fourth-Mechanics-Working/dp/1626347697/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1618593988&sr=8-2) authored by Sam Carpenter, founder and President of Centratel Answering Service. And one more thing! if you chose to give Centratel answering service a try, you’ll get the first 30 days for free, enabling you to get a sense for the quality of the service…and the cost. We look forward to hearing from you! ## Taking the Next Step * * * For a quick orientation on how we operate, take a moment to review one or more of the key points listed in Why Choose Centratel Q&A (scroll down the page if you are on a mobile phone) For more specifics on cost, to start the onboarding process, or if you have questions, fill out this form with your basic information and if it’s during regular working hours (M-F 8am to 8pm EST or 5am to 5pm PST), we’ll get back to you within minutes. Or, during the above hours, you can simply call us at 800-664-7159 or send us an email to [inquiry@centratel.com](mailto:inquiry@centratel.com). First Name \* Last Name \* Job Title Email \* Company \* Phone \* City \* State \*State \*AlabamaAlaskaArkansasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDistrict of ColumbiaDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming How did you hear about us? How did you hear about us? \*PostcardBook gift: Work the SystemLetterReferralOnline SearchWork The SystemFacebook Is your business one of our specialties \*Is your business one of our specialties \*MedicalHome Health/HospiceVeterinary24/7 BusinessHVACTrade ServiceProperty ManagementUtilityDisaster RestorationPlumbing What is your ONE primary concern with using an answering service? \*What is your primary concern with using an answering service? \*Professionalism of staffMessage delivery accuracy and timelinessConsistent high quality of serviceCost of serviceLiabilityConfidentialityOther Are you currently using a call center/telephone answering service? \* YesNo Requested service start date \*Requested service start date \*ASAPWithin 1 WeekWithin 2 WeeksWithin 1 MonthOther List any specific call requirements Submit [Terms of Service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) ### **Why Choose Centratel** **BY SAM CARPENTER** **February 1, 2026** 1.CENTRATEL’S UNIQUE 30-DAY FREE TRIAL Why is this important? Because it will provide you a truly accurate estimate of cost (we bill monthly), it will demonstrate our quality, and it gives both sides of this brand new relationship—you and Centratel—plenty of time to refine and perfect operational details. Here’s a testimonial from a new medical client that had just finished their 30-day trial: _“Of course, I love the cost as it is close to the amount I was allowed by the president of the company. I told him that if we did not continue with Centratel, I would resign as the Director of Customer Service, and I meant it. It’s a great fit. We have had NOT ONE complaint from a patient or in-house which, as you know, we received daily with our former answering service._ _I love you, Centratel, and the price. I’m ready to sign whatever documents you require._ _Thanks for the great service, and the free month_! _To a great partnership! -KB, Phoenix_“ 2.STATISTICALLY, THE BEST IN THE U.S.? Answering service quality is 100% dependent on human action and reaction, and in the course of a single day a multitude of human decisions are made by the people who process the calls: Telephone Service Representatives, or TSRs. (Some answering services refer to them as “agents.” Others, “operators.”) Like any other answering service, at Centratel we’re dealing with real live human beings and so human errors can occur. But within this labor intensive service industry that is historically known for marginal quality, Centratel’s error rate is light years ahead of established standards. Our most recent Customer Reported Error Rate (October through December, 2025) was 1 customer-reported error for every 7,017 message transactions processed. That statistic is unmatched. There’s no artificial intelligence manipulation, we do not offshore calls, and we were founded and have always operated within the United States. (Note that since early 2020, the COVID six-foot social distancing mandate drove thousands of small-to-medium sized answering services out of business. Large, often foreign-owned multi-nationals, disguised by the name of the local answering services they acquired, now thoroughly dominate the industry. Hence, an even further decline in general service quality. [See this analysis.](https://www.centratel.com/answering-service-phone-industry/)) 3.CUSTOMER SERVICE EXTRAORDINAIRE Your concerns will be instantly acted upon. It’s a work ethic that stands in stark contrast to the general decline in quality of human-to-human business communications. You’ve seen it yourself, all around. At Centratel you will know by name the customer service people you’re working with, appreciating their special listening abilities as well as their take-action-now comportment. e.g. see the testimonial in point #1 above. ‘Nuff said! 4.GETTING STARTED: IT’S SIMPLE AND FAST Getting your new Centratel answering service 30-day free trial up-and-running is accomplished within 24-48 hours. From the start, your “onboarding” customer service representative will be with you every step of the way **,** listening carefully to your concerns, answering questions and offering suggestions. 5.NEW TO USING AN ANSWERING SERVICE? The very large majority of our current answering service accounts switched to us from another service because of quality and/or cost problems. However, if you have not used a service before, you are not familiar with the options, benefits, and pitfalls. Our 30-day free trial provides you—and us—plenty of time to precisely refine your desired message-taking and delivery protocols; to get things exactly the way you want them to be without any financial risk, undue pressure, or obligation. 6.PRICING Starting at $150 per month, our rates lie in the mid-range of the industry. Note that we charge by the “transaction unit” rather than the duration of time spent handling calls. Large “mega-services” operating in the U.S. prefer time billing because it ensures the company is compensated for lower-paid/high-turnover — and thus slower — agents. _No matter the quality or how long they keep your callers on hold, they still make a profit_. And yes, it can get expensive, especially if caller on-hold time is also billed. In any answering service, it takes a long time for a new agent to become fast, efficient, and stable. At Centratel, we pamper and reward experienced agents (via high pay and great benefits) and therefore have extremely low staff turnover. Needless to say, experienced agents make fewer errors than trainees who learn on-the-job. And, transaction-unit billing is easy to understand. There is no room for fraud as in time-billing. We can easily document and explain any monthly billing we send you. 7.ACCURATELY COMPARING ANSWERING SERVICE PRICING IS COMPLICATED It’s apples and oranges. There isn’t an industry standard for billing, and each answering service has its own formula. Also, as noted above, some services charge by agent “time” while a few, like us, charge by “transaction units.” Some others combine the two. At Centratel, we charge for the work we do, not by the time we spend. The raw truth is that the only reliable way to determine monthly cost for a new service is to use that service for a solid month. Most answering services offer a 7-day free trial or no trial at all. With Centratel you get 30-days. 8. MONTHLY OR 28-DAY BILLING? Important! At Centratel, we use a “monthly” billing cycle in which invoices are compiled from the first day of a month through the last day of that month. When soliciting quotes from other services, be sure to ask if the base-rate charges are billed monthly or on a “28-day billing cycle.” There is no good reason for a 28-day billing cycle! It’s a sly manipulation by the answering service: customers billed on a 28-day cycle actually receive thirteen billings per year instead of twelve. 9.NO CONTRACT AND SIMPLE TERMS OF SERVICE We don’t ask for a term contract for service because you should be able to evaluate us in real time, without restraint. Our [terms of service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) are simple and straight-forward. 10.VALUABLE FREE GIFT FOR CONTACTING US If you take the time to discuss answering service with us, on that same day we will ship you a hardcover copy of Sam Carpenter’s bestselling book, [_Work The System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_](https://www.workthesystem.com/), now in its 5th edition. (Sam is Centatel’s very active CEO.) December 1st 2025 marked his forty first year of ownership.) * * * ## Footer ## Efficient Call Screening - [Skip to primary navigation](https://www.centratel.com/blog/property-management-answering-service/winning-the-property-management-game-start-with-super-efficient-call-screening/#genesis-nav-primary) - [Skip to main content](https://www.centratel.com/blog/property-management-answering-service/winning-the-property-management-game-start-with-super-efficient-call-screening/#genesis-content) - [Skip to footer](https://www.centratel.com/blog/property-management-answering-service/winning-the-property-management-game-start-with-super-efficient-call-screening/#genesis-footer-widgets) The Highest Quality Telephone Answering Service in the United States - [Make Payment](https://thepaymentportal.com/index.php?compcode=2C1A-9FF4-91CA-7F93) - [Client Login](https://oncall.centratel.com/) - [Follow Centratel on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centratel-answering-service/) - [Follow Centratel on Twitter](https://twitter.com/centratel) - [Follow Centratel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centratel) ![A property management business owner helping her customers finding the right apartment](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/CTS-winning-the-property-management-game.jpg) # Winning the Property Management Game: Start with Super-efficient Call-screening April 22, 2021 [Property Management](https://www.centratel.com/blog/property-management-answering-service/) By Sam Carpenter As [the owner of a property management business](https://www.centratel.com/property-management/), you want your incoming calls that really matter _right now_ to be handled instantly…and you want your less-urgent calls handled properly, too. **As the leader of your organization, you want your business to grow and you want a life that does not include being contacted repeatedly and unexpectedly 24/7!** Am I right? The concept is simple enough. It’s basic prioritization put into action. **A property management company that carefully manages the call screening protocol is far better equipped to handle the wide range of unpredictable requests that incessantly come in.** ![A property management business owner wakes up after an unexpected less-urgent call](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/CTS-winning-the-property-management-game-intro.jpg) And property managers who take the time to carefully perfect their call screening processes lead companies that will thrive…and those managers who have personal lives that include uninterrupted sleep through the night. Yes, it’s about precisely creating order and consistency. So what can be done to improve your call screening practices so YOU can sleep better at night? ## Develop a Standardized Process for Screening Calls [Of course, your property management company must deal with a never ending influx of calls, 24/7/365. There is zero downtime.](https://www.centratel.com/blog/property-management-answering-service/answering-service-provides-peace-of-mind-to-property-managers/) What is the key to superb service to your clients and sanity for yourself? It begins with establishing a written protocol to determine what calls are most critical, and to whom those call-details should be referred. THIS is paramount to maintaining order and consistency! So, start by asking these questions; 1. What calls are urgent and MUST have immediate attention? 2. What types of repairs require immediate attention? 3. For what after-hours issues will you tell the tenant their request will be answered the following business day…and how do you do that in an empathetic and professional way? **Writing down clear and concise answers to questions like these will drive you to create clear and concise processes that will get your life under control…and drive growth for your business**. ![Property management answering service operator applying efficient call-screening to calls](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201024%20626'%3E%3C/svg%3E) So, to get started, carefully make a list of questions, and start this documentation by prioritizing call inquiries into categories of: 1. urgent, and 2. non-urgent Once the categorization is complete, outline precisely how you want the calls to be handled. Include who should be contacted, when they should be contacted, and whether certain circumstances warrant additional information and follow-up. Write out instructions in such a way that even a new employee can follow them. Once complete, this document will serve as a roadmap for how to handle virtually every incoming call. Over time your call screening protocols will become more defined, and will eventually expand to encompass all likely and unlikely scenarios. Your written protocols will be ever-improving as you apply them daily. Do the above and I promise your customers and tenants will be delighted, and you personally will have more free time…and less anxiety. I promise! ## Hire a Specialized Property Management Answering Service To precisely screen after-hours calls, hire a property management answering service. Outsourcing your calls to a highly specialized service, means your call screening protocols will be followed like clockwork. By providing rock-solid procedures that you and your answering service representative will develop together, thoroughly trained, tenured, and highly-paid career telephone agents will be able to process your client and tenant calls accurately and efficiently 100% of the time. **Your answering service telephone representatives will perform as if they are part of your regular staff**. The learning curve will be minimal! [Beginning your new answering service will be painless and fast](https://www.centratel.com/blog/property-management-answering-service/how-can-property-management-companies-benefit/) (and in the process you’ll learn new ways to make your in-office operation more efficient and orderly.) Oh. You already use an answering service but there are problems? My guess is that your service is having organizational problems.\* **From rental inquiries, to client requests, to tenant-generated repair and maintenance/fix-it demands, each call that a property management team receives represents either an opportunity or a problem.** Start today by establishing best-practices protocols for call screening. And, [we’re happy to help you with this](https://www.centratel.com/30-day-free-trial/)! Call Centratel today…and get ready for that good nights’ sleep! -sam carpenter Founder and owner of Centratel, and author of the just-released fourth edition of [_Work the System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_](https://www.amazon.com/Work-System-Fourth-Mechanics-Working/dp/1626347697/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1614506305&sr=8-1). \* _Note that 95% of Centratel’s property management answering service customers used another answering service previously._ ## Taking the Next Step * * * For a quick orientation on how we operate, take a moment to review one or more of the key points listed in Why Choose Centratel Q&A (scroll down the page if you are on a mobile phone) For more specifics on cost, to start the onboarding process, or if you have questions, fill out this form with your basic information and if it’s during regular working hours (M-F 8am to 8pm EST or 5am to 5pm PST), we’ll get back to you within minutes. Or, during the above hours, you can simply call us at 800-664-7159 or send us an email to [inquiry@centratel.com](mailto:inquiry@centratel.com). First Name \* Last Name \* Job Title Email \* Company \* Phone \* City \* State \*State \*AlabamaAlaskaArkansasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDistrict of ColumbiaDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming How did you hear about us? How did you hear about us? \*PostcardBook gift: Work the SystemLetterReferralOnline SearchWork The SystemFacebook Is your business one of our specialties \*Is your business one of our specialties \*MedicalHome Health/HospiceVeterinary24/7 BusinessHVACTrade ServiceProperty ManagementUtilityDisaster RestorationPlumbing What is your ONE primary concern with using an answering service? \*What is your primary concern with using an answering service? \*Professionalism of staffMessage delivery accuracy and timelinessConsistent high quality of serviceCost of serviceLiabilityConfidentialityOther Are you currently using a call center/telephone answering service? \* YesNo Requested service start date \*Requested service start date \*ASAPWithin 1 WeekWithin 2 WeeksWithin 1 MonthOther List any specific call requirements Submit [Terms of Service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) ### **Why Choose Centratel** **BY SAM CARPENTER** **February 1, 2026** 1.CENTRATEL’S UNIQUE 30-DAY FREE TRIAL Why is this important? Because it will provide you a truly accurate estimate of cost (we bill monthly), it will demonstrate our quality, and it gives both sides of this brand new relationship—you and Centratel—plenty of time to refine and perfect operational details. Here’s a testimonial from a new medical client that had just finished their 30-day trial: _“Of course, I love the cost as it is close to the amount I was allowed by the president of the company. I told him that if we did not continue with Centratel, I would resign as the Director of Customer Service, and I meant it. It’s a great fit. We have had NOT ONE complaint from a patient or in-house which, as you know, we received daily with our former answering service._ _I love you, Centratel, and the price. I’m ready to sign whatever documents you require._ _Thanks for the great service, and the free month_! _To a great partnership! -KB, Phoenix_“ 2.STATISTICALLY, THE BEST IN THE U.S.? Answering service quality is 100% dependent on human action and reaction, and in the course of a single day a multitude of human decisions are made by the people who process the calls: Telephone Service Representatives, or TSRs. (Some answering services refer to them as “agents.” Others, “operators.”) Like any other answering service, at Centratel we’re dealing with real live human beings and so human errors can occur. But within this labor intensive service industry that is historically known for marginal quality, Centratel’s error rate is light years ahead of established standards. Our most recent Customer Reported Error Rate (October through December, 2025) was 1 customer-reported error for every 7,017 message transactions processed. That statistic is unmatched. There’s no artificial intelligence manipulation, we do not offshore calls, and we were founded and have always operated within the United States. (Note that since early 2020, the COVID six-foot social distancing mandate drove thousands of small-to-medium sized answering services out of business. Large, often foreign-owned multi-nationals, disguised by the name of the local answering services they acquired, now thoroughly dominate the industry. Hence, an even further decline in general service quality. [See this analysis.](https://www.centratel.com/answering-service-phone-industry/)) 3.CUSTOMER SERVICE EXTRAORDINAIRE Your concerns will be instantly acted upon. It’s a work ethic that stands in stark contrast to the general decline in quality of human-to-human business communications. You’ve seen it yourself, all around. At Centratel you will know by name the customer service people you’re working with, appreciating their special listening abilities as well as their take-action-now comportment. e.g. see the testimonial in point #1 above. ‘Nuff said! 4.GETTING STARTED: IT’S SIMPLE AND FAST Getting your new Centratel answering service 30-day free trial up-and-running is accomplished within 24-48 hours. From the start, your “onboarding” customer service representative will be with you every step of the way **,** listening carefully to your concerns, answering questions and offering suggestions. 5.NEW TO USING AN ANSWERING SERVICE? The very large majority of our current answering service accounts switched to us from another service because of quality and/or cost problems. However, if you have not used a service before, you are not familiar with the options, benefits, and pitfalls. Our 30-day free trial provides you—and us—plenty of time to precisely refine your desired message-taking and delivery protocols; to get things exactly the way you want them to be without any financial risk, undue pressure, or obligation. 6.PRICING Starting at $150 per month, our rates lie in the mid-range of the industry. Note that we charge by the “transaction unit” rather than the duration of time spent handling calls. Large “mega-services” operating in the U.S. prefer time billing because it ensures the company is compensated for lower-paid/high-turnover — and thus slower — agents. _No matter the quality or how long they keep your callers on hold, they still make a profit_. And yes, it can get expensive, especially if caller on-hold time is also billed. In any answering service, it takes a long time for a new agent to become fast, efficient, and stable. At Centratel, we pamper and reward experienced agents (via high pay and great benefits) and therefore have extremely low staff turnover. Needless to say, experienced agents make fewer errors than trainees who learn on-the-job. And, transaction-unit billing is easy to understand. There is no room for fraud as in time-billing. We can easily document and explain any monthly billing we send you. 7.ACCURATELY COMPARING ANSWERING SERVICE PRICING IS COMPLICATED It’s apples and oranges. There isn’t an industry standard for billing, and each answering service has its own formula. Also, as noted above, some services charge by agent “time” while a few, like us, charge by “transaction units.” Some others combine the two. At Centratel, we charge for the work we do, not by the time we spend. The raw truth is that the only reliable way to determine monthly cost for a new service is to use that service for a solid month. Most answering services offer a 7-day free trial or no trial at all. With Centratel you get 30-days. 8. MONTHLY OR 28-DAY BILLING? Important! At Centratel, we use a “monthly” billing cycle in which invoices are compiled from the first day of a month through the last day of that month. When soliciting quotes from other services, be sure to ask if the base-rate charges are billed monthly or on a “28-day billing cycle.” There is no good reason for a 28-day billing cycle! It’s a sly manipulation by the answering service: customers billed on a 28-day cycle actually receive thirteen billings per year instead of twelve. 9.NO CONTRACT AND SIMPLE TERMS OF SERVICE We don’t ask for a term contract for service because you should be able to evaluate us in real time, without restraint. Our [terms of service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) are simple and straight-forward. 10.VALUABLE FREE GIFT FOR CONTACTING US If you take the time to discuss answering service with us, on that same day we will ship you a hardcover copy of Sam Carpenter’s bestselling book, [_Work The System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_](https://www.workthesystem.com/), now in its 5th edition. (Sam is Centatel’s very active CEO.) December 1st 2025 marked his forty first year of ownership.) * * * ## Footer ## HVAC Answering Service - [Skip to primary navigation](https://www.centratel.com/blog/hvac-answering-service/after-hours/#genesis-nav-primary) - [Skip to main content](https://www.centratel.com/blog/hvac-answering-service/after-hours/#genesis-content) - [Skip to footer](https://www.centratel.com/blog/hvac-answering-service/after-hours/#genesis-footer-widgets) The Highest Quality Telephone Answering Service in the United States - [Make Payment](https://thepaymentportal.com/index.php?compcode=2C1A-9FF4-91CA-7F93) - [Client Login](https://oncall.centratel.com/) - [Follow Centratel on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centratel-answering-service/) - [Follow Centratel on Twitter](https://twitter.com/centratel) - [Follow Centratel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centratel) ![hvac answering service](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201500%20917'%3E%3C/svg%3E) # After-Hours Support with Centratel’s HVAC Answering Service August 24, 2023 [HVAC](https://www.centratel.com/blog/hvac-answering-service/) By Centratel The HVAC industry is characterized by emergency calls, seasonal fluctuations, and demanding customer expectations. As such, having consistent and efficient communication channels can determine success. The most successful HVAC companies understand that every call—whether it’s a furnace outage in the dead of winter or an AC malfunction during a sweltering summer day—counts. **Missing a call can not only mean lost business but also can tarnish your company’s reputation**. So, what’s the solution? Introducing **Centratel’s** [**HVAC Answering Service**](https://www.centratel.com/hvac-answering-service/), a game-changer for HVAC businesses. Below, we delve deep into how our services can transform your operations and enhance customer satisfaction. ## Immediate Response HVAC Answering Service Let’s face it: HVAC issues don’t always arise during business hours. A malfunctioning heat pump or a faulty furnace can happen in the middle of the night, warranting an immediate response. **With Centratel’s HVAC Answering Service**, your customers are assured that they can always reach a human, any time of day or night, whenever they encounter a problem. This guarantees not only their comfort but also their safety. [Learn more about our dedicated HVAC answering service](https://www.centratel.com/hvac-answering-service/). ## Efficient Call Management Did you know that on average, 70% of callers hang up upon hearing a voicemail, and a large percentage might never call back? For HVAC businesses, this translates to potentially **lost clients and revenue**. With Centratel’s professional call handlers, your business will never miss an opportunity. Every call is managed with precision, ensuring that urgent matters are escalated while routine queries are efficiently handled. ## Enhancing Your Brand Image In the service industry, first impressions matter. The way you handle calls speaks volumes about your commitment to customer satisfaction. Our trained agents are not just call handlers; they are brand ambassadors, upholding your company’s values and ensuring every caller has a positive experience. Your customers deserve nothing less than **exceptional service**, and we aim to deliver just that. ## Cost-Efficiency **Hiring a full-time receptionist or an after-hours team can be expensive**, especially when considering salaries, benefits, and training costs. With our specialized answering service for HVAC professionals, you can enjoy round-the-clock call management without breaking the bank. It’s a win-win: you ensure excellent customer service while maintaining a lean operational structure. ## Stay Ahead of the Competition The HVAC industry is highly competitive. By ensuring that your business is accessible 24/7, you not only meet customer expectations but also position your company as a leader in the market. This commitment to excellence can be the distinguishing factor that sets you apart from competitors. ## In Conclusion If you’re in the HVAC business, you can’t afford to miss calls or offer sub-par customer service. With Centratel’s 24/7 HVAC Answering Service, you can ensure that your business is always open, always responsive, and always prioritizing your customers’ needs. Want to transform your HVAC business’s communication channels and enhance customer satisfaction? [Request a price quote today](https://www.centratel.com/price-quote/) and explore the myriad of benefits that come with Centratel’s exceptional support. Image by [Freepik](https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/low-angle-people-working-with-drill_25186472.htm#query=hvac%20working&position=48&from_view=search&track=ais) ## Taking the Next Step * * * For a quick orientation on how we operate, take a moment to review one or more of the key points listed in Why Choose Centratel Q&A (scroll down the page if you are on a mobile phone) For more specifics on cost, to start the onboarding process, or if you have questions, fill out this form with your basic information and if it’s during regular working hours (M-F 8am to 8pm EST or 5am to 5pm PST), we’ll get back to you within minutes. Or, during the above hours, you can simply call us at 800-664-7159 or send us an email to [inquiry@centratel.com](mailto:inquiry@centratel.com). First Name \* Last Name \* Job Title Email \* Company \* Phone \* City \* State \*State \*AlabamaAlaskaArkansasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDistrict of ColumbiaDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming How did you hear about us? How did you hear about us? \*PostcardBook gift: Work the SystemLetterReferralOnline SearchWork The SystemFacebook Is your business one of our specialties \*Is your business one of our specialties \*MedicalHome Health/HospiceVeterinary24/7 BusinessHVACTrade ServiceProperty ManagementUtilityDisaster RestorationPlumbing What is your ONE primary concern with using an answering service? \*What is your primary concern with using an answering service? \*Professionalism of staffMessage delivery accuracy and timelinessConsistent high quality of serviceCost of serviceLiabilityConfidentialityOther Are you currently using a call center/telephone answering service? \* YesNo Requested service start date \*Requested service start date \*ASAPWithin 1 WeekWithin 2 WeeksWithin 1 MonthOther List any specific call requirements Submit [Terms of Service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) ### **Why Choose Centratel** **BY SAM CARPENTER** **February 1, 2026** 1.CENTRATEL’S UNIQUE 30-DAY FREE TRIAL Why is this important? Because it will provide you a truly accurate estimate of cost (we bill monthly), it will demonstrate our quality, and it gives both sides of this brand new relationship—you and Centratel—plenty of time to refine and perfect operational details. Here’s a testimonial from a new medical client that had just finished their 30-day trial: _“Of course, I love the cost as it is close to the amount I was allowed by the president of the company. I told him that if we did not continue with Centratel, I would resign as the Director of Customer Service, and I meant it. It’s a great fit. We have had NOT ONE complaint from a patient or in-house which, as you know, we received daily with our former answering service._ _I love you, Centratel, and the price. I’m ready to sign whatever documents you require._ _Thanks for the great service, and the free month_! _To a great partnership! -KB, Phoenix_“ 2.STATISTICALLY, THE BEST IN THE U.S.? Answering service quality is 100% dependent on human action and reaction, and in the course of a single day a multitude of human decisions are made by the people who process the calls: Telephone Service Representatives, or TSRs. (Some answering services refer to them as “agents.” Others, “operators.”) Like any other answering service, at Centratel we’re dealing with real live human beings and so human errors can occur. But within this labor intensive service industry that is historically known for marginal quality, Centratel’s error rate is light years ahead of established standards. Our most recent Customer Reported Error Rate (October through December, 2025) was 1 customer-reported error for every 7,017 message transactions processed. That statistic is unmatched. There’s no artificial intelligence manipulation, we do not offshore calls, and we were founded and have always operated within the United States. (Note that since early 2020, the COVID six-foot social distancing mandate drove thousands of small-to-medium sized answering services out of business. Large, often foreign-owned multi-nationals, disguised by the name of the local answering services they acquired, now thoroughly dominate the industry. Hence, an even further decline in general service quality. [See this analysis.](https://www.centratel.com/answering-service-phone-industry/)) 3.CUSTOMER SERVICE EXTRAORDINAIRE Your concerns will be instantly acted upon. It’s a work ethic that stands in stark contrast to the general decline in quality of human-to-human business communications. You’ve seen it yourself, all around. At Centratel you will know by name the customer service people you’re working with, appreciating their special listening abilities as well as their take-action-now comportment. e.g. see the testimonial in point #1 above. ‘Nuff said! 4.GETTING STARTED: IT’S SIMPLE AND FAST Getting your new Centratel answering service 30-day free trial up-and-running is accomplished within 24-48 hours. From the start, your “onboarding” customer service representative will be with you every step of the way **,** listening carefully to your concerns, answering questions and offering suggestions. 5.NEW TO USING AN ANSWERING SERVICE? The very large majority of our current answering service accounts switched to us from another service because of quality and/or cost problems. However, if you have not used a service before, you are not familiar with the options, benefits, and pitfalls. Our 30-day free trial provides you—and us—plenty of time to precisely refine your desired message-taking and delivery protocols; to get things exactly the way you want them to be without any financial risk, undue pressure, or obligation. 6.PRICING Starting at $150 per month, our rates lie in the mid-range of the industry. Note that we charge by the “transaction unit” rather than the duration of time spent handling calls. Large “mega-services” operating in the U.S. prefer time billing because it ensures the company is compensated for lower-paid/high-turnover — and thus slower — agents. _No matter the quality or how long they keep your callers on hold, they still make a profit_. And yes, it can get expensive, especially if caller on-hold time is also billed. In any answering service, it takes a long time for a new agent to become fast, efficient, and stable. At Centratel, we pamper and reward experienced agents (via high pay and great benefits) and therefore have extremely low staff turnover. Needless to say, experienced agents make fewer errors than trainees who learn on-the-job. And, transaction-unit billing is easy to understand. There is no room for fraud as in time-billing. We can easily document and explain any monthly billing we send you. 7.ACCURATELY COMPARING ANSWERING SERVICE PRICING IS COMPLICATED It’s apples and oranges. There isn’t an industry standard for billing, and each answering service has its own formula. Also, as noted above, some services charge by agent “time” while a few, like us, charge by “transaction units.” Some others combine the two. At Centratel, we charge for the work we do, not by the time we spend. The raw truth is that the only reliable way to determine monthly cost for a new service is to use that service for a solid month. Most answering services offer a 7-day free trial or no trial at all. With Centratel you get 30-days. 8. MONTHLY OR 28-DAY BILLING? Important! At Centratel, we use a “monthly” billing cycle in which invoices are compiled from the first day of a month through the last day of that month. When soliciting quotes from other services, be sure to ask if the base-rate charges are billed monthly or on a “28-day billing cycle.” There is no good reason for a 28-day billing cycle! It’s a sly manipulation by the answering service: customers billed on a 28-day cycle actually receive thirteen billings per year instead of twelve. 9.NO CONTRACT AND SIMPLE TERMS OF SERVICE We don’t ask for a term contract for service because you should be able to evaluate us in real time, without restraint. Our [terms of service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) are simple and straight-forward. 10.VALUABLE FREE GIFT FOR CONTACTING US If you take the time to discuss answering service with us, on that same day we will ship you a hardcover copy of Sam Carpenter’s bestselling book, [_Work The System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_](https://www.workthesystem.com/), now in its 5th edition. (Sam is Centatel’s very active CEO.) December 1st 2025 marked his forty first year of ownership.) * * * ## Footer ## Gas Company Solutions - [Skip to primary navigation](https://www.centratel.com/blog/utility-answering-service/gas-companies/#genesis-nav-primary) - [Skip to main content](https://www.centratel.com/blog/utility-answering-service/gas-companies/#genesis-content) - [Skip to footer](https://www.centratel.com/blog/utility-answering-service/gas-companies/#genesis-footer-widgets) The Highest Quality Telephone Answering Service in the United States - [Make Payment](https://thepaymentportal.com/index.php?compcode=2C1A-9FF4-91CA-7F93) - [Client Login](https://oncall.centratel.com/) - [Follow Centratel on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centratel-answering-service/) - [Follow Centratel on Twitter](https://twitter.com/centratel) - [Follow Centratel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centratel) ![Public and Private utilites answering service](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201500%20917'%3E%3C/svg%3E) # Gas Companies: Public and Private Utility Answering Service August 23, 2023 [Utility](https://www.centratel.com/blog/utility-answering-service/) By Centratel Today’s **gas industry** is more competitive and complex than ever before. The efficiency of operations directly impacts the bottom line, and in an industry as time-sensitive and technically nuanced as the oil and gas sector, no detail can be overlooked. One such critical detail is the management of **telephone communications**, a key interface with customers and stakeholders. **Centratel’s Public and** [**Private Utilities Answering Service**](https://www.centratel.com/public-and-private-utilities-answering-service/) is here to offer an exceptional solution that will ignite efficiency, improve customer service, and streamline your operation, all while ensuring you remain fully compliant with industry standards and regulations. Our services are an integral part of the comprehensive package offered by [Centratel](https://www.centratel.com/public-and-private-utilities-answering-service/) to the oil and gas industry. ## Streamlined Communications It’s crucial to note that according to a report from Forrester Research, 73% of customers state that valuing their time is the most important thing a company can do to provide them with good service. For oil and gas companies, where rapid response and accurate information are paramount, this statistic becomes even more vital. **Our public and private utilities answering service ensures immediate, professional responses to every call**, thereby increasing efficiency and customer satisfaction. ## Industry-Specific Expertise Our team understands the specific language and **terminology of the oil and gas industry**, including key terms such as upstream, midstream, downstream, hydrocarbon exploration, drilling, well completion, and more. **We provide specialized training** to our team members to ensure they can converse effectively and accurately with your customers and stakeholders. ## 24/7 Availability In an industry that operates around the clock, your communications need to do the same. **Centratel’s answering service offers 24/7 support**, guaranteeing that no matter when a customer or stakeholder calls, there will be a professional on the other end to assist them. ## Compliance and Security We understand the importance of compliance and security in the oil and gas sector. Our answering service is not only fully compliant with **industry regulations**, but also adheres to the highest standards of data security, ensuring that your business and customer information remains protected. Are you ready to ignite efficiency in your gas company? [Request a price quote](https://www.centratel.com/price-quote/) from Centratel today and take the first step towards transforming your communication process. ## Take Action: Centratel’s Professional Answering Service Optimizing the efficiency of your gas company’s communications doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With [Centratel’s professional answering service](https://www.centratel.com/public-and-private-utilities-answering-service/), you can streamline communications, improve customer service, and enhance your overall efficiency. [Get a price quote](https://www.centratel.com/price-quote/) today and set your company on the path to superior communication management. [Image by fanjianhua](https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/steel-pipelines-cables-plant_1119714.htm#query=gas%20industry&position=1&from_view=search&track=ais) on Freepik ## Taking the Next Step * * * For a quick orientation on how we operate, take a moment to review one or more of the key points listed in Why Choose Centratel Q&A (scroll down the page if you are on a mobile phone) For more specifics on cost, to start the onboarding process, or if you have questions, fill out this form with your basic information and if it’s during regular working hours (M-F 8am to 8pm EST or 5am to 5pm PST), we’ll get back to you within minutes. Or, during the above hours, you can simply call us at 800-664-7159 or send us an email to [inquiry@centratel.com](mailto:inquiry@centratel.com). First Name \* Last Name \* Job Title Email \* Company \* Phone \* City \* State \*State \*AlabamaAlaskaArkansasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDistrict of ColumbiaDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming How did you hear about us? How did you hear about us? \*PostcardBook gift: Work the SystemLetterReferralOnline SearchWork The SystemFacebook Is your business one of our specialties \*Is your business one of our specialties \*MedicalHome Health/HospiceVeterinary24/7 BusinessHVACTrade ServiceProperty ManagementUtilityDisaster RestorationPlumbing What is your ONE primary concern with using an answering service? \*What is your primary concern with using an answering service? \*Professionalism of staffMessage delivery accuracy and timelinessConsistent high quality of serviceCost of serviceLiabilityConfidentialityOther Are you currently using a call center/telephone answering service? \* YesNo Requested service start date \*Requested service start date \*ASAPWithin 1 WeekWithin 2 WeeksWithin 1 MonthOther List any specific call requirements Submit [Terms of Service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) ### **Why Choose Centratel** **BY SAM CARPENTER** **February 1, 2026** 1.CENTRATEL’S UNIQUE 30-DAY FREE TRIAL Why is this important? Because it will provide you a truly accurate estimate of cost (we bill monthly), it will demonstrate our quality, and it gives both sides of this brand new relationship—you and Centratel—plenty of time to refine and perfect operational details. Here’s a testimonial from a new medical client that had just finished their 30-day trial: _“Of course, I love the cost as it is close to the amount I was allowed by the president of the company. I told him that if we did not continue with Centratel, I would resign as the Director of Customer Service, and I meant it. It’s a great fit. We have had NOT ONE complaint from a patient or in-house which, as you know, we received daily with our former answering service._ _I love you, Centratel, and the price. I’m ready to sign whatever documents you require._ _Thanks for the great service, and the free month_! _To a great partnership! -KB, Phoenix_“ 2.STATISTICALLY, THE BEST IN THE U.S.? Answering service quality is 100% dependent on human action and reaction, and in the course of a single day a multitude of human decisions are made by the people who process the calls: Telephone Service Representatives, or TSRs. (Some answering services refer to them as “agents.” Others, “operators.”) Like any other answering service, at Centratel we’re dealing with real live human beings and so human errors can occur. But within this labor intensive service industry that is historically known for marginal quality, Centratel’s error rate is light years ahead of established standards. Our most recent Customer Reported Error Rate (October through December, 2025) was 1 customer-reported error for every 7,017 message transactions processed. That statistic is unmatched. There’s no artificial intelligence manipulation, we do not offshore calls, and we were founded and have always operated within the United States. (Note that since early 2020, the COVID six-foot social distancing mandate drove thousands of small-to-medium sized answering services out of business. Large, often foreign-owned multi-nationals, disguised by the name of the local answering services they acquired, now thoroughly dominate the industry. Hence, an even further decline in general service quality. [See this analysis.](https://www.centratel.com/answering-service-phone-industry/)) 3.CUSTOMER SERVICE EXTRAORDINAIRE Your concerns will be instantly acted upon. It’s a work ethic that stands in stark contrast to the general decline in quality of human-to-human business communications. You’ve seen it yourself, all around. At Centratel you will know by name the customer service people you’re working with, appreciating their special listening abilities as well as their take-action-now comportment. e.g. see the testimonial in point #1 above. ‘Nuff said! 4.GETTING STARTED: IT’S SIMPLE AND FAST Getting your new Centratel answering service 30-day free trial up-and-running is accomplished within 24-48 hours. From the start, your “onboarding” customer service representative will be with you every step of the way **,** listening carefully to your concerns, answering questions and offering suggestions. 5.NEW TO USING AN ANSWERING SERVICE? The very large majority of our current answering service accounts switched to us from another service because of quality and/or cost problems. However, if you have not used a service before, you are not familiar with the options, benefits, and pitfalls. Our 30-day free trial provides you—and us—plenty of time to precisely refine your desired message-taking and delivery protocols; to get things exactly the way you want them to be without any financial risk, undue pressure, or obligation. 6.PRICING Starting at $150 per month, our rates lie in the mid-range of the industry. Note that we charge by the “transaction unit” rather than the duration of time spent handling calls. Large “mega-services” operating in the U.S. prefer time billing because it ensures the company is compensated for lower-paid/high-turnover — and thus slower — agents. _No matter the quality or how long they keep your callers on hold, they still make a profit_. And yes, it can get expensive, especially if caller on-hold time is also billed. In any answering service, it takes a long time for a new agent to become fast, efficient, and stable. At Centratel, we pamper and reward experienced agents (via high pay and great benefits) and therefore have extremely low staff turnover. Needless to say, experienced agents make fewer errors than trainees who learn on-the-job. And, transaction-unit billing is easy to understand. There is no room for fraud as in time-billing. We can easily document and explain any monthly billing we send you. 7.ACCURATELY COMPARING ANSWERING SERVICE PRICING IS COMPLICATED It’s apples and oranges. There isn’t an industry standard for billing, and each answering service has its own formula. Also, as noted above, some services charge by agent “time” while a few, like us, charge by “transaction units.” Some others combine the two. At Centratel, we charge for the work we do, not by the time we spend. The raw truth is that the only reliable way to determine monthly cost for a new service is to use that service for a solid month. Most answering services offer a 7-day free trial or no trial at all. With Centratel you get 30-days. 8. MONTHLY OR 28-DAY BILLING? Important! At Centratel, we use a “monthly” billing cycle in which invoices are compiled from the first day of a month through the last day of that month. When soliciting quotes from other services, be sure to ask if the base-rate charges are billed monthly or on a “28-day billing cycle.” There is no good reason for a 28-day billing cycle! It’s a sly manipulation by the answering service: customers billed on a 28-day cycle actually receive thirteen billings per year instead of twelve. 9.NO CONTRACT AND SIMPLE TERMS OF SERVICE We don’t ask for a term contract for service because you should be able to evaluate us in real time, without restraint. Our [terms of service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) are simple and straight-forward. 10.VALUABLE FREE GIFT FOR CONTACTING US If you take the time to discuss answering service with us, on that same day we will ship you a hardcover copy of Sam Carpenter’s bestselling book, [_Work The System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_](https://www.workthesystem.com/), now in its 5th edition. (Sam is Centatel’s very active CEO.) December 1st 2025 marked his forty first year of ownership.) * * * ## Footer ## Plumbing Answering Services - [Skip to primary navigation](https://www.centratel.com/blog/trade-service-answering-service/grow-your-plumbing-business-with-the-help-of-an-elite-plumbing-answering-service/#genesis-nav-primary) - [Skip to main content](https://www.centratel.com/blog/trade-service-answering-service/grow-your-plumbing-business-with-the-help-of-an-elite-plumbing-answering-service/#genesis-content) - [Skip to footer](https://www.centratel.com/blog/trade-service-answering-service/grow-your-plumbing-business-with-the-help-of-an-elite-plumbing-answering-service/#genesis-footer-widgets) The Highest Quality Telephone Answering Service in the United States - [Make Payment](https://thepaymentportal.com/index.php?compcode=2C1A-9FF4-91CA-7F93) - [Client Login](https://oncall.centratel.com/) - [Follow Centratel on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centratel-answering-service/) - [Follow Centratel on Twitter](https://twitter.com/centratel) - [Follow Centratel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centratel) ![A plumber working with peace of mind for having Centratel Answering Service taking care of his calls](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201500%20917'%3E%3C/svg%3E) # Grow Your Plumbing Business With the Help of an Elite Plumbing Answering Service February 10, 2022 [Trade Service](https://www.centratel.com/blog/trade-service-answering-service/) By Sam Carpenter Every Plumbing company deals with customers in immediate need. Frozen pipes or clogged drains…how about a service call for an overflowing toilet? This is why your phone rings 24/7. So how can your Plumbing operation handle all these calls and leave no customer behind? How can you be sure you’re not losing customers to the competition when you’re unable to provide immediate and professional assistance? The truth is, you _are_ losing customers to the competition, but you don’t have to! Hiring an experienced Plumbing Answering Service can help you precisely manage your customer calls to ensure you retain business and improve quality of service. ## Avoid Confusing Phone Directories and Voicemail Desperate customers expect an immediate response, not confusing voicemail. If you or your staff are busy assisting other customers, where do additional incoming calls go? Voicemail jail? Customers with an immediate need always prefer to engage with a live person. Relying on staff to handle high volumes of calls at unpredictable times of day is not always realistic, and can easily lead to a customer service nightmare and lost business. As a solution, hiring an elite answering service will guarantee your customers are _always_ able to talk to a live person about their problems, no matter how busy your staff may be. This is the first hurdle in securing their business. ## Avoid Long Hold Times Do you put your customers on hold? If so, how long do you expect an anxious customer to wait? People prefer to conduct business with companies that actually answer their phone – with a live person! If your plumbing company is having to put callers on hold, for whatever reason, it’s safe to say you’re losing some of those customers. To avoid this customer-frustration, and lost revenue, partner with an elite answering service to ensure all calls are answered by a live person right away. For far less money than hiring additional staff, let an elite plumbing answering service manage overflow calls when you’re not able to keep up. And if you’re worried about missing critical calls – don’t be. A quality answering service follows your exact call protocols to ensure urgent messages get sent to the proper personnel with priority status for immediate response, while other less-urgent inquiries can be sent to office staff for later follow up. ![A customer on hold with a plumber business while the sink is leaking out water](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201024%20626'%3E%3C/svg%3E) ## Avoid Overworking Staff Whether you represent a small business with few employees, or a larger operation with many, staffing on-call shifts can be a real problem. Customers need plumbing assistance at all hours. Pipes burst and drains get clogged morning, noon and night. Further, when calls come in there is no way to determine if they are urgent or non-urgent – so every call must be answered to avoid missing an important one. Partnering with an elite answering service can resolve these issues by providing reliable and immediate after-hours, weekend, vacation, holiday and employee sick time coverage. Running a plumbing business is hands-on hard work. Capturing every customer call is vital to success. Don’t lose potential clients due to long hold times, voicemail and other frustrating customer experiences. Don’t risk employee burnout trying to capture all calls at all hours. Instead, consider the benefits of partnering with an Elite Plumbing Answering Service to ensure your calls are handled quickly and professionally, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. ## Taking the Next Step * * * For a quick orientation on how we operate, take a moment to review one or more of the key points listed in Why Choose Centratel Q&A (scroll down the page if you are on a mobile phone) For more specifics on cost, to start the onboarding process, or if you have questions, fill out this form with your basic information and if it’s during regular working hours (M-F 8am to 8pm EST or 5am to 5pm PST), we’ll get back to you within minutes. Or, during the above hours, you can simply call us at 800-664-7159 or send us an email to [inquiry@centratel.com](mailto:inquiry@centratel.com). First Name \* Last Name \* Job Title Email \* Company \* Phone \* City \* State \*State \*AlabamaAlaskaArkansasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDistrict of ColumbiaDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming How did you hear about us? How did you hear about us? \*PostcardBook gift: Work the SystemLetterReferralOnline SearchWork The SystemFacebook Is your business one of our specialties \*Is your business one of our specialties \*MedicalHome Health/HospiceVeterinary24/7 BusinessHVACTrade ServiceProperty ManagementUtilityDisaster RestorationPlumbing What is your ONE primary concern with using an answering service? \*What is your primary concern with using an answering service? \*Professionalism of staffMessage delivery accuracy and timelinessConsistent high quality of serviceCost of serviceLiabilityConfidentialityOther Are you currently using a call center/telephone answering service? \* YesNo Requested service start date \*Requested service start date \*ASAPWithin 1 WeekWithin 2 WeeksWithin 1 MonthOther List any specific call requirements Submit [Terms of Service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) ### **Why Choose Centratel** **BY SAM CARPENTER** **February 1, 2026** 1.CENTRATEL’S UNIQUE 30-DAY FREE TRIAL Why is this important? Because it will provide you a truly accurate estimate of cost (we bill monthly), it will demonstrate our quality, and it gives both sides of this brand new relationship—you and Centratel—plenty of time to refine and perfect operational details. Here’s a testimonial from a new medical client that had just finished their 30-day trial: _“Of course, I love the cost as it is close to the amount I was allowed by the president of the company. I told him that if we did not continue with Centratel, I would resign as the Director of Customer Service, and I meant it. It’s a great fit. We have had NOT ONE complaint from a patient or in-house which, as you know, we received daily with our former answering service._ _I love you, Centratel, and the price. I’m ready to sign whatever documents you require._ _Thanks for the great service, and the free month_! _To a great partnership! -KB, Phoenix_“ 2.STATISTICALLY, THE BEST IN THE U.S.? Answering service quality is 100% dependent on human action and reaction, and in the course of a single day a multitude of human decisions are made by the people who process the calls: Telephone Service Representatives, or TSRs. (Some answering services refer to them as “agents.” Others, “operators.”) Like any other answering service, at Centratel we’re dealing with real live human beings and so human errors can occur. But within this labor intensive service industry that is historically known for marginal quality, Centratel’s error rate is light years ahead of established standards. Our most recent Customer Reported Error Rate (October through December, 2025) was 1 customer-reported error for every 7,017 message transactions processed. That statistic is unmatched. There’s no artificial intelligence manipulation, we do not offshore calls, and we were founded and have always operated within the United States. (Note that since early 2020, the COVID six-foot social distancing mandate drove thousands of small-to-medium sized answering services out of business. Large, often foreign-owned multi-nationals, disguised by the name of the local answering services they acquired, now thoroughly dominate the industry. Hence, an even further decline in general service quality. [See this analysis.](https://www.centratel.com/answering-service-phone-industry/)) 3.CUSTOMER SERVICE EXTRAORDINAIRE Your concerns will be instantly acted upon. It’s a work ethic that stands in stark contrast to the general decline in quality of human-to-human business communications. You’ve seen it yourself, all around. At Centratel you will know by name the customer service people you’re working with, appreciating their special listening abilities as well as their take-action-now comportment. e.g. see the testimonial in point #1 above. ‘Nuff said! 4.GETTING STARTED: IT’S SIMPLE AND FAST Getting your new Centratel answering service 30-day free trial up-and-running is accomplished within 24-48 hours. From the start, your “onboarding” customer service representative will be with you every step of the way **,** listening carefully to your concerns, answering questions and offering suggestions. 5.NEW TO USING AN ANSWERING SERVICE? The very large majority of our current answering service accounts switched to us from another service because of quality and/or cost problems. However, if you have not used a service before, you are not familiar with the options, benefits, and pitfalls. Our 30-day free trial provides you—and us—plenty of time to precisely refine your desired message-taking and delivery protocols; to get things exactly the way you want them to be without any financial risk, undue pressure, or obligation. 6.PRICING Starting at $150 per month, our rates lie in the mid-range of the industry. Note that we charge by the “transaction unit” rather than the duration of time spent handling calls. Large “mega-services” operating in the U.S. prefer time billing because it ensures the company is compensated for lower-paid/high-turnover — and thus slower — agents. _No matter the quality or how long they keep your callers on hold, they still make a profit_. And yes, it can get expensive, especially if caller on-hold time is also billed. In any answering service, it takes a long time for a new agent to become fast, efficient, and stable. At Centratel, we pamper and reward experienced agents (via high pay and great benefits) and therefore have extremely low staff turnover. Needless to say, experienced agents make fewer errors than trainees who learn on-the-job. And, transaction-unit billing is easy to understand. There is no room for fraud as in time-billing. We can easily document and explain any monthly billing we send you. 7.ACCURATELY COMPARING ANSWERING SERVICE PRICING IS COMPLICATED It’s apples and oranges. There isn’t an industry standard for billing, and each answering service has its own formula. Also, as noted above, some services charge by agent “time” while a few, like us, charge by “transaction units.” Some others combine the two. At Centratel, we charge for the work we do, not by the time we spend. The raw truth is that the only reliable way to determine monthly cost for a new service is to use that service for a solid month. Most answering services offer a 7-day free trial or no trial at all. With Centratel you get 30-days. 8. MONTHLY OR 28-DAY BILLING? Important! At Centratel, we use a “monthly” billing cycle in which invoices are compiled from the first day of a month through the last day of that month. When soliciting quotes from other services, be sure to ask if the base-rate charges are billed monthly or on a “28-day billing cycle.” There is no good reason for a 28-day billing cycle! It’s a sly manipulation by the answering service: customers billed on a 28-day cycle actually receive thirteen billings per year instead of twelve. 9.NO CONTRACT AND SIMPLE TERMS OF SERVICE We don’t ask for a term contract for service because you should be able to evaluate us in real time, without restraint. Our [terms of service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) are simple and straight-forward. 10.VALUABLE FREE GIFT FOR CONTACTING US If you take the time to discuss answering service with us, on that same day we will ship you a hardcover copy of Sam Carpenter’s bestselling book, [_Work The System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_](https://www.workthesystem.com/), now in its 5th edition. (Sam is Centatel’s very active CEO.) December 1st 2025 marked his forty first year of ownership.) * * * ## Footer ## Disaster Restoration Insights - [Skip to primary navigation](https://www.centratel.com/blog/trade-service-answering-service/disaster-restoration-qa-growing-your-business/#genesis-nav-primary) - [Skip to main content](https://www.centratel.com/blog/trade-service-answering-service/disaster-restoration-qa-growing-your-business/#genesis-content) - [Skip to footer](https://www.centratel.com/blog/trade-service-answering-service/disaster-restoration-qa-growing-your-business/#genesis-footer-widgets) The Highest Quality Telephone Answering Service in the United States - [Make Payment](https://thepaymentportal.com/index.php?compcode=2C1A-9FF4-91CA-7F93) - [Client Login](https://oncall.centratel.com/) - [Follow Centratel on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centratel-answering-service/) - [Follow Centratel on Twitter](https://twitter.com/centratel) - [Follow Centratel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centratel) ![Centratel Disaster Restoration Questions and Answers: Growing Your Business](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/CTS-disaster-restoration-qa-growing-your-business.jpg) # Disaster Restoration Q&A: Growing Your Business April 8, 2021 [Trade Service](https://www.centratel.com/blog/trade-service-answering-service/) By Sam Carpenter ## Q. I MUST have every-single call handled perfectly! Will Centratel Answering Service capture and handle my calls the way I personally would? A. Of course, the quality of service depends on the quality of management of the telephone answering service. This is the hard-cold reality: [_most answering services are not very good at what they do_](https://www.centratel.com/why-employ-centratel/) _and mishandled calls are endemic_. **Ninety-five percent of our clients have come to us after using another answering service that was problematic.** ## Q. Why is it so hard for an answering service to provide high quality? A. Because of understaffing due to minimum wage employees and concurrent staff turn-over, an endless circle of problems due to the sheer complexity of handling a multitude of accounts at once, management’s general lack of knowledge of the industries they serve, and absentee ownership. There’s this too: over the last decade there has been a tremendous consolidation of smaller answering services into multinational conglomerates with tens of thousands of accounts. (Yes, if you are using an answering service now, you’re probably getting lost in the shuffle…). ## Q. Would the people who would be handling my calls understand that every call for me could be an emergency to the caller, not to mention new business for my company? A. Oh yes! We’ve been handling disaster restoration companies since day-one and _we get it!_ ## Q. OK, but for my disaster restoration company, why is Centratel Telephone Answering Service different? A. Here’s a list of [ten reasons](https://www.centratel.com/why-employ-centratel/), but the nutshell answer is this: Centratel Answering Service is operated by strict protocols and intense quality control, our customer service representatives are very highly paid long-term professionals with expertise in just a select few industries (one being, disaster restoration), we do NOT offshore customer calls, and management of Centratel Answering Service has been overseen for 41 years by the owner of the company (who, by the way, has written a bestseller business book that describes Centratel’s development while offering system strategies for any business owner. Sam Carpenter’s [_Work the System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_](https://www.amazon.com/Work-System-Fourth-Mechanics-Working/dp/1626347697/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1614506305&sr=8-1) was released in its fourth edition in February 2021. Give us a call at [1-800-664-7159](tel:+18006647159) and we’ll send you a brand new hardcover copy just for talking to us!) ## Q. Can you prove Centratel is super-high-quality? A. Our [customer reported error statistic](https://www.centratel.com/) starkly illustrates our quality of service. ## Q. It is SO important! Can Centratel Answering Service instantly directly-connect my incoming calls to me or to my on-call people? A. Of course. It’s a basic protocol that we perform for scores of disaster restoration clients nationwide. Our tenured agents will become an extension of your business. ## Taking the Next Step * * * For a quick orientation on how we operate, take a moment to review one or more of the key points listed in Why Choose Centratel Q&A (scroll down the page if you are on a mobile phone) For more specifics on cost, to start the onboarding process, or if you have questions, fill out this form with your basic information and if it’s during regular working hours (M-F 8am to 8pm EST or 5am to 5pm PST), we’ll get back to you within minutes. Or, during the above hours, you can simply call us at 800-664-7159 or send us an email to [inquiry@centratel.com](mailto:inquiry@centratel.com). First Name \* Last Name \* Job Title Email \* Company \* Phone \* City \* State \*State \*AlabamaAlaskaArkansasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDistrict of ColumbiaDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming How did you hear about us? How did you hear about us? \*PostcardBook gift: Work the SystemLetterReferralOnline SearchWork The SystemFacebook Is your business one of our specialties \*Is your business one of our specialties \*MedicalHome Health/HospiceVeterinary24/7 BusinessHVACTrade ServiceProperty ManagementUtilityDisaster RestorationPlumbing What is your ONE primary concern with using an answering service? \*What is your primary concern with using an answering service? \*Professionalism of staffMessage delivery accuracy and timelinessConsistent high quality of serviceCost of serviceLiabilityConfidentialityOther Are you currently using a call center/telephone answering service? \* YesNo Requested service start date \*Requested service start date \*ASAPWithin 1 WeekWithin 2 WeeksWithin 1 MonthOther List any specific call requirements Submit [Terms of Service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) ### **Why Choose Centratel** **BY SAM CARPENTER** **February 1, 2026** 1.CENTRATEL’S UNIQUE 30-DAY FREE TRIAL Why is this important? Because it will provide you a truly accurate estimate of cost (we bill monthly), it will demonstrate our quality, and it gives both sides of this brand new relationship—you and Centratel—plenty of time to refine and perfect operational details. Here’s a testimonial from a new medical client that had just finished their 30-day trial: _“Of course, I love the cost as it is close to the amount I was allowed by the president of the company. I told him that if we did not continue with Centratel, I would resign as the Director of Customer Service, and I meant it. It’s a great fit. We have had NOT ONE complaint from a patient or in-house which, as you know, we received daily with our former answering service._ _I love you, Centratel, and the price. I’m ready to sign whatever documents you require._ _Thanks for the great service, and the free month_! _To a great partnership! -KB, Phoenix_“ 2.STATISTICALLY, THE BEST IN THE U.S.? Answering service quality is 100% dependent on human action and reaction, and in the course of a single day a multitude of human decisions are made by the people who process the calls: Telephone Service Representatives, or TSRs. (Some answering services refer to them as “agents.” Others, “operators.”) Like any other answering service, at Centratel we’re dealing with real live human beings and so human errors can occur. But within this labor intensive service industry that is historically known for marginal quality, Centratel’s error rate is light years ahead of established standards. Our most recent Customer Reported Error Rate (October through December, 2025) was 1 customer-reported error for every 7,017 message transactions processed. That statistic is unmatched. There’s no artificial intelligence manipulation, we do not offshore calls, and we were founded and have always operated within the United States. (Note that since early 2020, the COVID six-foot social distancing mandate drove thousands of small-to-medium sized answering services out of business. Large, often foreign-owned multi-nationals, disguised by the name of the local answering services they acquired, now thoroughly dominate the industry. Hence, an even further decline in general service quality. [See this analysis.](https://www.centratel.com/answering-service-phone-industry/)) 3.CUSTOMER SERVICE EXTRAORDINAIRE Your concerns will be instantly acted upon. It’s a work ethic that stands in stark contrast to the general decline in quality of human-to-human business communications. You’ve seen it yourself, all around. At Centratel you will know by name the customer service people you’re working with, appreciating their special listening abilities as well as their take-action-now comportment. e.g. see the testimonial in point #1 above. ‘Nuff said! 4.GETTING STARTED: IT’S SIMPLE AND FAST Getting your new Centratel answering service 30-day free trial up-and-running is accomplished within 24-48 hours. From the start, your “onboarding” customer service representative will be with you every step of the way **,** listening carefully to your concerns, answering questions and offering suggestions. 5.NEW TO USING AN ANSWERING SERVICE? The very large majority of our current answering service accounts switched to us from another service because of quality and/or cost problems. However, if you have not used a service before, you are not familiar with the options, benefits, and pitfalls. Our 30-day free trial provides you—and us—plenty of time to precisely refine your desired message-taking and delivery protocols; to get things exactly the way you want them to be without any financial risk, undue pressure, or obligation. 6.PRICING Starting at $150 per month, our rates lie in the mid-range of the industry. Note that we charge by the “transaction unit” rather than the duration of time spent handling calls. Large “mega-services” operating in the U.S. prefer time billing because it ensures the company is compensated for lower-paid/high-turnover — and thus slower — agents. _No matter the quality or how long they keep your callers on hold, they still make a profit_. And yes, it can get expensive, especially if caller on-hold time is also billed. In any answering service, it takes a long time for a new agent to become fast, efficient, and stable. At Centratel, we pamper and reward experienced agents (via high pay and great benefits) and therefore have extremely low staff turnover. Needless to say, experienced agents make fewer errors than trainees who learn on-the-job. And, transaction-unit billing is easy to understand. There is no room for fraud as in time-billing. We can easily document and explain any monthly billing we send you. 7.ACCURATELY COMPARING ANSWERING SERVICE PRICING IS COMPLICATED It’s apples and oranges. There isn’t an industry standard for billing, and each answering service has its own formula. Also, as noted above, some services charge by agent “time” while a few, like us, charge by “transaction units.” Some others combine the two. At Centratel, we charge for the work we do, not by the time we spend. The raw truth is that the only reliable way to determine monthly cost for a new service is to use that service for a solid month. Most answering services offer a 7-day free trial or no trial at all. With Centratel you get 30-days. 8. MONTHLY OR 28-DAY BILLING? Important! At Centratel, we use a “monthly” billing cycle in which invoices are compiled from the first day of a month through the last day of that month. When soliciting quotes from other services, be sure to ask if the base-rate charges are billed monthly or on a “28-day billing cycle.” There is no good reason for a 28-day billing cycle! It’s a sly manipulation by the answering service: customers billed on a 28-day cycle actually receive thirteen billings per year instead of twelve. 9.NO CONTRACT AND SIMPLE TERMS OF SERVICE We don’t ask for a term contract for service because you should be able to evaluate us in real time, without restraint. Our [terms of service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) are simple and straight-forward. 10.VALUABLE FREE GIFT FOR CONTACTING US If you take the time to discuss answering service with us, on that same day we will ship you a hardcover copy of Sam Carpenter’s bestselling book, [_Work The System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_](https://www.workthesystem.com/), now in its 5th edition. (Sam is Centatel’s very active CEO.) December 1st 2025 marked his forty first year of ownership.) * * * ## Footer ## HVAC Answering Service Quality - [Skip to primary navigation](https://www.centratel.com/blog/hvac-answering-service/what-about-the-quality-of-your-hvac-answering-service/#genesis-nav-primary) - [Skip to main content](https://www.centratel.com/blog/hvac-answering-service/what-about-the-quality-of-your-hvac-answering-service/#genesis-content) - [Skip to footer](https://www.centratel.com/blog/hvac-answering-service/what-about-the-quality-of-your-hvac-answering-service/#genesis-footer-widgets) The Highest Quality Telephone Answering Service in the United States - [Make Payment](https://thepaymentportal.com/index.php?compcode=2C1A-9FF4-91CA-7F93) - [Client Login](https://oncall.centratel.com/) - [Follow Centratel on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centratel-answering-service/) - [Follow Centratel on Twitter](https://twitter.com/centratel) - [Follow Centratel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centratel) ![HVAC operators working without interruption thanks to their HVAC answering service](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201500%20917'%3E%3C/svg%3E) # What About the Quality of Your HVAC Answering Service? ## (And if you’ve never used an answering service? Read on. There’s lots of information for you, too). March 4, 2021 [HVAC](https://www.centratel.com/blog/hvac-answering-service/) By Sam Carpenter No question, whatever your situation, **you want your every-day and off-hours call-handling to provide great customer experiences leading to solid client retention, and of course the addition of new business**. And get this “other side of the coin”: If you’re losing current clients and potential new business due to poor after-hours call handling, you won’t even know it… Truth is, most answering service operators are not able to deliver anywhere near first-rate call handling. “High quality answering services?” They are few and far between. Believe me, I know: I’ve been in the middle of this game for 36 years. ![An image of Sam Carpenter, founder and owner of Centratel Telephone Answering Service](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20450%20450'%3E%3C/svg%3E) Your incoming emergency calls of course involve refrigerant leaks, clogged lines, ventilation snafus, gas leaks, electrical problems etc.. **Ideally, these calls are being processed by a real human being, an agent who will empathize with the caller, get precisely correct information, and pass it on immediately**. And let’s just say it: No customer (or potential customer) with an after-hours HVAC problem wants to deal with a voice mail system or to be put on hold for a drawn-out period of time…or to not have their call answered at all. But, you knew that already, right? No question, all-the-time availability is mandatory, but for an around-the-clock answering service to survive as a business it must put callers on hold now and then. But the simple questions are, how often does this happen and how long is the average hold-time? Well, then there’s this question, too: do callers ever get a busy-signal? (They better not! Not ever…). > The emergency phone call should be managed by the operator/agent so that 100% of the conversation is about the resolution of the actual problem. The operator should be quick and empathetic, and to the point: friendly and professional, and the message precisely delivered…with no more and no less information than is required for your on-call personnel _._ Obviously, the agent should be able to unfailingly make the distinction between urgent and non-urgent (office) calls. Waking your on-call people at 2am for a billing question can’t happen! But maybe even more importantly, emergency call handling should never include waking up the wrong on-call person! Yes, Centratel answering service is about getting all of the above details exactly correct every single time, and know – per actual [statistics](https://www.centratel.com/faq/#highest) – in all of these aspects, **we’re literally the very best answering service in the United States**. We provide fail-safe, cordial, fast and precise call-processing by our operators to hundreds of HVAC companies across the country! And we’ve been doing it for well over three decades. ![A Centratel infographic about the high-specialized answering service provided](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201024%20626'%3E%3C/svg%3E) For much more information, whether you use an answering service now – or never have used one – take a look at our [website “Price Quote” page](https://www.centratel.com/price-quote/) where you can email us an application. Or, just give us a call at [800-664-7159](tel:+18006647159). Note that we’ll send you a valuable no-obligation gift just for talking to us. (The gift? It’s a hardcover copy of the just-released fourth edition of my bestselling book for small business owners, [_Work the System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_](https://www.amazon.com/Work-System-Fourth-Mechanics-Working/dp/1626347697/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1614506305&sr=8-1) _.)_ _And remember, you’ll get a 30-day, no-obligation_ [free trial](https://www.centratel.com/30-day-free-trial/) _if you choose to give us a try._ Thanks for taking the time to read this. And have a great day! Sam Carpenter Centratel Founder and Owner ## Taking the Next Step * * * For a quick orientation on how we operate, take a moment to review one or more of the key points listed in Why Choose Centratel Q&A (scroll down the page if you are on a mobile phone) For more specifics on cost, to start the onboarding process, or if you have questions, fill out this form with your basic information and if it’s during regular working hours (M-F 8am to 8pm EST or 5am to 5pm PST), we’ll get back to you within minutes. Or, during the above hours, you can simply call us at 800-664-7159 or send us an email to [inquiry@centratel.com](mailto:inquiry@centratel.com). First Name \* Last Name \* Job Title Email \* Company \* Phone \* City \* State \*State \*AlabamaAlaskaArkansasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDistrict of ColumbiaDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming How did you hear about us? How did you hear about us? \*PostcardBook gift: Work the SystemLetterReferralOnline SearchWork The SystemFacebook Is your business one of our specialties \*Is your business one of our specialties \*MedicalHome Health/HospiceVeterinary24/7 BusinessHVACTrade ServiceProperty ManagementUtilityDisaster RestorationPlumbing What is your ONE primary concern with using an answering service? \*What is your primary concern with using an answering service? \*Professionalism of staffMessage delivery accuracy and timelinessConsistent high quality of serviceCost of serviceLiabilityConfidentialityOther Are you currently using a call center/telephone answering service? \* YesNo Requested service start date \*Requested service start date \*ASAPWithin 1 WeekWithin 2 WeeksWithin 1 MonthOther List any specific call requirements Submit [Terms of Service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) ### **Why Choose Centratel** **BY SAM CARPENTER** **February 1, 2026** 1.CENTRATEL’S UNIQUE 30-DAY FREE TRIAL Why is this important? Because it will provide you a truly accurate estimate of cost (we bill monthly), it will demonstrate our quality, and it gives both sides of this brand new relationship—you and Centratel—plenty of time to refine and perfect operational details. Here’s a testimonial from a new medical client that had just finished their 30-day trial: _“Of course, I love the cost as it is close to the amount I was allowed by the president of the company. I told him that if we did not continue with Centratel, I would resign as the Director of Customer Service, and I meant it. It’s a great fit. We have had NOT ONE complaint from a patient or in-house which, as you know, we received daily with our former answering service._ _I love you, Centratel, and the price. I’m ready to sign whatever documents you require._ _Thanks for the great service, and the free month_! _To a great partnership! -KB, Phoenix_“ 2.STATISTICALLY, THE BEST IN THE U.S.? Answering service quality is 100% dependent on human action and reaction, and in the course of a single day a multitude of human decisions are made by the people who process the calls: Telephone Service Representatives, or TSRs. (Some answering services refer to them as “agents.” Others, “operators.”) Like any other answering service, at Centratel we’re dealing with real live human beings and so human errors can occur. But within this labor intensive service industry that is historically known for marginal quality, Centratel’s error rate is light years ahead of established standards. Our most recent Customer Reported Error Rate (October through December, 2025) was 1 customer-reported error for every 7,017 message transactions processed. That statistic is unmatched. There’s no artificial intelligence manipulation, we do not offshore calls, and we were founded and have always operated within the United States. (Note that since early 2020, the COVID six-foot social distancing mandate drove thousands of small-to-medium sized answering services out of business. Large, often foreign-owned multi-nationals, disguised by the name of the local answering services they acquired, now thoroughly dominate the industry. Hence, an even further decline in general service quality. [See this analysis.](https://www.centratel.com/answering-service-phone-industry/)) 3.CUSTOMER SERVICE EXTRAORDINAIRE Your concerns will be instantly acted upon. It’s a work ethic that stands in stark contrast to the general decline in quality of human-to-human business communications. You’ve seen it yourself, all around. At Centratel you will know by name the customer service people you’re working with, appreciating their special listening abilities as well as their take-action-now comportment. e.g. see the testimonial in point #1 above. ‘Nuff said! 4.GETTING STARTED: IT’S SIMPLE AND FAST Getting your new Centratel answering service 30-day free trial up-and-running is accomplished within 24-48 hours. From the start, your “onboarding” customer service representative will be with you every step of the way **,** listening carefully to your concerns, answering questions and offering suggestions. 5.NEW TO USING AN ANSWERING SERVICE? The very large majority of our current answering service accounts switched to us from another service because of quality and/or cost problems. However, if you have not used a service before, you are not familiar with the options, benefits, and pitfalls. Our 30-day free trial provides you—and us—plenty of time to precisely refine your desired message-taking and delivery protocols; to get things exactly the way you want them to be without any financial risk, undue pressure, or obligation. 6.PRICING Starting at $150 per month, our rates lie in the mid-range of the industry. Note that we charge by the “transaction unit” rather than the duration of time spent handling calls. Large “mega-services” operating in the U.S. prefer time billing because it ensures the company is compensated for lower-paid/high-turnover — and thus slower — agents. _No matter the quality or how long they keep your callers on hold, they still make a profit_. And yes, it can get expensive, especially if caller on-hold time is also billed. In any answering service, it takes a long time for a new agent to become fast, efficient, and stable. At Centratel, we pamper and reward experienced agents (via high pay and great benefits) and therefore have extremely low staff turnover. Needless to say, experienced agents make fewer errors than trainees who learn on-the-job. And, transaction-unit billing is easy to understand. There is no room for fraud as in time-billing. We can easily document and explain any monthly billing we send you. 7.ACCURATELY COMPARING ANSWERING SERVICE PRICING IS COMPLICATED It’s apples and oranges. There isn’t an industry standard for billing, and each answering service has its own formula. Also, as noted above, some services charge by agent “time” while a few, like us, charge by “transaction units.” Some others combine the two. At Centratel, we charge for the work we do, not by the time we spend. The raw truth is that the only reliable way to determine monthly cost for a new service is to use that service for a solid month. Most answering services offer a 7-day free trial or no trial at all. With Centratel you get 30-days. 8. MONTHLY OR 28-DAY BILLING? Important! At Centratel, we use a “monthly” billing cycle in which invoices are compiled from the first day of a month through the last day of that month. When soliciting quotes from other services, be sure to ask if the base-rate charges are billed monthly or on a “28-day billing cycle.” There is no good reason for a 28-day billing cycle! It’s a sly manipulation by the answering service: customers billed on a 28-day cycle actually receive thirteen billings per year instead of twelve. 9.NO CONTRACT AND SIMPLE TERMS OF SERVICE We don’t ask for a term contract for service because you should be able to evaluate us in real time, without restraint. Our [terms of service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) are simple and straight-forward. 10.VALUABLE FREE GIFT FOR CONTACTING US If you take the time to discuss answering service with us, on that same day we will ship you a hardcover copy of Sam Carpenter’s bestselling book, [_Work The System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_](https://www.workthesystem.com/), now in its 5th edition. (Sam is Centatel’s very active CEO.) December 1st 2025 marked his forty first year of ownership.) * * * ## Footer ## COVID-19 and Hospice Care - [Skip to primary navigation](https://www.centratel.com/blog/home-healthcare-hospice-answering-service/hospice-care-industry-continues-to-get-hit-hard-by-covid19/#genesis-nav-primary) - [Skip to main content](https://www.centratel.com/blog/home-healthcare-hospice-answering-service/hospice-care-industry-continues-to-get-hit-hard-by-covid19/#genesis-content) - [Skip to footer](https://www.centratel.com/blog/home-healthcare-hospice-answering-service/hospice-care-industry-continues-to-get-hit-hard-by-covid19/#genesis-footer-widgets) The Highest Quality Telephone Answering Service in the United States - [Make Payment](https://thepaymentportal.com/index.php?compcode=2C1A-9FF4-91CA-7F93) - [Client Login](https://oncall.centratel.com/) - [Follow Centratel on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centratel-answering-service/) - [Follow Centratel on Twitter](https://twitter.com/centratel) - [Follow Centratel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centratel) ![Nurse helping patient while Home Health Answering Service is taking care of incoming calls](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Centratel-Hospice-Care-Industry-Continues-to-Get-Hit-Hard-by-Covid19.jpg) # Hospice Care Industry Continues to Get Hit Hard by Covid19 December 17, 2020 [Home Healthcare & Hospice](https://www.centratel.com/blog/home-healthcare-hospice-answering-service/) By Centratel While COVID-19 has affected many industries, none is so hard hit as health care itself. [Health care professionals and organizations](https://www.centratel.com/home-healthcarehospice/) are on the front lines of the pandemic, and as incidents of the virus surge, they can be quickly overwhelmed. **Hospice care is one of the many areas where the effects of the virus are particularly acute**. ![Face masks quipped by Health Care professionals on the front lines of the pandemic](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Centratel-Hospice-Care-Industry-Continues-to-Get-Hit-Hard-by-Covid19-intro.jpg) * * * ## COVID-19 Challenges and Hospice Care The challenges of COVID-19 comprise a perfect storm of particularly trying obstacles for hospice care professionals and the patients and families they serve. Because hospice is end-of-life care, it involves treatment for the same population that is among those most vulnerable to COVID-19. Furthermore, **the specific aims of hospice care, which involve providing emotional, psychological and spiritual support along with management of pain and other physical symptoms, are difficult to deliver given the constraints COVID-19 brings**, particularly the necessity of isolating the patients. Among the issues facing hospice providers are the following: - lack of personal protective equipment - access to patients - danger of burnout to staff ## Equipment Shortages In the early days of the pandemic, equipment shortage was a particular problem, especially since facilities were entirely unprepared. Not only was it difficult to get PPE, but it was also expensive. Obtaining and using the necessary equipment became a matter of triage, but even then, it was not always possible to get PPE even for those who worked with vulnerable populations. As the virus goes through another surge near the end of 2020, most facilities and organizations are better prepared equipment-wise. However, they must continue to remain vigilant and work with vendors to ensure that they do not suffer through another severe shortage. ## Access Issues A lack of PPE for hospice professionals and family members is a factor in another COVID-19 challenge, that of being denied access. > **For patients in nursing homes or hospitals, regulations intended to limit their risk can prevent chaplains**, social workers and family members from accessing their patients. This access is a critical part of a hospice patient’s care. The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization conducted a survey in June 2020 and found that [more than 80% of providers of palliative and hospice care](https://ndocsoftware.com/2020/08/the-impact-of-covid-19-on-hospice-and-hhas/) said they could not get in to see their patients who were in nursing homes. Nearly two-thirds said that they had problems getting in to see patients in assisted living care and similar facilities. This continues to be a struggle for hospice providers although they are now being allowed more access as chaplains and social workers are increasingly considered essential workers along with nurses and other medical professionals. **Hospice providers continue to work with nursing homes, assisted living facilities and similar organizations to ensure that the necessary access continues**. Technology has been a big help in some situations, with telehealth used to provide services to some patients. [Telehealth was already in use by some hospices](https://www.centratel.com/blog/home-healthcare-hospice-answering-service/can-telehospice-help-your-health-care-business/) to allow access to patients when severe weather or other conditions limited access. Hospices that already had the framework in place for telehealth were more easily able to pivot to providing a greater number of their services in this way. ## Staff Burnout ![Illustration of three hospice nurses helped by the hospice answering service](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20726%20444'%3E%3C/svg%3E) Staff burnout continues to be a concern. In addition to the stresses of caring for patients during a pandemic surge and the necessity of isolating after contracting the virus themselves, professionals are also coping with the need for child care when schools are closed. Although COVID-19 numbers have ebbed and flowed, after nearly a year of working through a pandemic, many professionals are simply worn down. It is critical that employers continue to find ways to support hospice workers while also providing the care that patients and their families need. This is a delicate balancing act. **Staff shortages are a genuine challenge, and workers have little opportunity to recover and recharge. Hospices must provide concrete solutions to such practical problems as scheduling and remain aware of the emotional and psychological toll that their employees are coping with**. With approval for vaccines on the horizon, hospice workers and other medical professionals may begin to see some relief as 2021 progresses. However, before that time, they must continue to deal with the winter surge of COVID-19 patients and the complications that surge brings. ## COVID-19 and Hospice Answering Services **One way hospices can ease the strain on their employees is by outsourcing where possible**. This might include [working with an answering service that provides its staff with industry-specific training](https://www.centratel.com/home-healthcarehospice/). This type of training is necessary in a field such as hospice, where confidentiality and compassion are both critical. HIPAA-trained and compliant professionals can provide coverage and screening that ensures that calls are directed as needed and that the concerns of callers are dealt with efficiently, effectively and empathetically. By contracting with an answering service, hospices can provide support to both their employees and their clients and help ensure that despite [the challenging COVID-19 winter surge](https://www.centratel.com/blog/home-healthcare-hospice-answering-service/how-the-home-health-care-industry-is-dealing-with-the-coronavirus/), excellence in care continues to be prioritized. ## Taking the Next Step * * * For a quick orientation on how we operate, take a moment to review one or more of the key points listed in Why Choose Centratel Q&A (scroll down the page if you are on a mobile phone) For more specifics on cost, to start the onboarding process, or if you have questions, fill out this form with your basic information and if it’s during regular working hours (M-F 8am to 8pm EST or 5am to 5pm PST), we’ll get back to you within minutes. Or, during the above hours, you can simply call us at 800-664-7159 or send us an email to [inquiry@centratel.com](mailto:inquiry@centratel.com). First Name \* Last Name \* Job Title Email \* Company \* Phone \* City \* State \*State \*AlabamaAlaskaArkansasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDistrict of ColumbiaDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming How did you hear about us? How did you hear about us? \*PostcardBook gift: Work the SystemLetterReferralOnline SearchWork The SystemFacebook Is your business one of our specialties \*Is your business one of our specialties \*MedicalHome Health/HospiceVeterinary24/7 BusinessHVACTrade ServiceProperty ManagementUtilityDisaster RestorationPlumbing What is your ONE primary concern with using an answering service? \*What is your primary concern with using an answering service? \*Professionalism of staffMessage delivery accuracy and timelinessConsistent high quality of serviceCost of serviceLiabilityConfidentialityOther Are you currently using a call center/telephone answering service? \* YesNo Requested service start date \*Requested service start date \*ASAPWithin 1 WeekWithin 2 WeeksWithin 1 MonthOther List any specific call requirements Submit [Terms of Service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) ### **Why Choose Centratel** **BY SAM CARPENTER** **February 1, 2026** 1.CENTRATEL’S UNIQUE 30-DAY FREE TRIAL Why is this important? Because it will provide you a truly accurate estimate of cost (we bill monthly), it will demonstrate our quality, and it gives both sides of this brand new relationship—you and Centratel—plenty of time to refine and perfect operational details. Here’s a testimonial from a new medical client that had just finished their 30-day trial: _“Of course, I love the cost as it is close to the amount I was allowed by the president of the company. I told him that if we did not continue with Centratel, I would resign as the Director of Customer Service, and I meant it. It’s a great fit. We have had NOT ONE complaint from a patient or in-house which, as you know, we received daily with our former answering service._ _I love you, Centratel, and the price. I’m ready to sign whatever documents you require._ _Thanks for the great service, and the free month_! _To a great partnership! -KB, Phoenix_“ 2.STATISTICALLY, THE BEST IN THE U.S.? Answering service quality is 100% dependent on human action and reaction, and in the course of a single day a multitude of human decisions are made by the people who process the calls: Telephone Service Representatives, or TSRs. (Some answering services refer to them as “agents.” Others, “operators.”) Like any other answering service, at Centratel we’re dealing with real live human beings and so human errors can occur. But within this labor intensive service industry that is historically known for marginal quality, Centratel’s error rate is light years ahead of established standards. Our most recent Customer Reported Error Rate (October through December, 2025) was 1 customer-reported error for every 7,017 message transactions processed. That statistic is unmatched. There’s no artificial intelligence manipulation, we do not offshore calls, and we were founded and have always operated within the United States. (Note that since early 2020, the COVID six-foot social distancing mandate drove thousands of small-to-medium sized answering services out of business. Large, often foreign-owned multi-nationals, disguised by the name of the local answering services they acquired, now thoroughly dominate the industry. Hence, an even further decline in general service quality. [See this analysis.](https://www.centratel.com/answering-service-phone-industry/)) 3.CUSTOMER SERVICE EXTRAORDINAIRE Your concerns will be instantly acted upon. It’s a work ethic that stands in stark contrast to the general decline in quality of human-to-human business communications. You’ve seen it yourself, all around. At Centratel you will know by name the customer service people you’re working with, appreciating their special listening abilities as well as their take-action-now comportment. e.g. see the testimonial in point #1 above. ‘Nuff said! 4.GETTING STARTED: IT’S SIMPLE AND FAST Getting your new Centratel answering service 30-day free trial up-and-running is accomplished within 24-48 hours. From the start, your “onboarding” customer service representative will be with you every step of the way **,** listening carefully to your concerns, answering questions and offering suggestions. 5.NEW TO USING AN ANSWERING SERVICE? The very large majority of our current answering service accounts switched to us from another service because of quality and/or cost problems. However, if you have not used a service before, you are not familiar with the options, benefits, and pitfalls. Our 30-day free trial provides you—and us—plenty of time to precisely refine your desired message-taking and delivery protocols; to get things exactly the way you want them to be without any financial risk, undue pressure, or obligation. 6.PRICING Starting at $150 per month, our rates lie in the mid-range of the industry. Note that we charge by the “transaction unit” rather than the duration of time spent handling calls. Large “mega-services” operating in the U.S. prefer time billing because it ensures the company is compensated for lower-paid/high-turnover — and thus slower — agents. _No matter the quality or how long they keep your callers on hold, they still make a profit_. And yes, it can get expensive, especially if caller on-hold time is also billed. In any answering service, it takes a long time for a new agent to become fast, efficient, and stable. At Centratel, we pamper and reward experienced agents (via high pay and great benefits) and therefore have extremely low staff turnover. Needless to say, experienced agents make fewer errors than trainees who learn on-the-job. And, transaction-unit billing is easy to understand. There is no room for fraud as in time-billing. We can easily document and explain any monthly billing we send you. 7.ACCURATELY COMPARING ANSWERING SERVICE PRICING IS COMPLICATED It’s apples and oranges. There isn’t an industry standard for billing, and each answering service has its own formula. Also, as noted above, some services charge by agent “time” while a few, like us, charge by “transaction units.” Some others combine the two. At Centratel, we charge for the work we do, not by the time we spend. The raw truth is that the only reliable way to determine monthly cost for a new service is to use that service for a solid month. Most answering services offer a 7-day free trial or no trial at all. With Centratel you get 30-days. 8. MONTHLY OR 28-DAY BILLING? Important! At Centratel, we use a “monthly” billing cycle in which invoices are compiled from the first day of a month through the last day of that month. When soliciting quotes from other services, be sure to ask if the base-rate charges are billed monthly or on a “28-day billing cycle.” There is no good reason for a 28-day billing cycle! It’s a sly manipulation by the answering service: customers billed on a 28-day cycle actually receive thirteen billings per year instead of twelve. 9.NO CONTRACT AND SIMPLE TERMS OF SERVICE We don’t ask for a term contract for service because you should be able to evaluate us in real time, without restraint. Our [terms of service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) are simple and straight-forward. 10.VALUABLE FREE GIFT FOR CONTACTING US If you take the time to discuss answering service with us, on that same day we will ship you a hardcover copy of Sam Carpenter’s bestselling book, [_Work The System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_](https://www.workthesystem.com/), now in its 5th edition. (Sam is Centatel’s very active CEO.) December 1st 2025 marked his forty first year of ownership.) * * * ## Footer ## HVAC Customer Follow-Up - [Skip to primary navigation](https://www.centratel.com/blog/hvac-answering-service/better-customer-follow-up-can-generate-greater-revenues-for-hvac-companies/#genesis-nav-primary) - [Skip to main content](https://www.centratel.com/blog/hvac-answering-service/better-customer-follow-up-can-generate-greater-revenues-for-hvac-companies/#genesis-content) - [Skip to footer](https://www.centratel.com/blog/hvac-answering-service/better-customer-follow-up-can-generate-greater-revenues-for-hvac-companies/#genesis-footer-widgets) The Highest Quality Telephone Answering Service in the United States - [Make Payment](https://thepaymentportal.com/index.php?compcode=2C1A-9FF4-91CA-7F93) - [Client Login](https://oncall.centratel.com/) - [Follow Centratel on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centratel-answering-service/) - [Follow Centratel on Twitter](https://twitter.com/centratel) - [Follow Centratel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centratel) ![HVAC business owner reached the customer after the call she had with the answering service](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/CTS-better-customer-follow-can-generate-greater-revenues-for-hvac-companies-header-opt.jpg) # Better Customer Follow Up Can Generate Greater Revenues for HVAC Companies December 3, 2020 [HVAC](https://www.centratel.com/blog/hvac-answering-service/) By Centratel ![Glasses on a restaurant table as a metaphor of HVAC answering service customer follow up](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/CTS-better-customer-follow-can-generate-greater-revenues-for-hvac-companies-intro.jpg) Would it surprise you to think that the [HVAC industry](https://www.centratel.com/hvac-answering-service/) might have something to learn from the [restaurant industry](https://www.intercom.com/blog/customer-follow-up/)? While the two industries don’t share much in common, customers are key for both. Despite this, customer follow-up is not something that is necessarily embedded in the HVAC workflow. In contrast, when you eat out at a restaurant, it’s automatic that the waiter follows up to see how your meal is, or at least it is expected. How might the HVAC business change if they made customer follow-up just as common and frictionless? Broadly speaking, there are two different times when follow-up may occur in the HVAC industry. One is when you have made some sort of initial contact with the customer but you have not yet done a job for them. The other is when you have completed a job for the customer. ## Follow-Ups That Don’t Work For the first type of follow-up, the customer may have simply asked for some information about your business, or you might have visited their home and given them an estimate. It is common for HVAC professionals to follow up after this. However, for that very reason, it is worth examining whether it is really helpful in driving sales. The problem with this type of follow-up is that any other contractors the customer contacted are probably doing the same thing, and the follow-up is unlikely to sway the customer one way or the other. > It can feel pushy if the customer gets the follow-up as a phone call, and a common response from many customers is to simply defer the follow-up by saying they have not yet decided. Overall, this follow-up can feel a little awkward for both customer and professional even though it is fairly standard in the industry. ## Add Value to Follow-Ups A better approach might be to **follow up with something that is of [value](https://www.smartfoxes.ca/blog/increase-hvac-sales-with-anti-followup/) for the customer**. In this type of follow-up, you would identify customer concerns during the initial meeting. These might be anything from questions about cost to ease of maintenance, what type of system to use, disruption caused by installation of the system, environmental concerns or questions about the pros and cons of different brands. Making note of these concerns, you could then ask the customer if they mind if you email them additional information over the next few days. Email can feel less intrusive than phone calls for many people. ![Letters composing email word as a customer follow up for HVAC business customers](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201024%20626'%3E%3C/svg%3E) You could send two or three emails with information and stress that element of the email. Finally, after several contacts of this nature, you could ask if they have questions and whether they have made a decision on a contractor. This approach puts you in a position in which you are offering continual value to the customer, in contrast to your competitors. ## Following Up After a Job Having an HVAC system installed is not something people do many times throughout their lives, so you might assume that following up after putting in a system has little value. However, **HVAC systems need maintenance and repair, and you want the customer to think of you first when that time comes around**. Companies that do follow up might do so with a short customer satisfaction survey or a request for a review online. The problem with looking at these as follow-ups is that they are not for the benefit of the customer. > There’s nothing wrong with asking customers for this information, but what if you could show your appreciation for the customer in a separate, memorable way? One HVAC business has partnered with a company to send [freshly baked cookies](https://www.achrnews.com/articles/144021-to-your-success-and-fieldedge-partnership-automates-customer-follow-up-for-contractors) to customers with a note expressing their appreciation. This is the kind of action that has the potential to build a long-term relationship with the customer. Not only is it unusual, but it creates a sense of warmth and giving. ## Automating Follow-Ups One potential issue with these follow-ups is that they can be time-consuming. **As much as you appreciate your customers, you are primarily in the HVAC business and not the thank-you business**. If you aren’t careful, you could see a good chunk of your time slip away as you try to make that connection with customers. This is even truer when it comes to following up on leads since many people could contact you that you do not hear from again. The answer might be to look to either [software or third-party companies](https://www.housecallpro.com/learn/sales-follow-up) that can do the follow-up for you. The latter was the solution for the HVAC company that had cookies sent out to customers. There are other approaches that could be used for follow-up as well that these companies could help you with. - An informational postcard or pamphlet could be sent out to prospective customers. - Handwritten thank-you notes could go out to customers following HVAC installation. - You could offer coupon or a discount. For managing workflow, including sending out information to prospects based on their concerns, software may be the right choice. The size of your business and the degree of contact you want with your customers will be relevant in deciding both what third-party companies and what software would be appropriate. This commitment to effective follow-up will pay off in the long run, leading to more sales and loyal customers. ![The mail box is useful to send messages to HVAC business customers](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201024%20626'%3E%3C/svg%3E) There is another type of third-party company that could be useful to you, and that is an answering service. Like a good follow-up, **a good answering service helps ensure that customers feel cared for**. **An answering service staffed with people trained in the industry can be valuable because people may have HVAC emergencies that need immediate attention**. In these cases, the answering service can ensure that they get that help. Customers who call after hours for non-emergencies will still have the opportunity to [talk to someone who is friendly and knowledgeable](https://www.centratel.com/blog/hvac-answering-service/service-calls-during-the-holiday-season/) instead of simply leaving a message. This can lead to a greater sense of loyalty among customers and a higher likelihood that they will continue choosing your company for all their HVAC needs. ## Taking the Next Step * * * For a quick orientation on how we operate, take a moment to review one or more of the key points listed in Why Choose Centratel Q&A (scroll down the page if you are on a mobile phone) For more specifics on cost, to start the onboarding process, or if you have questions, fill out this form with your basic information and if it’s during regular working hours (M-F 8am to 8pm EST or 5am to 5pm PST), we’ll get back to you within minutes. Or, during the above hours, you can simply call us at 800-664-7159 or send us an email to [inquiry@centratel.com](mailto:inquiry@centratel.com). First Name \* Last Name \* Job Title Email \* Company \* Phone \* City \* State \*State \*AlabamaAlaskaArkansasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDistrict of ColumbiaDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming How did you hear about us? How did you hear about us? \*PostcardBook gift: Work the SystemLetterReferralOnline SearchWork The SystemFacebook Is your business one of our specialties \*Is your business one of our specialties \*MedicalHome Health/HospiceVeterinary24/7 BusinessHVACTrade ServiceProperty ManagementUtilityDisaster RestorationPlumbing What is your ONE primary concern with using an answering service? \*What is your primary concern with using an answering service? \*Professionalism of staffMessage delivery accuracy and timelinessConsistent high quality of serviceCost of serviceLiabilityConfidentialityOther Are you currently using a call center/telephone answering service? \* YesNo Requested service start date \*Requested service start date \*ASAPWithin 1 WeekWithin 2 WeeksWithin 1 MonthOther List any specific call requirements Submit [Terms of Service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) ### **Why Choose Centratel** **BY SAM CARPENTER** **February 1, 2026** 1.CENTRATEL’S UNIQUE 30-DAY FREE TRIAL Why is this important? Because it will provide you a truly accurate estimate of cost (we bill monthly), it will demonstrate our quality, and it gives both sides of this brand new relationship—you and Centratel—plenty of time to refine and perfect operational details. Here’s a testimonial from a new medical client that had just finished their 30-day trial: _“Of course, I love the cost as it is close to the amount I was allowed by the president of the company. I told him that if we did not continue with Centratel, I would resign as the Director of Customer Service, and I meant it. It’s a great fit. We have had NOT ONE complaint from a patient or in-house which, as you know, we received daily with our former answering service._ _I love you, Centratel, and the price. I’m ready to sign whatever documents you require._ _Thanks for the great service, and the free month_! _To a great partnership! -KB, Phoenix_“ 2.STATISTICALLY, THE BEST IN THE U.S.? Answering service quality is 100% dependent on human action and reaction, and in the course of a single day a multitude of human decisions are made by the people who process the calls: Telephone Service Representatives, or TSRs. (Some answering services refer to them as “agents.” Others, “operators.”) Like any other answering service, at Centratel we’re dealing with real live human beings and so human errors can occur. But within this labor intensive service industry that is historically known for marginal quality, Centratel’s error rate is light years ahead of established standards. Our most recent Customer Reported Error Rate (October through December, 2025) was 1 customer-reported error for every 7,017 message transactions processed. That statistic is unmatched. There’s no artificial intelligence manipulation, we do not offshore calls, and we were founded and have always operated within the United States. (Note that since early 2020, the COVID six-foot social distancing mandate drove thousands of small-to-medium sized answering services out of business. Large, often foreign-owned multi-nationals, disguised by the name of the local answering services they acquired, now thoroughly dominate the industry. Hence, an even further decline in general service quality. [See this analysis.](https://www.centratel.com/answering-service-phone-industry/)) 3.CUSTOMER SERVICE EXTRAORDINAIRE Your concerns will be instantly acted upon. It’s a work ethic that stands in stark contrast to the general decline in quality of human-to-human business communications. You’ve seen it yourself, all around. At Centratel you will know by name the customer service people you’re working with, appreciating their special listening abilities as well as their take-action-now comportment. e.g. see the testimonial in point #1 above. ‘Nuff said! 4.GETTING STARTED: IT’S SIMPLE AND FAST Getting your new Centratel answering service 30-day free trial up-and-running is accomplished within 24-48 hours. From the start, your “onboarding” customer service representative will be with you every step of the way **,** listening carefully to your concerns, answering questions and offering suggestions. 5.NEW TO USING AN ANSWERING SERVICE? The very large majority of our current answering service accounts switched to us from another service because of quality and/or cost problems. However, if you have not used a service before, you are not familiar with the options, benefits, and pitfalls. Our 30-day free trial provides you—and us—plenty of time to precisely refine your desired message-taking and delivery protocols; to get things exactly the way you want them to be without any financial risk, undue pressure, or obligation. 6.PRICING Starting at $150 per month, our rates lie in the mid-range of the industry. Note that we charge by the “transaction unit” rather than the duration of time spent handling calls. Large “mega-services” operating in the U.S. prefer time billing because it ensures the company is compensated for lower-paid/high-turnover — and thus slower — agents. _No matter the quality or how long they keep your callers on hold, they still make a profit_. And yes, it can get expensive, especially if caller on-hold time is also billed. In any answering service, it takes a long time for a new agent to become fast, efficient, and stable. At Centratel, we pamper and reward experienced agents (via high pay and great benefits) and therefore have extremely low staff turnover. Needless to say, experienced agents make fewer errors than trainees who learn on-the-job. And, transaction-unit billing is easy to understand. There is no room for fraud as in time-billing. We can easily document and explain any monthly billing we send you. 7.ACCURATELY COMPARING ANSWERING SERVICE PRICING IS COMPLICATED It’s apples and oranges. There isn’t an industry standard for billing, and each answering service has its own formula. Also, as noted above, some services charge by agent “time” while a few, like us, charge by “transaction units.” Some others combine the two. At Centratel, we charge for the work we do, not by the time we spend. The raw truth is that the only reliable way to determine monthly cost for a new service is to use that service for a solid month. Most answering services offer a 7-day free trial or no trial at all. With Centratel you get 30-days. 8. MONTHLY OR 28-DAY BILLING? Important! At Centratel, we use a “monthly” billing cycle in which invoices are compiled from the first day of a month through the last day of that month. When soliciting quotes from other services, be sure to ask if the base-rate charges are billed monthly or on a “28-day billing cycle.” There is no good reason for a 28-day billing cycle! It’s a sly manipulation by the answering service: customers billed on a 28-day cycle actually receive thirteen billings per year instead of twelve. 9.NO CONTRACT AND SIMPLE TERMS OF SERVICE We don’t ask for a term contract for service because you should be able to evaluate us in real time, without restraint. Our [terms of service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) are simple and straight-forward. 10.VALUABLE FREE GIFT FOR CONTACTING US If you take the time to discuss answering service with us, on that same day we will ship you a hardcover copy of Sam Carpenter’s bestselling book, [_Work The System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_](https://www.workthesystem.com/), now in its 5th edition. (Sam is Centatel’s very active CEO.) December 1st 2025 marked his forty first year of ownership.) * * * ## Footer ## Property Management Trends 2021 - [Skip to primary navigation](https://www.centratel.com/blog/property-management-answering-service/property-management-trends-for-2021-what-to-expect-in-the-new-year/#genesis-nav-primary) - [Skip to main content](https://www.centratel.com/blog/property-management-answering-service/property-management-trends-for-2021-what-to-expect-in-the-new-year/#genesis-content) - [Skip to footer](https://www.centratel.com/blog/property-management-answering-service/property-management-trends-for-2021-what-to-expect-in-the-new-year/#genesis-footer-widgets) The Highest Quality Telephone Answering Service in the United States - [Make Payment](https://thepaymentportal.com/index.php?compcode=2C1A-9FF4-91CA-7F93) - [Client Login](https://oncall.centratel.com/) - [Follow Centratel on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centratel-answering-service/) - [Follow Centratel on Twitter](https://twitter.com/centratel) - [Follow Centratel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centratel) ![Outside of an apartment managed with the help of property management answering service](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/CTS-property-management-trends-for-2021-what-to-expect-in-the-new-year.jpg) # Property Management Trends for 2021: What to Expect in the New Year November 19, 2020 [Property Management](https://www.centratel.com/blog/property-management-answering-service/) By Centratel Property management in 2020 has been like no other year. [COVID-19 has affected a number of aspects of property management](https://www.centratel.com/blog/property-management-answering-service/challenges-for-property-managers-during-covid-19/), and the effects of the pandemic are set to continue in 2021. The good news is that unlike in 2020, property managers are better prepared to understand what those effects may be and to plan for the future. Despite some setbacks, **property management can continue to be a growth industry**. ![A property manager woman doing business helped by the phone answering service](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/CTS-property-management-trends-for-2021-what-to-expect-in-the-new-year-intro.jpg) ## The Need for Effective Property Management As a property manager, you might own your buildings or you might work for the owner. Owners often turn to property managers after trying to manage a property themselves and finding out that it takes more skill and a larger time commitment than they anticipated. In 2020, this became the case even more as many property owners had to shift their focus from growth to maintenance and to looking for other ways to increase revenue. This might include offering more services to residents for a fee since raising rents overall is not feasible in many markets. If you are an owner and a manager, you may want to consider whether a shift to hiring a [professional](https://www.inman.com/2020/11/02/adapting-to-covid-19-how-property-managers-are-poised-to-thrive-in-2021/) third party property manager is the right choice for you. ## Relationships With Tenants In 2020, many property managers found themselves doing lease modifications and payments plans for tenants in unprecedented numbers. Many also took steps to meet tenants’ needs as they worked and studied from home. Tenant retention became a significant element of the role of property manager, and **property managers found themselves working hard to accommodate tenants while also protecting owners’ investments**. ## Property Management and Technology There are several ways in which **[technology](https://www.meetsoci.com/blog/2021-predicitions-and-top-trends-for-property-management-companies/) has taken a larger role in property management in 2020 and will continue to do so in 2021**: - digital services - social media - online reputation A rise in the need for no-contact solutions due to COVID-19 has meant that tenants are more likely to want virtual tours, and leases and other paperwork can be exchanged online. Rent can also be collected without contact. Growth in the use of other types of digital services is not necessarily pandemic-related but will continue to increase. Chatbots can be a great way to ensure that potential tenants can get immediate answers to simple questions, such as prices or availability. These can be deployed across multiple platforms, including the property website and social media. **Social media, social listening and reputation management continue to be growing areas of concern for property managers**. > Social media can be an excellent way to get the word out and communicate with tenants, but it can also represent a double-edged sword. Property managers need to keep an eye out for negative feedback online and respond appropriately. This applies not just to reviews, which should be encouraged, but also to general chatter. Social listening means paying attention to local trends online and what tenants like and dislike about their property. ## Specific COVID-19 Concerns There are a number of specific issues property managers will need to respond to in 2021. These include - evictions - supply and demand change - more communal housing Temporarily halted [evictions](https://www.centratel.com/blog/property-management-answering-service/what-does-the-cdc-eviction-order-mean-for-property-managers/) and foreclosures may begin to move ahead in 2021 depending on whether local, state and federal governments offer further relief or allow them to go ahead. Some tenants may be facing big rent bills after being unable to pay for several months. While eviction remains an option, this can also be a long process, and tenant replacement might not be easy due to a shift in supply and demand. Property managers may want to consider continuing to work with tenants on payment plans if the option is likely to be rental properties standing empty. Even in a relatively brisk market, turnover can be more costly and onerous due to the necessity for COVID-19 precautions. ![Intern of an apartment with happy tenants and the friendly property manager](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/CTS-property-management-trends-for-2021-what-to-expect-in-the-new-year-middle-opt-1024x626.jpg) One concern is outward migration, the [movement of people in high-cost to lower-cost areas](https://managecasa.com/articles/us-rental-property-market/) since working from home means they may no longer be tied to their jobs in a particular area. This could mean that lower-cost areas see an influx of renters. Exactly how this will play out remains uncertain, and **property managers will need to keep an eye on both national and local trends** to determine how best to respond. Property managers may also see an increase in existing tenants wanting to add a roommate to the lease and growth in two, three or more people wishing to rent a place together in order to save on costs. **Adaptability has always been a key skill for property managers, and in 2020, they have needed it more than ever before**. They will continue to need the ability to pivot quickly in response to changing conditions in 2021. While 2020 was a difficult year for property management as it was for most industries, those who do excel at responding flexibly to a fast-changing situation can still expect to not just survive but thrive in 2021. For owners who do not want to manage property themselves, a good property manager will be more valuable than ever. ![The room of an apartment managed with the help of property management answering service](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/CTS-property-management-trends-for-2021-what-to-expect-in-the-new-year-outro-1024x626.jpg) Whether you own the property that you manage or you manage it on behalf of someone else, you know that it is not a 9-to-5 job. With or without COVID-19 concerns, burst pipes, broken alarms and many other emergencies can happen at all times of the day and night, and when they do, your tenants need to be able to reach someone who can help. [An answering service can be another solution](https://www.centratel.com/property-management/) to help you meet the challenges that 2021 will bring. With an answering service, you don’t have to be on call 24 hours a day or hire staff just in case a call comes in after hours. **An answering service that is staffed by employees with industry training can determine which calls need immediate attention and which ones can wait until your office is open again**. In addition, that training can offer reassurance to clients who are dealing with stressful situations. ## Taking the Next Step * * * For a quick orientation on how we operate, take a moment to review one or more of the key points listed in Why Choose Centratel Q&A (scroll down the page if you are on a mobile phone) For more specifics on cost, to start the onboarding process, or if you have questions, fill out this form with your basic information and if it’s during regular working hours (M-F 8am to 8pm EST or 5am to 5pm PST), we’ll get back to you within minutes. Or, during the above hours, you can simply call us at 800-664-7159 or send us an email to [inquiry@centratel.com](mailto:inquiry@centratel.com). First Name \* Last Name \* Job Title Email \* Company \* Phone \* City \* State \*State \*AlabamaAlaskaArkansasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDistrict of ColumbiaDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming How did you hear about us? How did you hear about us? \*PostcardBook gift: Work the SystemLetterReferralOnline SearchWork The SystemFacebook Is your business one of our specialties \*Is your business one of our specialties \*MedicalHome Health/HospiceVeterinary24/7 BusinessHVACTrade ServiceProperty ManagementUtilityDisaster RestorationPlumbing What is your ONE primary concern with using an answering service? \*What is your primary concern with using an answering service? \*Professionalism of staffMessage delivery accuracy and timelinessConsistent high quality of serviceCost of serviceLiabilityConfidentialityOther Are you currently using a call center/telephone answering service? \* YesNo Requested service start date \*Requested service start date \*ASAPWithin 1 WeekWithin 2 WeeksWithin 1 MonthOther List any specific call requirements Submit [Terms of Service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) ### **Why Choose Centratel** **BY SAM CARPENTER** **February 1, 2026** 1.CENTRATEL’S UNIQUE 30-DAY FREE TRIAL Why is this important? Because it will provide you a truly accurate estimate of cost (we bill monthly), it will demonstrate our quality, and it gives both sides of this brand new relationship—you and Centratel—plenty of time to refine and perfect operational details. Here’s a testimonial from a new medical client that had just finished their 30-day trial: _“Of course, I love the cost as it is close to the amount I was allowed by the president of the company. I told him that if we did not continue with Centratel, I would resign as the Director of Customer Service, and I meant it. It’s a great fit. We have had NOT ONE complaint from a patient or in-house which, as you know, we received daily with our former answering service._ _I love you, Centratel, and the price. I’m ready to sign whatever documents you require._ _Thanks for the great service, and the free month_! _To a great partnership! -KB, Phoenix_“ 2.STATISTICALLY, THE BEST IN THE U.S.? Answering service quality is 100% dependent on human action and reaction, and in the course of a single day a multitude of human decisions are made by the people who process the calls: Telephone Service Representatives, or TSRs. (Some answering services refer to them as “agents.” Others, “operators.”) Like any other answering service, at Centratel we’re dealing with real live human beings and so human errors can occur. But within this labor intensive service industry that is historically known for marginal quality, Centratel’s error rate is light years ahead of established standards. Our most recent Customer Reported Error Rate (October through December, 2025) was 1 customer-reported error for every 7,017 message transactions processed. That statistic is unmatched. There’s no artificial intelligence manipulation, we do not offshore calls, and we were founded and have always operated within the United States. (Note that since early 2020, the COVID six-foot social distancing mandate drove thousands of small-to-medium sized answering services out of business. Large, often foreign-owned multi-nationals, disguised by the name of the local answering services they acquired, now thoroughly dominate the industry. Hence, an even further decline in general service quality. [See this analysis.](https://www.centratel.com/answering-service-phone-industry/)) 3.CUSTOMER SERVICE EXTRAORDINAIRE Your concerns will be instantly acted upon. It’s a work ethic that stands in stark contrast to the general decline in quality of human-to-human business communications. You’ve seen it yourself, all around. At Centratel you will know by name the customer service people you’re working with, appreciating their special listening abilities as well as their take-action-now comportment. e.g. see the testimonial in point #1 above. ‘Nuff said! 4.GETTING STARTED: IT’S SIMPLE AND FAST Getting your new Centratel answering service 30-day free trial up-and-running is accomplished within 24-48 hours. From the start, your “onboarding” customer service representative will be with you every step of the way **,** listening carefully to your concerns, answering questions and offering suggestions. 5.NEW TO USING AN ANSWERING SERVICE? The very large majority of our current answering service accounts switched to us from another service because of quality and/or cost problems. However, if you have not used a service before, you are not familiar with the options, benefits, and pitfalls. Our 30-day free trial provides you—and us—plenty of time to precisely refine your desired message-taking and delivery protocols; to get things exactly the way you want them to be without any financial risk, undue pressure, or obligation. 6.PRICING Starting at $150 per month, our rates lie in the mid-range of the industry. Note that we charge by the “transaction unit” rather than the duration of time spent handling calls. Large “mega-services” operating in the U.S. prefer time billing because it ensures the company is compensated for lower-paid/high-turnover — and thus slower — agents. _No matter the quality or how long they keep your callers on hold, they still make a profit_. And yes, it can get expensive, especially if caller on-hold time is also billed. In any answering service, it takes a long time for a new agent to become fast, efficient, and stable. At Centratel, we pamper and reward experienced agents (via high pay and great benefits) and therefore have extremely low staff turnover. Needless to say, experienced agents make fewer errors than trainees who learn on-the-job. And, transaction-unit billing is easy to understand. There is no room for fraud as in time-billing. We can easily document and explain any monthly billing we send you. 7.ACCURATELY COMPARING ANSWERING SERVICE PRICING IS COMPLICATED It’s apples and oranges. There isn’t an industry standard for billing, and each answering service has its own formula. Also, as noted above, some services charge by agent “time” while a few, like us, charge by “transaction units.” Some others combine the two. At Centratel, we charge for the work we do, not by the time we spend. The raw truth is that the only reliable way to determine monthly cost for a new service is to use that service for a solid month. Most answering services offer a 7-day free trial or no trial at all. With Centratel you get 30-days. 8. MONTHLY OR 28-DAY BILLING? Important! At Centratel, we use a “monthly” billing cycle in which invoices are compiled from the first day of a month through the last day of that month. When soliciting quotes from other services, be sure to ask if the base-rate charges are billed monthly or on a “28-day billing cycle.” There is no good reason for a 28-day billing cycle! It’s a sly manipulation by the answering service: customers billed on a 28-day cycle actually receive thirteen billings per year instead of twelve. 9.NO CONTRACT AND SIMPLE TERMS OF SERVICE We don’t ask for a term contract for service because you should be able to evaluate us in real time, without restraint. Our [terms of service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) are simple and straight-forward. 10.VALUABLE FREE GIFT FOR CONTACTING US If you take the time to discuss answering service with us, on that same day we will ship you a hardcover copy of Sam Carpenter’s bestselling book, [_Work The System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_](https://www.workthesystem.com/), now in its 5th edition. (Sam is Centatel’s very active CEO.) December 1st 2025 marked his forty first year of ownership.) * * * ## Footer ## Veterinary Technicians' Evolving Role - [Skip to primary navigation](https://www.centratel.com/blog/veterinary-answering-service/the-changing-role-of-veterinary-technicians/#genesis-nav-primary) - [Skip to main content](https://www.centratel.com/blog/veterinary-answering-service/the-changing-role-of-veterinary-technicians/#genesis-content) - [Skip to footer](https://www.centratel.com/blog/veterinary-answering-service/the-changing-role-of-veterinary-technicians/#genesis-footer-widgets) The Highest Quality Telephone Answering Service in the United States - [Make Payment](https://thepaymentportal.com/index.php?compcode=2C1A-9FF4-91CA-7F93) - [Client Login](https://oncall.centratel.com/) - [Follow Centratel on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centratel-answering-service/) - [Follow Centratel on Twitter](https://twitter.com/centratel) - [Follow Centratel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centratel) ![A pet with a recovery collar treated by a veterinary technician called by her answering service](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Feat-image.jpg) # The Changing Role of Veterinary Technicians November 5, 2020 [Veterinary](https://www.centratel.com/blog/veterinary-answering-service/) By Centratel **Veterinary technicians are taking on increasingly responsible roles in veterinary practices, and they are becoming more critical to the best patient care.** At the same time, pets are increasingly valued as members of the family compared to decades ago, and many pet owners want the best care for their animal companions that they can get. ![A veterinary technician taking care of a beautiful brown horse](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Heorse-1024x533.jpg) This has created a growing demand for not just excellence in medical care for pets but for staff who can deliver that care with a good bedside manner as well, comforting both clients and patients. **Veterinary techs can be a vital part of this care**. ## What is a Vet Tech? A [veterinary technician](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/veterinary-technologists-and-technicians.htm#:~:text=in%20May%202019.-,Job%20Outlook,lab%20work%20on%20household%20pets.) has some academic training and can fulfill a number of different roles in a veterinarian’s office depending on its size and what other team members are available. These duties might include **helping with examination and surgery, calculating dosages of medication, assisting with catheters, performing patient education and more**. Veterinary technicians generally receive an associate’s degree after two years of schooling. Veterinary technology programs are accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association. ## Specialties and the VNI [Opportunities for specialization](https://www.centratel.com/blog/veterinary-answering-service/tips-for-taking-your-veterinary-practice-to-the-next-level/) within the field are growing. There are a number of different ones, but the ten recognized by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America that can be credentialed are - anesthesia - behavior specialists - clinical practice - dental - emergency care - equine - internal medicine - nutrition - surgical - zoological **Some of these specialties, such as clinical practice, are focused more on domestic pets while others, such as zoological or behavioral specialties, could involve working in a zoo or animal sanctuary.** As the role and expertise of veterinary technicians expands, so does the push to create a more standard understanding of the profession along with a standard criteria to be used in credentialing. This is where the [Veterinary Nurse Initiative](https://todaysveterinarynurse.com/articles/from-the-field-the-importance-of-veterinary-technicians/) comes in. Under the VNI, the title of veterinary technician would change to registered veterinary nurse. **This would recognize the growing skill set and training involved in the position** and help clients better understand what a veterinary technician does. ![A veterinary technician performing emergency care on a little cat](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201024%20533'%3E%3C/svg%3E) ## The Veterinary Team A vet tech is a member of the veterinary team and assists each person on the team in different ways. In addition to the help provided to the veterinarian, a vet tech might be involved in training a veterinary assistant, which is a role that is similar to being a vet tech but which does not involve the formal academic training. > Depending on the size of the practice, a vet tech might interact with office staff or might take the role of office staff as well, including reception and interacting with clients in person and over the phone on initial contact. Finally, veterinary techs might also work with lab techs from outside the practice and explain test results to clients. ## Vet Tech Skills **Vet techs have specific veterinary expertise learned through formal education as well as on the job.** In addition, they need to possess a number of other skills in order to work effectively with animals, the rest of the veterinary team and clients. **Compassion and empathy are vital**. Both animals and their owners are stressed, and vet techs need to have the ability to understand, respond to and reduce that stress rather than adding to it. Communication skills are key, whether dealing with other staff members or with clients. **Good communication is particularly important** when the vet tech is explaining patient care to clients. Vet techs need to be able to problem solve and multitask. **Veterinary offices can be fast-paced environments where the unexpected may happen quickly.** Even in normally quiet offices, there may be times when vet techs need to handle several different tasks, such as juggling patient care with front desk duties. ## Veterinary Services and the Right Answering Service For pet owners, [a veterinary emergency can be harrowing](https://www.centratel.com/blog/veterinary-answering-service/the-most-dangerous-halloween-candy-for-dogs/). It is vital that when they are concerned about the well-being of a pet, they are able to reach someone to determine what action to take. Other pet owners might simply need reassurance about a pet’s symptoms or may need to reach a veterinary professional soon but not immediately. **For a veterinary practice, having an answering service in place that can distinguish between these types of calls and take the right action in the right time frame is critical**. In addition, people phoning for veterinary assistance are worried. Understanding that concern and being able to respond it with warmth, empathy and expertise is also important. **An answering service staffed by people trained in the industry** who are able to handle callers with compassion and get their needs met at any hour of the day or night can make all the difference for people and their pets. ## Taking the Next Step * * * For a quick orientation on how we operate, take a moment to review one or more of the key points listed in Why Choose Centratel Q&A (scroll down the page if you are on a mobile phone) For more specifics on cost, to start the onboarding process, or if you have questions, fill out this form with your basic information and if it’s during regular working hours (M-F 8am to 8pm EST or 5am to 5pm PST), we’ll get back to you within minutes. Or, during the above hours, you can simply call us at 800-664-7159 or send us an email to [inquiry@centratel.com](mailto:inquiry@centratel.com). First Name \* Last Name \* Job Title Email \* Company \* Phone \* City \* State \*State \*AlabamaAlaskaArkansasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDistrict of ColumbiaDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming How did you hear about us? How did you hear about us? \*PostcardBook gift: Work the SystemLetterReferralOnline SearchWork The SystemFacebook Is your business one of our specialties \*Is your business one of our specialties \*MedicalHome Health/HospiceVeterinary24/7 BusinessHVACTrade ServiceProperty ManagementUtilityDisaster RestorationPlumbing What is your ONE primary concern with using an answering service? \*What is your primary concern with using an answering service? \*Professionalism of staffMessage delivery accuracy and timelinessConsistent high quality of serviceCost of serviceLiabilityConfidentialityOther Are you currently using a call center/telephone answering service? \* YesNo Requested service start date \*Requested service start date \*ASAPWithin 1 WeekWithin 2 WeeksWithin 1 MonthOther List any specific call requirements Submit [Terms of Service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) ### **Why Choose Centratel** **BY SAM CARPENTER** **February 1, 2026** 1.CENTRATEL’S UNIQUE 30-DAY FREE TRIAL Why is this important? Because it will provide you a truly accurate estimate of cost (we bill monthly), it will demonstrate our quality, and it gives both sides of this brand new relationship—you and Centratel—plenty of time to refine and perfect operational details. Here’s a testimonial from a new medical client that had just finished their 30-day trial: _“Of course, I love the cost as it is close to the amount I was allowed by the president of the company. I told him that if we did not continue with Centratel, I would resign as the Director of Customer Service, and I meant it. It’s a great fit. We have had NOT ONE complaint from a patient or in-house which, as you know, we received daily with our former answering service._ _I love you, Centratel, and the price. I’m ready to sign whatever documents you require._ _Thanks for the great service, and the free month_! _To a great partnership! -KB, Phoenix_“ 2.STATISTICALLY, THE BEST IN THE U.S.? Answering service quality is 100% dependent on human action and reaction, and in the course of a single day a multitude of human decisions are made by the people who process the calls: Telephone Service Representatives, or TSRs. (Some answering services refer to them as “agents.” Others, “operators.”) Like any other answering service, at Centratel we’re dealing with real live human beings and so human errors can occur. But within this labor intensive service industry that is historically known for marginal quality, Centratel’s error rate is light years ahead of established standards. Our most recent Customer Reported Error Rate (October through December, 2025) was 1 customer-reported error for every 7,017 message transactions processed. That statistic is unmatched. There’s no artificial intelligence manipulation, we do not offshore calls, and we were founded and have always operated within the United States. (Note that since early 2020, the COVID six-foot social distancing mandate drove thousands of small-to-medium sized answering services out of business. Large, often foreign-owned multi-nationals, disguised by the name of the local answering services they acquired, now thoroughly dominate the industry. Hence, an even further decline in general service quality. [See this analysis.](https://www.centratel.com/answering-service-phone-industry/)) 3.CUSTOMER SERVICE EXTRAORDINAIRE Your concerns will be instantly acted upon. It’s a work ethic that stands in stark contrast to the general decline in quality of human-to-human business communications. You’ve seen it yourself, all around. At Centratel you will know by name the customer service people you’re working with, appreciating their special listening abilities as well as their take-action-now comportment. e.g. see the testimonial in point #1 above. ‘Nuff said! 4.GETTING STARTED: IT’S SIMPLE AND FAST Getting your new Centratel answering service 30-day free trial up-and-running is accomplished within 24-48 hours. From the start, your “onboarding” customer service representative will be with you every step of the way **,** listening carefully to your concerns, answering questions and offering suggestions. 5.NEW TO USING AN ANSWERING SERVICE? The very large majority of our current answering service accounts switched to us from another service because of quality and/or cost problems. However, if you have not used a service before, you are not familiar with the options, benefits, and pitfalls. Our 30-day free trial provides you—and us—plenty of time to precisely refine your desired message-taking and delivery protocols; to get things exactly the way you want them to be without any financial risk, undue pressure, or obligation. 6.PRICING Starting at $150 per month, our rates lie in the mid-range of the industry. Note that we charge by the “transaction unit” rather than the duration of time spent handling calls. Large “mega-services” operating in the U.S. prefer time billing because it ensures the company is compensated for lower-paid/high-turnover — and thus slower — agents. _No matter the quality or how long they keep your callers on hold, they still make a profit_. And yes, it can get expensive, especially if caller on-hold time is also billed. In any answering service, it takes a long time for a new agent to become fast, efficient, and stable. At Centratel, we pamper and reward experienced agents (via high pay and great benefits) and therefore have extremely low staff turnover. Needless to say, experienced agents make fewer errors than trainees who learn on-the-job. And, transaction-unit billing is easy to understand. There is no room for fraud as in time-billing. We can easily document and explain any monthly billing we send you. 7.ACCURATELY COMPARING ANSWERING SERVICE PRICING IS COMPLICATED It’s apples and oranges. There isn’t an industry standard for billing, and each answering service has its own formula. Also, as noted above, some services charge by agent “time” while a few, like us, charge by “transaction units.” Some others combine the two. At Centratel, we charge for the work we do, not by the time we spend. The raw truth is that the only reliable way to determine monthly cost for a new service is to use that service for a solid month. Most answering services offer a 7-day free trial or no trial at all. With Centratel you get 30-days. 8. MONTHLY OR 28-DAY BILLING? Important! At Centratel, we use a “monthly” billing cycle in which invoices are compiled from the first day of a month through the last day of that month. When soliciting quotes from other services, be sure to ask if the base-rate charges are billed monthly or on a “28-day billing cycle.” There is no good reason for a 28-day billing cycle! It’s a sly manipulation by the answering service: customers billed on a 28-day cycle actually receive thirteen billings per year instead of twelve. 9.NO CONTRACT AND SIMPLE TERMS OF SERVICE We don’t ask for a term contract for service because you should be able to evaluate us in real time, without restraint. Our [terms of service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) are simple and straight-forward. 10.VALUABLE FREE GIFT FOR CONTACTING US If you take the time to discuss answering service with us, on that same day we will ship you a hardcover copy of Sam Carpenter’s bestselling book, [_Work The System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_](https://www.workthesystem.com/), now in its 5th edition. (Sam is Centatel’s very active CEO.) December 1st 2025 marked his forty first year of ownership.) * * * ## Footer ## Improve HVAC Indoor Air - [Skip to primary navigation](https://www.centratel.com/blog/hvac-answering-service/indoor-air-quality-how-to-get-the-most-from-an-hvac-system/#genesis-nav-primary) - [Skip to main content](https://www.centratel.com/blog/hvac-answering-service/indoor-air-quality-how-to-get-the-most-from-an-hvac-system/#genesis-content) - [Skip to footer](https://www.centratel.com/blog/hvac-answering-service/indoor-air-quality-how-to-get-the-most-from-an-hvac-system/#genesis-footer-widgets) The Highest Quality Telephone Answering Service in the United States - [Make Payment](https://thepaymentportal.com/index.php?compcode=2C1A-9FF4-91CA-7F93) - [Client Login](https://oncall.centratel.com/) - [Follow Centratel on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centratel-answering-service/) - [Follow Centratel on Twitter](https://twitter.com/centratel) - [Follow Centratel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centratel) ![A visual representation of small particles and germs carried by the HVAC system](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Feat-image.jpg) # Indoor Air Quality: How to Get the Most from an HVAC System October 22, 2020 [HVAC](https://www.centratel.com/blog/hvac-answering-service/) By Centratel Events in 2020 have spotlighted two significant concerns regarding indoor [air quality](https://www.centratel.com/blog/hvac-answering-service/how-hvac-contractors-can-help-reduce-the-spread-of-covid-19/). A particularly bad wildfire season combined with the **COVID-19 pandemic have raised awareness of the role air quality has to play** in overall health and how HVAC systems can improve that air quality. ![A Centratel's infographic about How to Get the Most from an HVAC System](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Indoor-Air-Quality-How-to-Get-the-Most-from-your-HVAC-System-INFOGRAPHIC-1.jpg) ## Small Particles, Big Dangers **The smallest particles carry the greatest dangers**. In the case of smoke, it is those smaller than 10 microns, a fraction of the width of a human hair, that can travel the farthest and enter the lungs and the bloodstream. **An inflammatory reaction from these particles can problems with breathing** as well as pneumonia, bronchitis, strokes and heart attacks. **Pregnant women may face a particular risk of having a child with a low birth weight or prematurely**. Others at higher risk from smoke-related issues include: - older adults, possibly because of a higher likelihood of developing lung or heart disease - children, whose developing airways mean they breathe more air in for each pound of body weight than adults do - people with asthma or other lung issues or those who have heart disease **Medical professionals have also emphasized that it is very small particles that create risk for transmitting COVID-19 as well**. Other small particles that are simply part of the air even in non-pandemic times can be hazardous, and one study found that nearly three-fourths of homes had these particles. ## Other Dangers When outside **air quality becomes dangerous because of wildfire smoke**, it is prudent to keep windows closed. However, this does potentially create other problems because closing the windows prevents regular air exchange. **People who are forced to stay indoors and close windows because of the danger of wildfire smoke may face increased dangers** from indoor pollutants, including cigarette smoke and gas stove usage. Vacuum cleaners without HEPA filters will further stir up and disturb particles. ![Smoke from a wildfire happening in a wood close to the mountains](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/wild-fires-1024x533.jpg) COVID-19 has created [air quality challenges](https://www.achrnews.com/articles/143890-indoor-air-quality-offers-opportunities-for-hvac-contractors-who-know-the-field) for families staying home. Houses are increasingly constructed to be airtight, but this means that a majority of homes have insufficient ventilation. While the purpose is to keep humidity down, **when entire families and pets are at home around the clock on a daily basis, too much humidity is generated, and this could increase the incidence of biogrowth**. > When people are at home more, they also clean more, particularly since they are more concerned about cleanliness to reduce the spread of COVID-19. This can mean more chemicals are in use, which also contributes to lower air quality in the home. The popularity of ductless mini-splits creates an additional challenge. While these systems offer a number of advantages for heating and cooling, filtration is limited, leading to the need for more complex solutions. ## The Role of HVAC Companies For people who normally rely on the airflow of open windows and doors to keep their homes cool in the warmer months, **having to close everything up because of** [wildfire smoke](https://greensavers.com/articles/reduce-wildfire-smoke-with-your-hvac-system) **can lead to unacceptably hot interiors that could be dangerous to health or even life-threatening**. Older people are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses, and they may want to have an air conditioning unit installed. **Germicidal UV lights could be installed by HVAC contractors to reduce biogrowths** that flourish when there is too much humidity. > HVAC professionals can [help install systems that will protect](https://www.centratel.com/blog/hvac-answering-service/how-hvac-contractors-can-help-reduce-the-spread-of-covid-19/) against many of these issues exacerbated by wildfire smoke and COVID-19, but there are additional issues to be addressed of professional education and consumer trust. **Efforts on the part of manufacturers to educate HVAC professionals about indoor air quality** and the options that are available have been popular. These include virtual meetings and webinars. **Customers are interested in what options are available to keep their homes safer, but accuracy of information is critical**. As an example, anti-microbial products used in ducts cannot kill viruses. However, they can discourage overall biogrowth. **HVAC professionals must be able to accurately convey the risks and solutions to customers without spreading misinformation**. Performing indoor air quality analysis as part of a consultation can be an important part of this. ## Customer Concerns Several other factors are converging to complicate issues around HVAC installation and safety. **A struggling economy means consumers simply do not have as much disposable income**, and some of the highest-quality installations can be expensive. ![An old HVAC system that needs to be replaced by an expert HVAC technician](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/air-conditioner-1024x533.jpg) However, customers are increasingly interested in what they can do to maintain their indoor air quality, and they are not averse to spending money to do it. **The challenge for HVAC professionals is to both educate and sell. Customers must accurately understand what HVAC systems can and cannot do to protect them**. ## Solutions Talking to an HVAC professional is important because they will be able to assess a customer’s particular needs based on the layout of their home, their existing system , their indoor air quality and their lifestyle. Solutions include - a fresh air filter with a high Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value and activated carbon for central air systems to reduce particulates - a two-stage catechin filter for ductless heat pumps to trap viruses, bacteria, particulates and germs - a heat recovery ventilator or electrostatic whole home air filter - keeping the fan on at the thermostat for heating or cooling systems not in use ## How a Telephone Answering Service Can Help **With winter approaching, COVID-19 concerns are on the rise**, and homeowners may also be looking with trepidation toward the next fire season. **Customers who might previously have been largely concerned with how effective and efficient an HVAC system would be may now have serious anxieties about the safety and health of themselves and their families**. **An answering service to screen calls can be a reassuring first point of contact for these worried customers**. Being able to talk to trained, compassionate individuals who know the best way to handle their call and put them on track for the right solution can solidify customer confidence. ## Taking the Next Step * * * For a quick orientation on how we operate, take a moment to review one or more of the key points listed in Why Choose Centratel Q&A (scroll down the page if you are on a mobile phone) For more specifics on cost, to start the onboarding process, or if you have questions, fill out this form with your basic information and if it’s during regular working hours (M-F 8am to 8pm EST or 5am to 5pm PST), we’ll get back to you within minutes. Or, during the above hours, you can simply call us at 800-664-7159 or send us an email to [inquiry@centratel.com](mailto:inquiry@centratel.com). First Name \* Last Name \* Job Title Email \* Company \* Phone \* City \* State \*State \*AlabamaAlaskaArkansasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDistrict of ColumbiaDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming How did you hear about us? How did you hear about us? \*PostcardBook gift: Work the SystemLetterReferralOnline SearchWork The SystemFacebook Is your business one of our specialties \*Is your business one of our specialties \*MedicalHome Health/HospiceVeterinary24/7 BusinessHVACTrade ServiceProperty ManagementUtilityDisaster RestorationPlumbing What is your ONE primary concern with using an answering service? \*What is your primary concern with using an answering service? \*Professionalism of staffMessage delivery accuracy and timelinessConsistent high quality of serviceCost of serviceLiabilityConfidentialityOther Are you currently using a call center/telephone answering service? \* YesNo Requested service start date \*Requested service start date \*ASAPWithin 1 WeekWithin 2 WeeksWithin 1 MonthOther List any specific call requirements Submit [Terms of Service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) ### **Why Choose Centratel** **BY SAM CARPENTER** **February 1, 2026** 1.CENTRATEL’S UNIQUE 30-DAY FREE TRIAL Why is this important? Because it will provide you a truly accurate estimate of cost (we bill monthly), it will demonstrate our quality, and it gives both sides of this brand new relationship—you and Centratel—plenty of time to refine and perfect operational details. Here’s a testimonial from a new medical client that had just finished their 30-day trial: _“Of course, I love the cost as it is close to the amount I was allowed by the president of the company. I told him that if we did not continue with Centratel, I would resign as the Director of Customer Service, and I meant it. It’s a great fit. We have had NOT ONE complaint from a patient or in-house which, as you know, we received daily with our former answering service._ _I love you, Centratel, and the price. I’m ready to sign whatever documents you require._ _Thanks for the great service, and the free month_! _To a great partnership! -KB, Phoenix_“ 2.STATISTICALLY, THE BEST IN THE U.S.? Answering service quality is 100% dependent on human action and reaction, and in the course of a single day a multitude of human decisions are made by the people who process the calls: Telephone Service Representatives, or TSRs. (Some answering services refer to them as “agents.” Others, “operators.”) Like any other answering service, at Centratel we’re dealing with real live human beings and so human errors can occur. But within this labor intensive service industry that is historically known for marginal quality, Centratel’s error rate is light years ahead of established standards. Our most recent Customer Reported Error Rate (October through December, 2025) was 1 customer-reported error for every 7,017 message transactions processed. That statistic is unmatched. There’s no artificial intelligence manipulation, we do not offshore calls, and we were founded and have always operated within the United States. (Note that since early 2020, the COVID six-foot social distancing mandate drove thousands of small-to-medium sized answering services out of business. Large, often foreign-owned multi-nationals, disguised by the name of the local answering services they acquired, now thoroughly dominate the industry. Hence, an even further decline in general service quality. [See this analysis.](https://www.centratel.com/answering-service-phone-industry/)) 3.CUSTOMER SERVICE EXTRAORDINAIRE Your concerns will be instantly acted upon. It’s a work ethic that stands in stark contrast to the general decline in quality of human-to-human business communications. You’ve seen it yourself, all around. At Centratel you will know by name the customer service people you’re working with, appreciating their special listening abilities as well as their take-action-now comportment. e.g. see the testimonial in point #1 above. ‘Nuff said! 4.GETTING STARTED: IT’S SIMPLE AND FAST Getting your new Centratel answering service 30-day free trial up-and-running is accomplished within 24-48 hours. From the start, your “onboarding” customer service representative will be with you every step of the way **,** listening carefully to your concerns, answering questions and offering suggestions. 5.NEW TO USING AN ANSWERING SERVICE? The very large majority of our current answering service accounts switched to us from another service because of quality and/or cost problems. However, if you have not used a service before, you are not familiar with the options, benefits, and pitfalls. Our 30-day free trial provides you—and us—plenty of time to precisely refine your desired message-taking and delivery protocols; to get things exactly the way you want them to be without any financial risk, undue pressure, or obligation. 6.PRICING Starting at $150 per month, our rates lie in the mid-range of the industry. Note that we charge by the “transaction unit” rather than the duration of time spent handling calls. Large “mega-services” operating in the U.S. prefer time billing because it ensures the company is compensated for lower-paid/high-turnover — and thus slower — agents. _No matter the quality or how long they keep your callers on hold, they still make a profit_. And yes, it can get expensive, especially if caller on-hold time is also billed. In any answering service, it takes a long time for a new agent to become fast, efficient, and stable. At Centratel, we pamper and reward experienced agents (via high pay and great benefits) and therefore have extremely low staff turnover. Needless to say, experienced agents make fewer errors than trainees who learn on-the-job. And, transaction-unit billing is easy to understand. There is no room for fraud as in time-billing. We can easily document and explain any monthly billing we send you. 7.ACCURATELY COMPARING ANSWERING SERVICE PRICING IS COMPLICATED It’s apples and oranges. There isn’t an industry standard for billing, and each answering service has its own formula. Also, as noted above, some services charge by agent “time” while a few, like us, charge by “transaction units.” Some others combine the two. At Centratel, we charge for the work we do, not by the time we spend. The raw truth is that the only reliable way to determine monthly cost for a new service is to use that service for a solid month. Most answering services offer a 7-day free trial or no trial at all. With Centratel you get 30-days. 8. MONTHLY OR 28-DAY BILLING? Important! At Centratel, we use a “monthly” billing cycle in which invoices are compiled from the first day of a month through the last day of that month. When soliciting quotes from other services, be sure to ask if the base-rate charges are billed monthly or on a “28-day billing cycle.” There is no good reason for a 28-day billing cycle! It’s a sly manipulation by the answering service: customers billed on a 28-day cycle actually receive thirteen billings per year instead of twelve. 9.NO CONTRACT AND SIMPLE TERMS OF SERVICE We don’t ask for a term contract for service because you should be able to evaluate us in real time, without restraint. Our [terms of service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) are simple and straight-forward. 10.VALUABLE FREE GIFT FOR CONTACTING US If you take the time to discuss answering service with us, on that same day we will ship you a hardcover copy of Sam Carpenter’s bestselling book, [_Work The System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_](https://www.workthesystem.com/), now in its 5th edition. (Sam is Centatel’s very active CEO.) December 1st 2025 marked his forty first year of ownership.) * * * ## Footer ## CDC Eviction Order Explained - [Skip to primary navigation](https://www.centratel.com/blog/property-management-answering-service/what-does-the-cdc-eviction-order-mean-for-property-managers/#genesis-nav-primary) - [Skip to main content](https://www.centratel.com/blog/property-management-answering-service/what-does-the-cdc-eviction-order-mean-for-property-managers/#genesis-content) - [Skip to footer](https://www.centratel.com/blog/property-management-answering-service/what-does-the-cdc-eviction-order-mean-for-property-managers/#genesis-footer-widgets) The Highest Quality Telephone Answering Service in the United States - [Make Payment](https://thepaymentportal.com/index.php?compcode=2C1A-9FF4-91CA-7F93) - [Client Login](https://oncall.centratel.com/) - [Follow Centratel on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centratel-answering-service/) - [Follow Centratel on Twitter](https://twitter.com/centratel) - [Follow Centratel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centratel) ![An apartment door locked by a property manager as a consequence of the CDC Eviction Order](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201500%20781'%3E%3C/svg%3E) # What Does the CDC Eviction Order Mean for Property Managers? October 8, 2020 [Property Management](https://www.centratel.com/blog/property-management-answering-service/) By Centratel If you are a property manager, you probably know that in September, **the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention put an order out that banned evictions for tenants who cannot pay their rent because of pandemic-related lost work**. However, you may not be clear on the actual parameters of what the order encompasses or might have some questions about what it means for you from a practical standpoint. ![Eviction sign as a reminder of the CDC eviction order related to the COVID-19 pandemic](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20600%20750'%3E%3C/svg%3E) ## Eviction and COVID-19 The eviction process is time-consuming and stressful. Neither landlords nor tenants want to be faced with an eviction situation, but for property managers, it may be necessary as a last resort. Even as they want to be compassionate toward their tenants, **one who does not pay rent for a period of months can create serious financial challenges for some property owners**. However, the widespread economic devastation caused by the pandemic means that even **formerly reliable tenants may be struggling to make ends meet and might be falling behind on rent payments because of job loss**. ## The Order from the CDC First, the order does not provide the relief automatically. A few provisions must be in place. - Renters must apply for it. - They must be earning less than $99,000 annually if they file a single tax return or $198,000 if they file a joint one. - The inability to pay may be related to job loss or to medical costs. - The tenant must be making an effort to pay the rent in full and must be in danger of homelessness if evicted or might need to live in close quarters with others. > As the property manager, you can still charge late fees and penalties, and when the order ends at the end of the year, all back rent is due unless there is an extension. Keep in mind that this is a federal order. **If you live in a place that has a state or local ordinance offering greater protection, that supersedes the CDC order**. [State law also may vary](https://www.cnbc.com/2020/09/10/the-cdc-banned-evictions-but-the-protection-might-not-reach-everyone-.html) in how it interprets some elements of the order. If you did not have tenants who were eligible for an eviction moratorium under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act that expired in July, you may have some who are eligible under this one since it is more far-reaching. ## Why the CDC? The first question on the minds of both property owners and tenants might be what the CDC has to do with evictions. The answer is that in the midst of a pandemic, homelessness becomes a public health issue. Under federal law, **the CDC is authorized to take necessary actions to prevent the further spread of disease**. This is why one of the provisions for claiming this exemption from eviction is that the tenant must be in a situation in which they would be either homeless or in unhealthily crowded convictions if evicted. ![A CDC operator on the job](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201024%20533'%3E%3C/svg%3E) In other words, **while the protection might apply to a family that you rent to, it might not cover a group of college students who could return to their family homes**. However, because of both the public health implications and the potential penalties involved for violating the order, **it may be best to seek legal counsel and ensure you are thoroughly informed about your rights and your tenants’ rights before proceeding**. There may also be [litigation](https://www.american-apartment-owners-association.org/property-management/Client-Alert-The-CDC-Eviction-Order-What-Does-it-Mean-for-Landlords) challenging the CDC’s authority, but in the meantime, it is best to ensure you are meeting your legal obligations. ## Enforcement **The Department of Justice can seek criminal penalties against those who violate the order**. This includes the possibility of a year in jail and [fines of up to $250,000](https://www.fastcompany.com/90547069/what-the-cdc-eviction-ban-means-for-tenants-and-landlords-6-questions-answered) for an individual, depending on the severity of the situation, and **fines of up to $500,000 for an organization or company**. ## Implications for Property Managers Property owners who have a large cushion may be able to ride out a few months without rent, but those who do not, and this may include individuals in particular, the [financial impact could be devastating](https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2020/09/29/916972891/evictions-damage-public-health-which-is-why-the-cdc-has-banned-them-for-now) because **the federal government is not currently offering rent relief or help to landlords**. **As a property manager, you may want to sit down with your tenants and discuss the situation if possible.** Whether an eviction happens now or in six months, no one really wins such a case. Working from the assumption that your tenants genuinely want to pay their rent and remain in their homes, **you may be able to work out a plan together than allows this to happen, albeit not on the same timeline of full rent at the start of every month**. ## Other Evictions As a property manager, you may sometimes have the unpleasant task of going ahead with eviction proceedings for other reasons. **This order does not protect tenants who have breached the lease in other ways or for other reasons**. ## Good Tenant Relations Retention of quality tenants who are also able to keep up their monthly rent payments is more important now than ever. An important aspect of this is ensuring that you can respond to their needs efficiently and effectively. [A telephone answering service operated by staff trained in the industry](https://www.centratel.com/blog/property-management-answering-service/price-vs-value-property-management-answering-services/) can help you do this. ![A property manager having a positive discussion with her tenant](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201024%20533'%3E%3C/svg%3E) Whether there is a pandemic or another national or international crisis happening and whatever the time of the day or night, **your tenants need to feel secure that if they have an emergency on the property that you manage, they can get help. A telephone answering service ensures that there is always a warm, helpful voice at the other end of the line** instead of someone’s voicemail box, and experienced staff can make the decision to either follow up with you immediately or set the issue aside for you to deal with during regular office hours depending on its severity. **With the collaboration of the right telephone answering service, you can help ensure your tenants feel more secure during these uncertain times** and feel confident that even when you are sleeping or away, the properties you manage are in good hands. ## Taking the Next Step * * * For a quick orientation on how we operate, take a moment to review one or more of the key points listed in Why Choose Centratel Q&A (scroll down the page if you are on a mobile phone) For more specifics on cost, to start the onboarding process, or if you have questions, fill out this form with your basic information and if it’s during regular working hours (M-F 8am to 8pm EST or 5am to 5pm PST), we’ll get back to you within minutes. Or, during the above hours, you can simply call us at 800-664-7159 or send us an email to [inquiry@centratel.com](mailto:inquiry@centratel.com). First Name \* Last Name \* Job Title Email \* Company \* Phone \* City \* State \*State \*AlabamaAlaskaArkansasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDistrict of ColumbiaDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming How did you hear about us? How did you hear about us? \*PostcardBook gift: Work the SystemLetterReferralOnline SearchWork The SystemFacebook Is your business one of our specialties \*Is your business one of our specialties \*MedicalHome Health/HospiceVeterinary24/7 BusinessHVACTrade ServiceProperty ManagementUtilityDisaster RestorationPlumbing What is your ONE primary concern with using an answering service? \*What is your primary concern with using an answering service? \*Professionalism of staffMessage delivery accuracy and timelinessConsistent high quality of serviceCost of serviceLiabilityConfidentialityOther Are you currently using a call center/telephone answering service? \* YesNo Requested service start date \*Requested service start date \*ASAPWithin 1 WeekWithin 2 WeeksWithin 1 MonthOther List any specific call requirements Submit [Terms of Service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) ### **Why Choose Centratel** **BY SAM CARPENTER** **February 1, 2026** 1.CENTRATEL’S UNIQUE 30-DAY FREE TRIAL Why is this important? Because it will provide you a truly accurate estimate of cost (we bill monthly), it will demonstrate our quality, and it gives both sides of this brand new relationship—you and Centratel—plenty of time to refine and perfect operational details. Here’s a testimonial from a new medical client that had just finished their 30-day trial: _“Of course, I love the cost as it is close to the amount I was allowed by the president of the company. I told him that if we did not continue with Centratel, I would resign as the Director of Customer Service, and I meant it. It’s a great fit. We have had NOT ONE complaint from a patient or in-house which, as you know, we received daily with our former answering service._ _I love you, Centratel, and the price. I’m ready to sign whatever documents you require._ _Thanks for the great service, and the free month_! _To a great partnership! -KB, Phoenix_“ 2.STATISTICALLY, THE BEST IN THE U.S.? Answering service quality is 100% dependent on human action and reaction, and in the course of a single day a multitude of human decisions are made by the people who process the calls: Telephone Service Representatives, or TSRs. (Some answering services refer to them as “agents.” Others, “operators.”) Like any other answering service, at Centratel we’re dealing with real live human beings and so human errors can occur. But within this labor intensive service industry that is historically known for marginal quality, Centratel’s error rate is light years ahead of established standards. Our most recent Customer Reported Error Rate (October through December, 2025) was 1 customer-reported error for every 7,017 message transactions processed. That statistic is unmatched. There’s no artificial intelligence manipulation, we do not offshore calls, and we were founded and have always operated within the United States. (Note that since early 2020, the COVID six-foot social distancing mandate drove thousands of small-to-medium sized answering services out of business. Large, often foreign-owned multi-nationals, disguised by the name of the local answering services they acquired, now thoroughly dominate the industry. Hence, an even further decline in general service quality. [See this analysis.](https://www.centratel.com/answering-service-phone-industry/)) 3.CUSTOMER SERVICE EXTRAORDINAIRE Your concerns will be instantly acted upon. It’s a work ethic that stands in stark contrast to the general decline in quality of human-to-human business communications. You’ve seen it yourself, all around. At Centratel you will know by name the customer service people you’re working with, appreciating their special listening abilities as well as their take-action-now comportment. e.g. see the testimonial in point #1 above. ‘Nuff said! 4.GETTING STARTED: IT’S SIMPLE AND FAST Getting your new Centratel answering service 30-day free trial up-and-running is accomplished within 24-48 hours. From the start, your “onboarding” customer service representative will be with you every step of the way **,** listening carefully to your concerns, answering questions and offering suggestions. 5.NEW TO USING AN ANSWERING SERVICE? The very large majority of our current answering service accounts switched to us from another service because of quality and/or cost problems. However, if you have not used a service before, you are not familiar with the options, benefits, and pitfalls. Our 30-day free trial provides you—and us—plenty of time to precisely refine your desired message-taking and delivery protocols; to get things exactly the way you want them to be without any financial risk, undue pressure, or obligation. 6.PRICING Starting at $150 per month, our rates lie in the mid-range of the industry. Note that we charge by the “transaction unit” rather than the duration of time spent handling calls. Large “mega-services” operating in the U.S. prefer time billing because it ensures the company is compensated for lower-paid/high-turnover — and thus slower — agents. _No matter the quality or how long they keep your callers on hold, they still make a profit_. And yes, it can get expensive, especially if caller on-hold time is also billed. In any answering service, it takes a long time for a new agent to become fast, efficient, and stable. At Centratel, we pamper and reward experienced agents (via high pay and great benefits) and therefore have extremely low staff turnover. Needless to say, experienced agents make fewer errors than trainees who learn on-the-job. And, transaction-unit billing is easy to understand. There is no room for fraud as in time-billing. We can easily document and explain any monthly billing we send you. 7.ACCURATELY COMPARING ANSWERING SERVICE PRICING IS COMPLICATED It’s apples and oranges. There isn’t an industry standard for billing, and each answering service has its own formula. Also, as noted above, some services charge by agent “time” while a few, like us, charge by “transaction units.” Some others combine the two. At Centratel, we charge for the work we do, not by the time we spend. The raw truth is that the only reliable way to determine monthly cost for a new service is to use that service for a solid month. Most answering services offer a 7-day free trial or no trial at all. With Centratel you get 30-days. 8. MONTHLY OR 28-DAY BILLING? Important! At Centratel, we use a “monthly” billing cycle in which invoices are compiled from the first day of a month through the last day of that month. When soliciting quotes from other services, be sure to ask if the base-rate charges are billed monthly or on a “28-day billing cycle.” There is no good reason for a 28-day billing cycle! It’s a sly manipulation by the answering service: customers billed on a 28-day cycle actually receive thirteen billings per year instead of twelve. 9.NO CONTRACT AND SIMPLE TERMS OF SERVICE We don’t ask for a term contract for service because you should be able to evaluate us in real time, without restraint. Our [terms of service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) are simple and straight-forward. 10.VALUABLE FREE GIFT FOR CONTACTING US If you take the time to discuss answering service with us, on that same day we will ship you a hardcover copy of Sam Carpenter’s bestselling book, [_Work The System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_](https://www.workthesystem.com/), now in its 5th edition. (Sam is Centatel’s very active CEO.) December 1st 2025 marked his forty first year of ownership.) * * * ## Footer ## COVID-19 Cleaning Impact - [Skip to primary navigation](https://www.centratel.com/blog/trade-service-answering-service/how-has-covid-19-effected-the-cleaning-restoration-industry/#genesis-nav-primary) - [Skip to main content](https://www.centratel.com/blog/trade-service-answering-service/how-has-covid-19-effected-the-cleaning-restoration-industry/#genesis-content) - [Skip to footer](https://www.centratel.com/blog/trade-service-answering-service/how-has-covid-19-effected-the-cleaning-restoration-industry/#genesis-footer-widgets) The Highest Quality Telephone Answering Service in the United States - [Make Payment](https://thepaymentportal.com/index.php?compcode=2C1A-9FF4-91CA-7F93) - [Client Login](https://oncall.centratel.com/) - [Follow Centratel on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centratel-answering-service/) - [Follow Centratel on Twitter](https://twitter.com/centratel) - [Follow Centratel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centratel) ![Disaster restoration operator sanitizing the room after a call from the answering service](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/CTS-how-has-covid-19-effected-the-cleaning-restoration-industry.jpg) # How has Covid 19 effected the cleaning & restoration industry and what restoration businesses can expect as we look to the future September 24, 2020 [Trade Service](https://www.centratel.com/blog/trade-service-answering-service/) By Centratel As is the case in every industry, **COVID-19 is taking its toll on cleaning and restoration services**. Like other industries, cleaning and restoration companies must find ways to forge ahead safely, with an eye to both a “new normal” that is temporary and the understanding that some elements of it may be permanent. On the one hand, business may be slowing down for some providers of cleaning and restoration as their clients shut their doors for either the short or long term. On the other hand, the need for disaster restoration does not end because of a pandemic. Furthermore, **careful cleaning is now more important than ever and can be considered an “essential service,”** one of the few businesses allowed to remain open even if there are further shutdowns ahead. The pandemic has demonstrated that cleaning is not just about aesthetics but is a critical element of personal and public health. ![Centratel - The pandemic has demonstrated that cleaning is not just about aesthetics](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/CTS-how-has-covid-19-effected-the-cleaning-restoration-industry-intro.jpg) ## Who Needs Cleaning and Restoration? Property managers, who may have previously had staff who cleaned and monitored buildings, may be unwilling to expose them to the dangers presented by COVID-19 if they are untrained and lack proper equipment. The same may be true for [insurance companies](https://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/88843-coronavirus-covid-19-workflows-protect-your-business), who may need to enter properties to do routine assessments or assessments in response to a claim. These companies may be turning to cleaning and restoration companies in greater numbers than ever before. However, this also means that **cleaning and restoration companies must have protocols in place to protect themselves and these premises**. This may include legal protection. Companies that have not already done so may want to prepare documents that address such issues as recontamination risks and warranties. These documents are best prepared with the assistance of an attorney because specific legal language may be necessary to cover all relevant hazards and possibilities. **Spending a little money now could lead to significant savings later.** ## Workflow Like many other businesses, a shift to a digital workflow may also be necessary. **Reducing the points of contact between staff and customers reduces the likelihood of any disease spread**. The ability to exchange documents, contracts and questionnaires digitally and to obtain digital signatures is crucial. These may all need to be revised to reflect COVID-19 protocols and questions of liability. > COVID-19 protocols must take precedence over normal protocols. This may include needing to decontaminate all equipment after a job is completed and before it is loaded back into company vehicles. Any necessary readings should be done with the least possible contact, and results should be reported digitally. **Final documents dealing with completion and payment should also be issued digitally.** ## Employee Safety and Retention **A well-trained staff is the lifeblood of a successful cleaning and restoration company**. Employees may also need adequate protective gear to prevent COVID-19 contamination and training on how to use it correctly. If your staff has to go into quarantine, you cannot respond efficiently to customer needs, and you could lose business. Furthermore, no one wants to have to lay off staff, particularly in a pandemic. This can mean that your company needs to respond proactively, both in terms of safety protocols and in continuing to seek new business and demonstrate the value offered by partnering with a cleaning and retention company. ## COVID-19 Aftermath ![Disaster restoration operator cleaning the room after a call from the answering service](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/CTS-how-has-covid-19-effected-the-cleaning-restoration-industry-outro.jpg) Even after the pandemic subsides and even if a vaccine is found, businesses and the public in general are likely to remain more vigilant about cleanliness. Furthermore, there may be collaborative efforts between the cleanliness and restoration industry, public health agencies and government. It is currently unclear when the situation will improve, whether it happens as a result of an effective vaccine or a change in the virus itself that makes it less contagious and less dangerous. There is likely to be a transitional period that businesses will have to prepare for as well. In some areas, the threat of COVID-19 may ebb and surge for a time, and companies may need to be prepared to shift their best practices rapidly in response. In collaboration with public health agencies, cleaning and restoration companies may have a part in the [recovery from COVID-19](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590061720300399) as well as in planning for any future similar episodes. Pandemic planning needs to encompass a variety of sectors because there could be a knock-on effect either from the pandemic itself or from other crises combined with the pandemic, such as natural disasters. In such situations, the role of cleaning and restoration companies could include - creating blueprints for safe restoration and cleanup - helping to restore manmade environments - cleaning and restoration to allow continuation of critical services > Both private businesses and public agencies may increase their funding for cleaning services. ## The Role of an Answering Service Not only do disasters continue to happen even in the middle of a pandemic, but they can be considerably more severe and come with a host of new challenges. Unlike some companies, cleaning and restoration businesses may find themselves busier than ever, and they need to position themselves as reliable and available. [An answering service](https://www.centratel.com/blog/disaster-restoration-answering-service/what-to-look-for-in-a-disaster-restoration-answering-service/) can be the perfect solution that ensures this 24/7 availability without having to keep staff on call simply to answer phones. > A well-trained answering service can triage calls, connecting callers with immediate help when necessary and getting the relevant information for issues that can be dealt with during the following work day. Sensitivity may be needed for some of these calls regardless of their urgency, and **an answering service staff with special training in cleaning and restoration can respond to these calls appropriately**. Whether or not COVID-19 is here to stay, it is also likely that **safety protocols will shift with the awareness of the disruption a pandemic can cause**. Industries such as cleaning and restoration are among those that will be critical in ensuring more robust responses and safety procedures are in place for similar future crises. ## Taking the Next Step * * * For a quick orientation on how we operate, take a moment to review one or more of the key points listed in Why Choose Centratel Q&A (scroll down the page if you are on a mobile phone) For more specifics on cost, to start the onboarding process, or if you have questions, fill out this form with your basic information and if it’s during regular working hours (M-F 8am to 8pm EST or 5am to 5pm PST), we’ll get back to you within minutes. Or, during the above hours, you can simply call us at 800-664-7159 or send us an email to [inquiry@centratel.com](mailto:inquiry@centratel.com). First Name \* Last Name \* Job Title Email \* Company \* Phone \* City \* State \*State \*AlabamaAlaskaArkansasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDistrict of ColumbiaDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming How did you hear about us? How did you hear about us? \*PostcardBook gift: Work the SystemLetterReferralOnline SearchWork The SystemFacebook Is your business one of our specialties \*Is your business one of our specialties \*MedicalHome Health/HospiceVeterinary24/7 BusinessHVACTrade ServiceProperty ManagementUtilityDisaster RestorationPlumbing What is your ONE primary concern with using an answering service? \*What is your primary concern with using an answering service? \*Professionalism of staffMessage delivery accuracy and timelinessConsistent high quality of serviceCost of serviceLiabilityConfidentialityOther Are you currently using a call center/telephone answering service? \* YesNo Requested service start date \*Requested service start date \*ASAPWithin 1 WeekWithin 2 WeeksWithin 1 MonthOther List any specific call requirements Submit [Terms of Service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) ### **Why Choose Centratel** **BY SAM CARPENTER** **February 1, 2026** 1.CENTRATEL’S UNIQUE 30-DAY FREE TRIAL Why is this important? Because it will provide you a truly accurate estimate of cost (we bill monthly), it will demonstrate our quality, and it gives both sides of this brand new relationship—you and Centratel—plenty of time to refine and perfect operational details. Here’s a testimonial from a new medical client that had just finished their 30-day trial: _“Of course, I love the cost as it is close to the amount I was allowed by the president of the company. I told him that if we did not continue with Centratel, I would resign as the Director of Customer Service, and I meant it. It’s a great fit. We have had NOT ONE complaint from a patient or in-house which, as you know, we received daily with our former answering service._ _I love you, Centratel, and the price. I’m ready to sign whatever documents you require._ _Thanks for the great service, and the free month_! _To a great partnership! -KB, Phoenix_“ 2.STATISTICALLY, THE BEST IN THE U.S.? Answering service quality is 100% dependent on human action and reaction, and in the course of a single day a multitude of human decisions are made by the people who process the calls: Telephone Service Representatives, or TSRs. (Some answering services refer to them as “agents.” Others, “operators.”) Like any other answering service, at Centratel we’re dealing with real live human beings and so human errors can occur. But within this labor intensive service industry that is historically known for marginal quality, Centratel’s error rate is light years ahead of established standards. Our most recent Customer Reported Error Rate (October through December, 2025) was 1 customer-reported error for every 7,017 message transactions processed. That statistic is unmatched. There’s no artificial intelligence manipulation, we do not offshore calls, and we were founded and have always operated within the United States. (Note that since early 2020, the COVID six-foot social distancing mandate drove thousands of small-to-medium sized answering services out of business. Large, often foreign-owned multi-nationals, disguised by the name of the local answering services they acquired, now thoroughly dominate the industry. Hence, an even further decline in general service quality. [See this analysis.](https://www.centratel.com/answering-service-phone-industry/)) 3.CUSTOMER SERVICE EXTRAORDINAIRE Your concerns will be instantly acted upon. It’s a work ethic that stands in stark contrast to the general decline in quality of human-to-human business communications. You’ve seen it yourself, all around. At Centratel you will know by name the customer service people you’re working with, appreciating their special listening abilities as well as their take-action-now comportment. e.g. see the testimonial in point #1 above. ‘Nuff said! 4.GETTING STARTED: IT’S SIMPLE AND FAST Getting your new Centratel answering service 30-day free trial up-and-running is accomplished within 24-48 hours. From the start, your “onboarding” customer service representative will be with you every step of the way **,** listening carefully to your concerns, answering questions and offering suggestions. 5.NEW TO USING AN ANSWERING SERVICE? The very large majority of our current answering service accounts switched to us from another service because of quality and/or cost problems. However, if you have not used a service before, you are not familiar with the options, benefits, and pitfalls. Our 30-day free trial provides you—and us—plenty of time to precisely refine your desired message-taking and delivery protocols; to get things exactly the way you want them to be without any financial risk, undue pressure, or obligation. 6.PRICING Starting at $150 per month, our rates lie in the mid-range of the industry. Note that we charge by the “transaction unit” rather than the duration of time spent handling calls. Large “mega-services” operating in the U.S. prefer time billing because it ensures the company is compensated for lower-paid/high-turnover — and thus slower — agents. _No matter the quality or how long they keep your callers on hold, they still make a profit_. And yes, it can get expensive, especially if caller on-hold time is also billed. In any answering service, it takes a long time for a new agent to become fast, efficient, and stable. At Centratel, we pamper and reward experienced agents (via high pay and great benefits) and therefore have extremely low staff turnover. Needless to say, experienced agents make fewer errors than trainees who learn on-the-job. And, transaction-unit billing is easy to understand. There is no room for fraud as in time-billing. We can easily document and explain any monthly billing we send you. 7.ACCURATELY COMPARING ANSWERING SERVICE PRICING IS COMPLICATED It’s apples and oranges. There isn’t an industry standard for billing, and each answering service has its own formula. Also, as noted above, some services charge by agent “time” while a few, like us, charge by “transaction units.” Some others combine the two. At Centratel, we charge for the work we do, not by the time we spend. The raw truth is that the only reliable way to determine monthly cost for a new service is to use that service for a solid month. Most answering services offer a 7-day free trial or no trial at all. With Centratel you get 30-days. 8. MONTHLY OR 28-DAY BILLING? Important! At Centratel, we use a “monthly” billing cycle in which invoices are compiled from the first day of a month through the last day of that month. When soliciting quotes from other services, be sure to ask if the base-rate charges are billed monthly or on a “28-day billing cycle.” There is no good reason for a 28-day billing cycle! It’s a sly manipulation by the answering service: customers billed on a 28-day cycle actually receive thirteen billings per year instead of twelve. 9.NO CONTRACT AND SIMPLE TERMS OF SERVICE We don’t ask for a term contract for service because you should be able to evaluate us in real time, without restraint. Our [terms of service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) are simple and straight-forward. 10.VALUABLE FREE GIFT FOR CONTACTING US If you take the time to discuss answering service with us, on that same day we will ship you a hardcover copy of Sam Carpenter’s bestselling book, [_Work The System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_](https://www.workthesystem.com/), now in its 5th edition. (Sam is Centatel’s very active CEO.) December 1st 2025 marked his forty first year of ownership.) * * * ## Footer ## Boosting NOI Strategies - [Skip to primary navigation](https://www.centratel.com/blog/property-management-answering-service/property-managers-can-maximize-noi-during-tough-times/#genesis-nav-primary) - [Skip to main content](https://www.centratel.com/blog/property-management-answering-service/property-managers-can-maximize-noi-during-tough-times/#genesis-content) - [Skip to footer](https://www.centratel.com/blog/property-management-answering-service/property-managers-can-maximize-noi-during-tough-times/#genesis-footer-widgets) The Highest Quality Telephone Answering Service in the United States - [Make Payment](https://thepaymentportal.com/index.php?compcode=2C1A-9FF4-91CA-7F93) - [Client Login](https://oncall.centratel.com/) - [Follow Centratel on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centratel-answering-service/) - [Follow Centratel on Twitter](https://twitter.com/centratel) - [Follow Centratel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centratel) ![Big apartments building managed by property manager with the help of an answering service](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201500%20917'%3E%3C/svg%3E) # Property Managers can Maximize NOI During Tough Times September 10, 2020 [Property Management](https://www.centratel.com/blog/property-management-answering-service/) By Centratel For managers of residential properties, both single-family and multi-unit, figuring out how to maximize net operating income is always a challenge. COVID-19 has added additional layers to that challenge. If you are [a property manager](https://www.centratel.com/property-management/), you may find yourself faced with trying to retain reliable tenants who may be struggling financially themselves while keeping costs down in an environment where costs are being driven higher. However, there are still **ways to increase NOI despite economic uncertainty**. ![A calculator and some notes made by a property manager for his properties NOI](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20450%20450'%3E%3C/svg%3E) ## COVID-Related Challenges When times are good economically, you can look at ways to increase current income streams, such as raising rent and fees. > However, the slowdown caused by the pandemic means that while rent increases are not impossible, maximizing NOI may have more to do with finding ways to keep tenants, minimize vacancies and keeps costs down. Effective property management also means managing good relationships with tenants and vendors. This does not mean that you should not push for rent increases on lease renewals where possible or stay with a vendor who is overcharging, but **it might be necessary to look for ways to be flexible and try to meet the needs of existing tenants**. ![A Centratel's infographic about what is NOI and its formula](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20805%20543'%3E%3C/svg%3E) ## Dealing With Lease Renewals It is almost always in the interest of a property manager to keep reliable tenants over the long term. The more good long-term tenants you have, the less you have to spend on turnover costs and the less money you lose on vacant units. **The pandemic means that many people have put plans on hold, and there might be less turnover in general**. However, some tenants may be considering a move because they are tightening their budgets, or they might be looking for a more favorable environment that allows space for both working at home and home schooling of children. In the former situation, you may want to consider offering rent reductions for longer leases. The loss from not increasing the rent may be offset over the long run by saving money on vacancies and turnovers, particularly in markets where the rental market has slowed significantly. In the latter situation, if there are other units available, you might want to see if you have any that can better accommodate the tenants. One California company allowed a tenant who needed more daytime light in her apartment so she could work from home to [move to a new unit that better suited her needs](https://www.multifamilyexecutive.com/property-management/how-to-bolster-apartment-noi-during-covid-19_o). ## Dealing With Vacancies Vacancies are inevitable even in good times, but property managers may face an additional pandemic-related challenge. Industry insiders report an increase in application fraud, in which applicants provide false information and then move in without paying rent. You may need to be particularly vigilant in using the most up-to-the minute technology to ensure that background checks are done correctly. > If there is not already a [turnover system in place](https://blueoliveproperties.com/resource/successful-real-estate-investors-maximize-net-operating-income/) to make the process as efficient as possible, you might want to create one. This is particularly important since **units may need extra cleaning as an additional COVID precaution, which can cost more in time and money**. ## Dealing With Vendors and Expenses **The pandemic means that cleaning expenses have increased**, and you might want to see if you can get a volume discount from vendor since you will be spending more overall. Some strategies from pre-pandemic days still work. - While loyalty to vendors is important, you should periodically get new quotes and bids for insurance and services such as plumbing, HVAC and more. - You may want to switch to other vendors, or you might want to use the quoted bids to negotiate lower prices with existing vendors. - You may also want to review [property tax assessments and challenge them](https://idealrei.com/blog/increase-noi). It is not uncommon for them to be inaccurate. ![Property Management pink condos daily oversight of residential real estate by a contractor](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201024%20626'%3E%3C/svg%3E) ## Creative Revenue Sources There are many ways in which more revenue can be generated even when people are counting their pennies more carefully. It’s probably not the best time to remodel units in hopes of getting higher rents or to start charging for laundry facilities or having pets if they are currently free, but you can look at what your tenants might want or need. For example, if there are model units or a few furnished units, you may want to consider renting them on a short-term basis to family and friends of existing tenants. This eliminates much of the usual risk of short-term rentals since they have a connection to current tenants. There are other potentially easy ways to increase income including - looking into cell tower leases or a billboard - offering onsite storage units to residents for a fee - allowing a vending machine company to pay a fee to install machines ## A Dedicated Answering Service As part of building and maintaining a relationship with tenants as well as for their safety and the maintenance of the building, **it is particularly important that someone is available if there are emergencies**. However, you cannot be available at all times, and it is usually too costly to employ staff to remain on call. [An answering service with an industry-trained staff](https://www.centratel.com/blog/property-management-answering-service/price-vs-value-property-management-answering-services/) who knows when a call needs immediate further action can be the solution. **This support can allow you to better focus on more routine issues**, including generating NOI, while feeling confident that any urgent incidents will get the immediate attention they need. ## Taking the Next Step * * * For a quick orientation on how we operate, take a moment to review one or more of the key points listed in Why Choose Centratel Q&A (scroll down the page if you are on a mobile phone) For more specifics on cost, to start the onboarding process, or if you have questions, fill out this form with your basic information and if it’s during regular working hours (M-F 8am to 8pm EST or 5am to 5pm PST), we’ll get back to you within minutes. Or, during the above hours, you can simply call us at 800-664-7159 or send us an email to [inquiry@centratel.com](mailto:inquiry@centratel.com). First Name \* Last Name \* Job Title Email \* Company \* Phone \* City \* State \*State \*AlabamaAlaskaArkansasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDistrict of ColumbiaDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming How did you hear about us? How did you hear about us? \*PostcardBook gift: Work the SystemLetterReferralOnline SearchWork The SystemFacebook Is your business one of our specialties \*Is your business one of our specialties \*MedicalHome Health/HospiceVeterinary24/7 BusinessHVACTrade ServiceProperty ManagementUtilityDisaster RestorationPlumbing What is your ONE primary concern with using an answering service? \*What is your primary concern with using an answering service? \*Professionalism of staffMessage delivery accuracy and timelinessConsistent high quality of serviceCost of serviceLiabilityConfidentialityOther Are you currently using a call center/telephone answering service? \* YesNo Requested service start date \*Requested service start date \*ASAPWithin 1 WeekWithin 2 WeeksWithin 1 MonthOther List any specific call requirements Submit [Terms of Service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) ### **Why Choose Centratel** **BY SAM CARPENTER** **February 1, 2026** 1.CENTRATEL’S UNIQUE 30-DAY FREE TRIAL Why is this important? Because it will provide you a truly accurate estimate of cost (we bill monthly), it will demonstrate our quality, and it gives both sides of this brand new relationship—you and Centratel—plenty of time to refine and perfect operational details. Here’s a testimonial from a new medical client that had just finished their 30-day trial: _“Of course, I love the cost as it is close to the amount I was allowed by the president of the company. I told him that if we did not continue with Centratel, I would resign as the Director of Customer Service, and I meant it. It’s a great fit. We have had NOT ONE complaint from a patient or in-house which, as you know, we received daily with our former answering service._ _I love you, Centratel, and the price. I’m ready to sign whatever documents you require._ _Thanks for the great service, and the free month_! _To a great partnership! -KB, Phoenix_“ 2.STATISTICALLY, THE BEST IN THE U.S.? Answering service quality is 100% dependent on human action and reaction, and in the course of a single day a multitude of human decisions are made by the people who process the calls: Telephone Service Representatives, or TSRs. (Some answering services refer to them as “agents.” Others, “operators.”) Like any other answering service, at Centratel we’re dealing with real live human beings and so human errors can occur. But within this labor intensive service industry that is historically known for marginal quality, Centratel’s error rate is light years ahead of established standards. Our most recent Customer Reported Error Rate (October through December, 2025) was 1 customer-reported error for every 7,017 message transactions processed. That statistic is unmatched. There’s no artificial intelligence manipulation, we do not offshore calls, and we were founded and have always operated within the United States. (Note that since early 2020, the COVID six-foot social distancing mandate drove thousands of small-to-medium sized answering services out of business. Large, often foreign-owned multi-nationals, disguised by the name of the local answering services they acquired, now thoroughly dominate the industry. Hence, an even further decline in general service quality. [See this analysis.](https://www.centratel.com/answering-service-phone-industry/)) 3.CUSTOMER SERVICE EXTRAORDINAIRE Your concerns will be instantly acted upon. It’s a work ethic that stands in stark contrast to the general decline in quality of human-to-human business communications. You’ve seen it yourself, all around. At Centratel you will know by name the customer service people you’re working with, appreciating their special listening abilities as well as their take-action-now comportment. e.g. see the testimonial in point #1 above. ‘Nuff said! 4.GETTING STARTED: IT’S SIMPLE AND FAST Getting your new Centratel answering service 30-day free trial up-and-running is accomplished within 24-48 hours. From the start, your “onboarding” customer service representative will be with you every step of the way **,** listening carefully to your concerns, answering questions and offering suggestions. 5.NEW TO USING AN ANSWERING SERVICE? The very large majority of our current answering service accounts switched to us from another service because of quality and/or cost problems. However, if you have not used a service before, you are not familiar with the options, benefits, and pitfalls. Our 30-day free trial provides you—and us—plenty of time to precisely refine your desired message-taking and delivery protocols; to get things exactly the way you want them to be without any financial risk, undue pressure, or obligation. 6.PRICING Starting at $150 per month, our rates lie in the mid-range of the industry. Note that we charge by the “transaction unit” rather than the duration of time spent handling calls. Large “mega-services” operating in the U.S. prefer time billing because it ensures the company is compensated for lower-paid/high-turnover — and thus slower — agents. _No matter the quality or how long they keep your callers on hold, they still make a profit_. And yes, it can get expensive, especially if caller on-hold time is also billed. In any answering service, it takes a long time for a new agent to become fast, efficient, and stable. At Centratel, we pamper and reward experienced agents (via high pay and great benefits) and therefore have extremely low staff turnover. Needless to say, experienced agents make fewer errors than trainees who learn on-the-job. And, transaction-unit billing is easy to understand. There is no room for fraud as in time-billing. We can easily document and explain any monthly billing we send you. 7.ACCURATELY COMPARING ANSWERING SERVICE PRICING IS COMPLICATED It’s apples and oranges. There isn’t an industry standard for billing, and each answering service has its own formula. Also, as noted above, some services charge by agent “time” while a few, like us, charge by “transaction units.” Some others combine the two. At Centratel, we charge for the work we do, not by the time we spend. The raw truth is that the only reliable way to determine monthly cost for a new service is to use that service for a solid month. Most answering services offer a 7-day free trial or no trial at all. With Centratel you get 30-days. 8. MONTHLY OR 28-DAY BILLING? Important! At Centratel, we use a “monthly” billing cycle in which invoices are compiled from the first day of a month through the last day of that month. When soliciting quotes from other services, be sure to ask if the base-rate charges are billed monthly or on a “28-day billing cycle.” There is no good reason for a 28-day billing cycle! It’s a sly manipulation by the answering service: customers billed on a 28-day cycle actually receive thirteen billings per year instead of twelve. 9.NO CONTRACT AND SIMPLE TERMS OF SERVICE We don’t ask for a term contract for service because you should be able to evaluate us in real time, without restraint. Our [terms of service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) are simple and straight-forward. 10.VALUABLE FREE GIFT FOR CONTACTING US If you take the time to discuss answering service with us, on that same day we will ship you a hardcover copy of Sam Carpenter’s bestselling book, [_Work The System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_](https://www.workthesystem.com/), now in its 5th edition. (Sam is Centatel’s very active CEO.) December 1st 2025 marked his forty first year of ownership.) * * * ## Footer ## Veterinary Telemedicine Solutions - [Skip to primary navigation](https://www.centratel.com/blog/veterinary-answering-service/televeterinary-services-telemedicine-solutions-for-modern-veterinary-practices/#genesis-nav-primary) - [Skip to main content](https://www.centratel.com/blog/veterinary-answering-service/televeterinary-services-telemedicine-solutions-for-modern-veterinary-practices/#genesis-content) - [Skip to footer](https://www.centratel.com/blog/veterinary-answering-service/televeterinary-services-telemedicine-solutions-for-modern-veterinary-practices/#genesis-footer-widgets) The Highest Quality Telephone Answering Service in the United States - [Make Payment](https://thepaymentportal.com/index.php?compcode=2C1A-9FF4-91CA-7F93) - [Client Login](https://oncall.centratel.com/) - [Follow Centratel on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centratel-answering-service/) - [Follow Centratel on Twitter](https://twitter.com/centratel) - [Follow Centratel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centratel) ![A girl and her pet during the telehealth visit with the veterinarian](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Centratel-televeterinary-services-telemedicine-solutions-for-modern-veterinary-practices.jpg) # Televeterinary Services: Telemedicine Solutions for Modern Veterinary Practices August 27, 2020 [Veterinary](https://www.centratel.com/blog/veterinary-answering-service/) By Centratel Most pet owners are devoted to their furry companions, but even the most responsible ones can encounter barriers to getting an animal to the vet. These might include financial limitations, being overwhelmed with work and family responsibilities and struggling to find the time for an appointment, needing to arrange for transportation and more. In situations like these, **televeterinary services can assess what kind of care may be needed and if the vet will need to see the animal or if treatment can be done remotely**. This can improve the quality of life for both pet owners and animals. **Telehealth has been on the rise in the medical field, but in the veterinary world, although similar services have been available in some areas for several years, adoption of the approach has lagged behind**. However, the rise of COVID-19 and the associated risks, including those created by the possibility of animals themselves catching the virus, has led to a surge in this formerly slow-growing area. ![A woman pet owner cuddling his dog before the veterinarian visit](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Centratel-televeterinary-services-telemedicine-solutions-for-modern-veterinary-practices-intro.jpg) ## Telehealth, Telemedicine or Teleconsulting? ![Pug in a blanket waiting the veterinary televisit](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Centratel-televeterinary-services-telemedicine-solutions-for-modern-veterinary-practices-01-1024x626.jpg) These words, and the first two in particular, are often used interchangeably, but it is important to understand the differences in them. Telehealth is the umbrella term for any kind of health service that is delivered remotely. People might imagine telehealth as being a fairly high-tech interaction involving, for example, consulting with a client over video, but in fact, much simpler actions can be considered performing telehealth, including - sending a text checking on a pet’s condition - remote monitoring of an animal who is in the clinic - photos and videos provided by the client of the animal’s behavior or of a wound or post-op site Telemedicine is generally what people are thinking about what they consider the larger category of telehealth. This is when the veterinarian uses tools to consult with a client in some way as part of the overall veterinary practice. An example might be using a video conferencing tool to visually examine a pet for a surgical follow-up. > Teleconsulting is when a veterinarian uses the same types of tools to consult a specialist about a particular case. Televeterinary services are, of course, the above services as practiced by veterinarians. ### Telehealth and Legal Requirements Telehealth is a supplement to veterinary care, not a replacement for it. It can be useful in the following situations, among others: - determining whether a veterinary visit is necessary - follow-ups after treatment, including an operation - addressing behavioral problems - monitoring the health of a pet with a chronic or terminal condition In fact, in most states, **laws regarding veterinarian-client-patient relationships did not permit telemedicine to be used to diagnose or treat conditions. However, a decision by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on March 24 suspended the requirement for an in-person examination to reduce interaction because of COVID-19**. While some states may have stricter rules, many have also relaxed regulations so that veterinarians and their clients can remain safe while still ensuring that pets get the care they need. The American Veterinary Medicine Association has issued guidance regarding COVID-19, including on telemedicine, and recognizes the changing nature of [state regulations](https://www.avma.org/sites/default/files/2020-03/COVID-19-What-veterinarians-need-to-know_032020.pdf) although [its policy](https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/avma-policies/telemedicine) still recommends that only existing patients should have televeterinary consults. Working with a veterinarian is different from getting a consultation from one of the third-party providers. These 24/7 services can only offer general advice, but they can be a source of assistance to worried pet owners in both normal and pandemic times, potentially saving them a great deal of money by letting them know that a condition does not require an emergency vet and can wait until a regular appointment is available. A telemedicine consultation, whether with a vet or a third-party provider, can also give an owner the information needed to keep the pet as comfortable as possible whether or not a later in-person appointment is scheduled. ### Where to Begin ![A dog owner starts the televisit after the call with the veterinary answering service](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Centratel-televeterinary-services-telemedicine-solutions-for-modern-veterinary-practices-02-1024x626.jpg) A veterinary office that is not already using telehealth does not have to bring in a full-scale program from the start. Depending on the size of the practice, **the best way to begin is with just a handful of clients and perhaps one or two veterinarians. Telehealth can be used for minor cases at first**. This creates a low-risk atmosphere to find out what works best as well as what doesn’t. Expansion should be slow and methodical and conducted in accordance with state law. The fee paid by clients for telemedicine is generally split between the veterinarians and the telehealth platform. When an in-person appointment is a follow-up from a telemedicine consultation, the cost, if any, of the consultation is often subtracted from the cost of the in-person visit. Some veterinarians do not charge for brief consults or first exams or offer them as part of as a package. ## Televeterinary Risks Missed or delayed diagnoses are always a risk when it comes to medical care for animals or humans, and even the best doctors cannot always diagnose a condition as accurately or as quickly as is ideal. However, there are a few risks specific to telemedicine that both veterinarians and clients should be aware of. A lack of adequate medical history can be a problem, which is one reason regulatory bodies consider practicing televeterinary medicine only with existing patients to be so important. Time zone issues could lead to dangerous delays. Technology is not perfect, and images may occasionally be insufficient for making an accurate diagnoses. For these reasons, telemedicine services include language that releases them from liability although at least two, whiskerDocs and TeleVet, [report no claims](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/blog/online-vet-coronavirus/). ### Pets and COVID-19 Not every condition can be treated remotely. Veterinarians have developed protocols to protect themselves and their clients, such as social distancing and extra cleaning protocols, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Most also offer some kind of protocol for hand-off that is low- or no-contact, whether that is curbside pickup, a parking lot exchange or placing the animal in its carrier at the front door of the practice. This does introduce an additional risk element in ensuring that the animals is not able to get away and can be adequately identified. While protocols were initially put in place to protect humans, there is some evidence that pets can also contract COVID-19. In New York in April, two domestic cats along with tigers and lions at the Bronx Zoo tested positive for the virus. **So far, there is no evidence that it is easy for cats and dogs to contract it, they do not appear to become ill and they do not appear to spread it to humans or to other animals. However, as with most unknowns regarding the virus, caution is the watchword.** > The American Veterinary Medical Association has recommended that people who have COVID-19 should try to limit contact with domestic and other animals. Although it is believed that COVID-19 has its origins in markets in China where humans may have contracted it from animals, throughout the months of the pandemic, in areas where outbreaks have been tracked closely and linked back to their source, none so far have been associated with pets or other animals. Telehealth platforms report significant growth in both veterinarians registering for telemedicine and in telehealth consultations when the FDA relaxed its requirements. Such large-scale changes that are beneficial to veterinarians, clients and patients may well remain in place post-pandemic although this may require new long-term guidelines and regulations. ## Veterinary Telemedicine Post-COVID-19 While telehealth for pets has blossomed in the age of COVID-19, it can continue to grow and develop even after it is no longer driven by the necessity for virus precautions. There are several categories of clients for whom access to veterinary telemedicine may be particularly beneficial: - millennials and younger generations, who are comfortable with technology and accustomed to being able to do most things online - pet owners who are largely housebound and for whom visiting a vet could involve multiple hurdles - low-income pet owners who may be able to save significantly if they find out their pet’s condition does not warrant a vet visit or immediate medical attention Of course, in all of these cases, **telehealth is useful as a screening mechanism to determine whether further in-person treatment is needed**. Pet owners must still be prepared to seek treatment, including emergency care, when deemed necessary. ![A girl and her pet during the telehealth visit with the veterinarian](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Centratel-televeterinary-services-telemedicine-solutions-for-modern-veterinary-practices-1024x533.jpg) The two main areas in which veterinary telehealth is likely to change in the years ahead are regulatory and technologically. The broader use of telemedicine and the relaxing of restrictions during COVID-19 might drive a faster reform of regulations, but there are also a number of other issues that veterinarians and other stakeholders must consider. These include dealing with liability and consent as well as looking at best business practices for revenue and workflow. In addressing these issues, it is also important that the advantages of telemedicine for clients, including convenience and lower cost, are not lost. As for technology, tools for communication are only one part of the picture. Just as there are an increasing number of tools that can be used for remote monitoring and diagnosis for human health, the technology for veterinary telemedicine is expanding as well. Implants and wearable devices that offer up-to-the-minute data on pet health may gradually replace the once or twice yearly checkup, and while visions of the future home might not have included smart litterboxes alongside thermostats and refrigerators that are sensitive to your needs, this and every other element of a pet’s behavior can be monitored as necessary to provide the best insights for maximum health and quality of life. Communication tools and technology meet to solve one of the major issues in veterinary telemedicine that makes it different from telemedicine for people: animals cannot explain what they are feeling. This is one reason that in-person examination is so important in veterinary medicine, but it is also a hurdle that technology may be able to address, at least in part. **An answering service can be an important element in the efficiency of veterinary telemedicine**, both today and as the industry expands and changes in the months and years ahead. [Contracting with an answering service](https://www.centratel.com/blog/veterinary-answering-service/veterinary-team-meetings-the-key-is-using-an-answering-service/) that has staff specifically trained in the industry who can screen and manage calls relieves a practice from having to have such staff onsite at all times. **An answering service can offer 24/7 coverage, something that is not possible for most practices**. As the first point of contact for worried clients, a compassionate, knowledgeable answering service staff can be a critical first point of contact in an effective chain of veterinary telemedicine providers that are ultimately working in the best interests of the animals entrusted to their care. ## Taking the Next Step * * * For a quick orientation on how we operate, take a moment to review one or more of the key points listed in Why Choose Centratel Q&A (scroll down the page if you are on a mobile phone) For more specifics on cost, to start the onboarding process, or if you have questions, fill out this form with your basic information and if it’s during regular working hours (M-F 8am to 8pm EST or 5am to 5pm PST), we’ll get back to you within minutes. Or, during the above hours, you can simply call us at 800-664-7159 or send us an email to [inquiry@centratel.com](mailto:inquiry@centratel.com). First Name \* Last Name \* Job Title Email \* Company \* Phone \* City \* State \*State \*AlabamaAlaskaArkansasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDistrict of ColumbiaDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming How did you hear about us? How did you hear about us? \*PostcardBook gift: Work the SystemLetterReferralOnline SearchWork The SystemFacebook Is your business one of our specialties \*Is your business one of our specialties \*MedicalHome Health/HospiceVeterinary24/7 BusinessHVACTrade ServiceProperty ManagementUtilityDisaster RestorationPlumbing What is your ONE primary concern with using an answering service? \*What is your primary concern with using an answering service? \*Professionalism of staffMessage delivery accuracy and timelinessConsistent high quality of serviceCost of serviceLiabilityConfidentialityOther Are you currently using a call center/telephone answering service? \* YesNo Requested service start date \*Requested service start date \*ASAPWithin 1 WeekWithin 2 WeeksWithin 1 MonthOther List any specific call requirements Submit [Terms of Service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) ### **Why Choose Centratel** **BY SAM CARPENTER** **February 1, 2026** 1.CENTRATEL’S UNIQUE 30-DAY FREE TRIAL Why is this important? Because it will provide you a truly accurate estimate of cost (we bill monthly), it will demonstrate our quality, and it gives both sides of this brand new relationship—you and Centratel—plenty of time to refine and perfect operational details. Here’s a testimonial from a new medical client that had just finished their 30-day trial: _“Of course, I love the cost as it is close to the amount I was allowed by the president of the company. I told him that if we did not continue with Centratel, I would resign as the Director of Customer Service, and I meant it. It’s a great fit. We have had NOT ONE complaint from a patient or in-house which, as you know, we received daily with our former answering service._ _I love you, Centratel, and the price. I’m ready to sign whatever documents you require._ _Thanks for the great service, and the free month_! _To a great partnership! -KB, Phoenix_“ 2.STATISTICALLY, THE BEST IN THE U.S.? Answering service quality is 100% dependent on human action and reaction, and in the course of a single day a multitude of human decisions are made by the people who process the calls: Telephone Service Representatives, or TSRs. (Some answering services refer to them as “agents.” Others, “operators.”) Like any other answering service, at Centratel we’re dealing with real live human beings and so human errors can occur. But within this labor intensive service industry that is historically known for marginal quality, Centratel’s error rate is light years ahead of established standards. Our most recent Customer Reported Error Rate (October through December, 2025) was 1 customer-reported error for every 7,017 message transactions processed. That statistic is unmatched. There’s no artificial intelligence manipulation, we do not offshore calls, and we were founded and have always operated within the United States. (Note that since early 2020, the COVID six-foot social distancing mandate drove thousands of small-to-medium sized answering services out of business. Large, often foreign-owned multi-nationals, disguised by the name of the local answering services they acquired, now thoroughly dominate the industry. Hence, an even further decline in general service quality. [See this analysis.](https://www.centratel.com/answering-service-phone-industry/)) 3.CUSTOMER SERVICE EXTRAORDINAIRE Your concerns will be instantly acted upon. It’s a work ethic that stands in stark contrast to the general decline in quality of human-to-human business communications. You’ve seen it yourself, all around. At Centratel you will know by name the customer service people you’re working with, appreciating their special listening abilities as well as their take-action-now comportment. e.g. see the testimonial in point #1 above. ‘Nuff said! 4.GETTING STARTED: IT’S SIMPLE AND FAST Getting your new Centratel answering service 30-day free trial up-and-running is accomplished within 24-48 hours. From the start, your “onboarding” customer service representative will be with you every step of the way **,** listening carefully to your concerns, answering questions and offering suggestions. 5.NEW TO USING AN ANSWERING SERVICE? The very large majority of our current answering service accounts switched to us from another service because of quality and/or cost problems. However, if you have not used a service before, you are not familiar with the options, benefits, and pitfalls. Our 30-day free trial provides you—and us—plenty of time to precisely refine your desired message-taking and delivery protocols; to get things exactly the way you want them to be without any financial risk, undue pressure, or obligation. 6.PRICING Starting at $150 per month, our rates lie in the mid-range of the industry. Note that we charge by the “transaction unit” rather than the duration of time spent handling calls. Large “mega-services” operating in the U.S. prefer time billing because it ensures the company is compensated for lower-paid/high-turnover — and thus slower — agents. _No matter the quality or how long they keep your callers on hold, they still make a profit_. And yes, it can get expensive, especially if caller on-hold time is also billed. In any answering service, it takes a long time for a new agent to become fast, efficient, and stable. At Centratel, we pamper and reward experienced agents (via high pay and great benefits) and therefore have extremely low staff turnover. Needless to say, experienced agents make fewer errors than trainees who learn on-the-job. And, transaction-unit billing is easy to understand. There is no room for fraud as in time-billing. We can easily document and explain any monthly billing we send you. 7.ACCURATELY COMPARING ANSWERING SERVICE PRICING IS COMPLICATED It’s apples and oranges. There isn’t an industry standard for billing, and each answering service has its own formula. Also, as noted above, some services charge by agent “time” while a few, like us, charge by “transaction units.” Some others combine the two. At Centratel, we charge for the work we do, not by the time we spend. The raw truth is that the only reliable way to determine monthly cost for a new service is to use that service for a solid month. Most answering services offer a 7-day free trial or no trial at all. With Centratel you get 30-days. 8. MONTHLY OR 28-DAY BILLING? Important! At Centratel, we use a “monthly” billing cycle in which invoices are compiled from the first day of a month through the last day of that month. When soliciting quotes from other services, be sure to ask if the base-rate charges are billed monthly or on a “28-day billing cycle.” There is no good reason for a 28-day billing cycle! It’s a sly manipulation by the answering service: customers billed on a 28-day cycle actually receive thirteen billings per year instead of twelve. 9.NO CONTRACT AND SIMPLE TERMS OF SERVICE We don’t ask for a term contract for service because you should be able to evaluate us in real time, without restraint. Our [terms of service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) are simple and straight-forward. 10.VALUABLE FREE GIFT FOR CONTACTING US If you take the time to discuss answering service with us, on that same day we will ship you a hardcover copy of Sam Carpenter’s bestselling book, [_Work The System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_](https://www.workthesystem.com/), now in its 5th edition. (Sam is Centatel’s very active CEO.) December 1st 2025 marked his forty first year of ownership.) * * * ## Footer ## Multi-tasking Concerns - [Skip to primary navigation](https://www.centratel.com/blog/answering-service/is-multi-tasking-bad-for-you-and-your-business/#genesis-nav-primary) - [Skip to main content](https://www.centratel.com/blog/answering-service/is-multi-tasking-bad-for-you-and-your-business/#genesis-content) - [Skip to footer](https://www.centratel.com/blog/answering-service/is-multi-tasking-bad-for-you-and-your-business/#genesis-footer-widgets) The Highest Quality Telephone Answering Service in the United States - [Make Payment](https://thepaymentportal.com/index.php?compcode=2C1A-9FF4-91CA-7F93) - [Client Login](https://oncall.centratel.com/) - [Follow Centratel on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centratel-answering-service/) - [Follow Centratel on Twitter](https://twitter.com/centratel) - [Follow Centratel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centratel) ![A girl working at her computer knowing that calls will be taken from an answering service](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Centratel-is-multi-tasking-bad-for-you-and-your-business.jpg) # Is Multi-tasking Bad for You and Your Business? August 13, 2020 [Answering Service](https://www.centratel.com/blog/answering-service/) By Andi Freeman Think about what multi-tasking means. The ability to move through your day, juggling assorted tasks to accomplish every item on your to-do list. Now, think about it in terms of your employees. Does the image of people doing several things at once give you confidence in their abilities, or cause concern? This article looks at **how our brains function, shedding light on the much-touted phenomenon of multi-tasking and its effects on productivity**. You’ll read about the realities of what happens when people spend hours bouncing from task to task, feeling mounting pressure and a potential meltdown. Discussion includes the potential pitfalls of multi-tasking in the workplace, be it contracting, homecare, or in property management. ![A girl in a moment of meltdown after an intense session of multitasking activities](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Centratel-is-multi-tasking-bad-for-you-and-your-business-intro.jpg) ## Why is Multi-tasking an Important Workplace Topic? Many workplace functions have become more efficient and streamlined because of technology. Multiple platforms pave the way for being able to reply to an email while cruising a website or taking calls. Added to this is the ability to conduct work tasks in multiple settings because of mobile devices and ready access to internet connections. These factors contribute to vital questions for managers: - How did multi-tasking become a workplace consideration? - Does the ability to multi-task affect a person’s work performance? - What steps can a business take to assure quality and productivity? The answer to each of these questions reveals reasons for reviewing practices within your business, including [the benefits of contracting with a quality answering service](https://www.centratel.com/why-employ-centratel/). ![A Centratel Infographic about the multitasking](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Centratel-is-multi-tasking-bad-for-you-and-your-business-infographic.jpg) ## Multi-tasking as a Workplace Phenomenon Multi-tasking existed prior to today’s advanced technology and it’s multiple opportunities to juggle tasks. - Think of an administrative assistant answering calls while typing notes. - Or the contractor giving his crew directions while he’s installing wiring. These multi-tasker types appeared efficient to others who envied their ability to seemingly accomplish so much. This is how multi-tasking became a valued workplace ability. **P** eople who managed multiple functions simultaneously added this skill to their resumes and talked about it during interviews. It became a sought-after quality until recent years. **Business leaders and others started to question the value of multi-tasking. They inquired if this ability was measurably linked with efficiency.** - Were there quality outcomes associated with this skill? - Was it okay for people to eat at their desk, sitting there for hours on end? - Or, as some suspected, did the practice actually result in errors? > The answers to these and other questions led to fresh insights about humans, our brain’s structure, and when we function at optimal performance. ## Why is Multiple-tasking a Concern for your Business? Chances are you tried juggling balls or rings at one time or another. Some people are good jugglers, while the rest of us give up, finding it better to watch true talent. When we do, what do we see? Besides the physical abilities, we witness focus, highly visible concentration. Therein is the first insight about concerns that can arise when one multi-tasks. The bottom line is that the human brain works and learns best focusing on one thing at a time. We’re actually wired that way. Neuroscientists have determined that multi-tasking limits [your best thinking](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/science-clear-multitasking-doesnt-work/). Only 2.5 percent of humans can multi-task without losing quality. That means the chances are slim that you or one of your employees belong to this specialized group. The rest of us need to learn to live with the reality that our brains work most effectively when we do one thing at a time. Much the same can be said for our bodies! Think of the last time you had too much on your mind as you moved through multiple tasks, juggling calls with work reports. Chances are your breathing became shallow, your neck and shoulders tightened, and your stomach churned. Even if it was only one of these, it was more than enough. You were feeling stress hormones at work. The issues with ongoing multi-tasking is that when those stress hormones, including cortisol, become elevated they contribute to: - Sleep disruption, - Anxiety and irritability, - Immune system issues, and - The exhausting experience of sluggish, clouded thinking. **These concerns become workplace issues when multi-tasking’s negative effects cause lowered efficiency, customer dissatisfaction, mistakes, absenteeism, and a reduction in employee morale**. It interferes with [short-term memory](https://consumer.healthday.com/encyclopedia/emotional-health-17/emotional-disorder-news-228/multitasking-and-stress-646052.html), making it especially hard to return to an interrupted task. Along with thinking of these concerns for your own business, reflect on how stress affects your employees, especially as business grows. ![A girl working at her computer knowing that calls will be taken from an answering service](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Centratel-is-multi-tasking-bad-for-you-and-your-business-1024x533.jpg) ## Improve Performance and Satisfaction Although your staff has done well keeping pace with work and social changes, it’s time to take steps to maintain the high-performance standard you’ve established. **You’ve come to realize that continually shifting from answering the phone, to sending an email, or giving someone directions is detrimental to employees’ work performance, well-being, and job satisfaction**. - Now’s the time to institute changes that improve each staff person’s ability to focus. - There are a number of options to consider. - The question is: Which offers the best return on investment (ROI)? As you contemplate ways to internally limit multi-tasking, audit the amount of time staff spend juggling calls and emails. [One solution is to contract with a high-quality answering service, especially as your business responds to increasing client interest](https://www.centratel.com/blog/answering-service/the-benefits-of-24-7-live-phone-coverage/). Consider these points as you look into the service that best meets your needs with: - Around the clock responsiveness, regardless of client location. - Agents/operators who excel because their primary task for your business is to professionally answer the phone and convey messages. - Adherence to confidentiality standards, including those associated with technology. Along with instituting a business relationship with an answering service, there are low-cost interventions to boost focus and limit multi-tasking. - Encourage staff to take breaks away from workstations. Spots with comfortable seating or walking areas offer a change of pace. - Offer tips on simple stretching to release tension and boost productivity. - Explore the art of mindfulness that aids in [clearing](https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/artificial-maturity/201701/the-unintended-consequences-multi-tasking/) one’s mind of accumulating clutter. - Natural lighting and views of outdoor spaces help to reduce [mistakes](https://hmcarchitects.com/news/the-benefits-of-natural-light-in-office-spaces-lighting-design-for-increased-employee-satisfaction-2019-03-27/) by promoting a sense of well-being. The best group to turn to for ideas on how to eliminate multi-tasking is your staff. They’ll be grateful that their well-being is as meaningful to you as are quality service and productivity. **One of the most worthwhile ways to reduce multi-tasking as you improve customer satisfaction is by contracting with the highest quality answering service available.** One that effectively represents your business as it professionally responds to client calls. ## Taking the Next Step * * * For a quick orientation on how we operate, take a moment to review one or more of the key points listed in Why Choose Centratel Q&A (scroll down the page if you are on a mobile phone) For more specifics on cost, to start the onboarding process, or if you have questions, fill out this form with your basic information and if it’s during regular working hours (M-F 8am to 8pm EST or 5am to 5pm PST), we’ll get back to you within minutes. Or, during the above hours, you can simply call us at 800-664-7159 or send us an email to [inquiry@centratel.com](mailto:inquiry@centratel.com). First Name \* Last Name \* Job Title Email \* Company \* Phone \* City \* State \*State \*AlabamaAlaskaArkansasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDistrict of ColumbiaDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming How did you hear about us? How did you hear about us? \*PostcardBook gift: Work the SystemLetterReferralOnline SearchWork The SystemFacebook Is your business one of our specialties \*Is your business one of our specialties \*MedicalHome Health/HospiceVeterinary24/7 BusinessHVACTrade ServiceProperty ManagementUtilityDisaster RestorationPlumbing What is your ONE primary concern with using an answering service? \*What is your primary concern with using an answering service? \*Professionalism of staffMessage delivery accuracy and timelinessConsistent high quality of serviceCost of serviceLiabilityConfidentialityOther Are you currently using a call center/telephone answering service? \* YesNo Requested service start date \*Requested service start date \*ASAPWithin 1 WeekWithin 2 WeeksWithin 1 MonthOther List any specific call requirements Submit [Terms of Service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) ### **Why Choose Centratel** **BY SAM CARPENTER** **February 1, 2026** 1.CENTRATEL’S UNIQUE 30-DAY FREE TRIAL Why is this important? Because it will provide you a truly accurate estimate of cost (we bill monthly), it will demonstrate our quality, and it gives both sides of this brand new relationship—you and Centratel—plenty of time to refine and perfect operational details. Here’s a testimonial from a new medical client that had just finished their 30-day trial: _“Of course, I love the cost as it is close to the amount I was allowed by the president of the company. I told him that if we did not continue with Centratel, I would resign as the Director of Customer Service, and I meant it. It’s a great fit. We have had NOT ONE complaint from a patient or in-house which, as you know, we received daily with our former answering service._ _I love you, Centratel, and the price. I’m ready to sign whatever documents you require._ _Thanks for the great service, and the free month_! _To a great partnership! -KB, Phoenix_“ 2.STATISTICALLY, THE BEST IN THE U.S.? Answering service quality is 100% dependent on human action and reaction, and in the course of a single day a multitude of human decisions are made by the people who process the calls: Telephone Service Representatives, or TSRs. (Some answering services refer to them as “agents.” Others, “operators.”) Like any other answering service, at Centratel we’re dealing with real live human beings and so human errors can occur. But within this labor intensive service industry that is historically known for marginal quality, Centratel’s error rate is light years ahead of established standards. Our most recent Customer Reported Error Rate (October through December, 2025) was 1 customer-reported error for every 7,017 message transactions processed. That statistic is unmatched. There’s no artificial intelligence manipulation, we do not offshore calls, and we were founded and have always operated within the United States. (Note that since early 2020, the COVID six-foot social distancing mandate drove thousands of small-to-medium sized answering services out of business. Large, often foreign-owned multi-nationals, disguised by the name of the local answering services they acquired, now thoroughly dominate the industry. Hence, an even further decline in general service quality. [See this analysis.](https://www.centratel.com/answering-service-phone-industry/)) 3.CUSTOMER SERVICE EXTRAORDINAIRE Your concerns will be instantly acted upon. It’s a work ethic that stands in stark contrast to the general decline in quality of human-to-human business communications. You’ve seen it yourself, all around. At Centratel you will know by name the customer service people you’re working with, appreciating their special listening abilities as well as their take-action-now comportment. e.g. see the testimonial in point #1 above. ‘Nuff said! 4.GETTING STARTED: IT’S SIMPLE AND FAST Getting your new Centratel answering service 30-day free trial up-and-running is accomplished within 24-48 hours. From the start, your “onboarding” customer service representative will be with you every step of the way **,** listening carefully to your concerns, answering questions and offering suggestions. 5.NEW TO USING AN ANSWERING SERVICE? The very large majority of our current answering service accounts switched to us from another service because of quality and/or cost problems. However, if you have not used a service before, you are not familiar with the options, benefits, and pitfalls. Our 30-day free trial provides you—and us—plenty of time to precisely refine your desired message-taking and delivery protocols; to get things exactly the way you want them to be without any financial risk, undue pressure, or obligation. 6.PRICING Starting at $150 per month, our rates lie in the mid-range of the industry. Note that we charge by the “transaction unit” rather than the duration of time spent handling calls. Large “mega-services” operating in the U.S. prefer time billing because it ensures the company is compensated for lower-paid/high-turnover — and thus slower — agents. _No matter the quality or how long they keep your callers on hold, they still make a profit_. And yes, it can get expensive, especially if caller on-hold time is also billed. In any answering service, it takes a long time for a new agent to become fast, efficient, and stable. At Centratel, we pamper and reward experienced agents (via high pay and great benefits) and therefore have extremely low staff turnover. Needless to say, experienced agents make fewer errors than trainees who learn on-the-job. And, transaction-unit billing is easy to understand. There is no room for fraud as in time-billing. We can easily document and explain any monthly billing we send you. 7.ACCURATELY COMPARING ANSWERING SERVICE PRICING IS COMPLICATED It’s apples and oranges. There isn’t an industry standard for billing, and each answering service has its own formula. Also, as noted above, some services charge by agent “time” while a few, like us, charge by “transaction units.” Some others combine the two. At Centratel, we charge for the work we do, not by the time we spend. The raw truth is that the only reliable way to determine monthly cost for a new service is to use that service for a solid month. Most answering services offer a 7-day free trial or no trial at all. With Centratel you get 30-days. 8. MONTHLY OR 28-DAY BILLING? Important! At Centratel, we use a “monthly” billing cycle in which invoices are compiled from the first day of a month through the last day of that month. When soliciting quotes from other services, be sure to ask if the base-rate charges are billed monthly or on a “28-day billing cycle.” There is no good reason for a 28-day billing cycle! It’s a sly manipulation by the answering service: customers billed on a 28-day cycle actually receive thirteen billings per year instead of twelve. 9.NO CONTRACT AND SIMPLE TERMS OF SERVICE We don’t ask for a term contract for service because you should be able to evaluate us in real time, without restraint. Our [terms of service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) are simple and straight-forward. 10.VALUABLE FREE GIFT FOR CONTACTING US If you take the time to discuss answering service with us, on that same day we will ship you a hardcover copy of Sam Carpenter’s bestselling book, [_Work The System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_](https://www.workthesystem.com/), now in its 5th edition. (Sam is Centatel’s very active CEO.) December 1st 2025 marked his forty first year of ownership.) * * * ## Footer ## HVAC Business Remote Solutions - [Skip to primary navigation](https://www.centratel.com/blog/hvac-answering-service/can-your-hvac-business-go-completely-remote/#genesis-nav-primary) - [Skip to main content](https://www.centratel.com/blog/hvac-answering-service/can-your-hvac-business-go-completely-remote/#genesis-content) - [Skip to footer](https://www.centratel.com/blog/hvac-answering-service/can-your-hvac-business-go-completely-remote/#genesis-footer-widgets) The Highest Quality Telephone Answering Service in the United States - [Make Payment](https://thepaymentportal.com/index.php?compcode=2C1A-9FF4-91CA-7F93) - [Client Login](https://oncall.centratel.com/) - [Follow Centratel on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centratel-answering-service/) - [Follow Centratel on Twitter](https://twitter.com/centratel) - [Follow Centratel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centratel) ![A drawing representing an HVAC working from his home studio with the help of an answering service](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/feat-image.jpg) # Can your HVAC business go completely remote? July 30, 2020 [HVAC](https://www.centratel.com/blog/hvac-answering-service/) By Centratel While some businesses were able to temporarily shut their doors during the initial COVID-19, outbreak, this was not the case for most HVAC companies, which scrambled to continue providing services to customers in a way that was safe for them and for employees as the pandemic spread. As is the case in many industries, **some HVAC companies may now be looking at making a transition to entirely remote work**. Because an inevitable component of HVAC is having technicians visit homes in order to perform installations, checks and repairs, this approach needs to include an element of ensuring safe practices for both the technician and the customer. ![An HVAC technician employee working from home during Covid-19 pandemic ](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/intro-image.jpg) Working from home has a number of benefits for both employers and employees but also presents challenges. Most of these challenges can be met by having a clear plan in place that includes best practices. How an HVAC company meets those challenges is in some ways similar to the way any other company would, but **other best practices are specific to the HVAC industry**. ## Advantages of Working From Home Prior to COVID-19, employers may have believed it was too risky to allow some, most or all employees to work from home despite any potential financial benefits. With concerns about everything from security to workflow to how to effectively manage off-site employees, most employers simply chose to keep the status quo and might have even denied permission to employees who requested the accommodation in the past. Since COVID-19 required workplaces to scramble to accommodate most or all of their workforce from home almost literally overnight, many of those potential obstacles have been smoothed out, and the advantages have become obvious. **For some employees, working from home actually results in greater productivity**. One of the primary advantages of working from home from an employer’s point of view is lower costs. With fewer employees or no employees at all coming in to a workplace on a regular basis, **employers save on overhead that includes rent and equipment costs**. ![A face mask and hand sanitizer from an HVAC technician to be used during an installation service](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/02-1024x533.jpg) ## Best Practices for Technician Safety in the Home It is critical for HVAC companies to observe safety protocols to protect themselves and their customers from contracting or spreading COVID-19. These precautions may change over time based on recommendations from health authorities and may include but are not limited to: - wearing a mask - wearing gloves - social distancing - washing hands regularly - using sanitizer when hand-washing is unavailable - sanitizing iPads ## Looking to the Long Term The uncertainty of how the pandemic will progress and what measures will be necessary in the future to contain it combined with the potential efficiency of running offices remotely mean that HVAC companies and managers should be thinking about [work-from-home best practices for the long term](https://www.achrnews.com/articles/142923-transitioning-hvac-companies-from-office-to-remote-work). This is going to change the workplace for both HVAC companies and other industries in a number of ways. In fact, while the shift to working from home had to happen quickly and employers have learned on the fly, many of them, including **HVAC companies, may now want to look at making the change permanent regardless of the progression of COVID-19**. Some managers and companies place a premium on the optics of having people in place at the office for a certain number of hours daily, with those who put in the most time especially valued. With this no longer possible in many areas, the focus will need to shift to expectations that are driven by outcome. **One possible approach to this is to create daily and weekly task lists and ensure that they are completed**. This does create a danger of micromanagement, and **this approach is best done collaboratively instead of having managers assign them**. This is true for employees who spent the majority of their time offsite prior to COVID-19 as well. HVAC technicians know their territory and customer needs, and it is important to respect their valuable institutional knowledge. Because employees are now working from home, the onus on the company to respect their work-life balance will be greater as well. **The aim should be an arrangement that gives the employee flexibility to accomplish the tasks necessary in their job** **and not one in which the employer takes advantage of the employee being on call 24/7**. [Partnering with an answering service](https://www.centratel.com/hvac-answering-service/) can be valuable in this situation, allowing HVAC companies to ensure that their customers and potential customers can reach them at any time, including in emergencies, without putting an undue burden on their work-from-home staff. Effective managers will need to excel in facilitating clear and useful communication. Furthermore, flexibility and transparency will become critical values as employers and employees continue to adapt to a fast-changing situation. > Trust is an essential component in a workplace endeavoring to prevent the further spread of disease. ## Home Office Challenges The rapid progression of and response to COVID-19 means that few workers had an opportunity to convert a dedicated space into a home office, let alone one that was ergonomic and promoted efficient work habits. Many people are working from dining room tables or similar spots, with family life going on around them. This is unsustainable in the long term, but few individuals have the spare money and space to create an entire home office. **Companies may begin working with employees to ensure that they have the necessary equipment to work effectively**. This might include but is not limited to: - ergonomic chairs and desks - better audio equipment - better computer equipment - faster internet HVAC technicians generally do not need a home office, unless they run their own business, but they might need different or better tools for working in the field if they are communicating with one or more remote employees while visiting customers. “Completely remote” might not be attainable for many offices however. **A better solution in many cases might be hot desking, in which employees spend most of their time at home but come into the office to work on shared facilities**. In the past, this approach has largely been the approach of more tech-oriented companies, but even more traditional businesses, including HVAC, may benefit from a similar setup. ![HVAC employee hot-desking and checking for messages from Centratel Telephone Answering Service](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/03-1024x533.jpg) In fact, remote work is much easier to visualize today than it was just a few years ago thanks to the rise of the “coworking” model and coworking spaces. With the rise of freelancing, so-called “gig workers” and more work-from-home employees, coworking spaces can increasingly be found in large cities. These are usually office spaces where people pay for a monthly membership and are able to come in and use the facilities as needed. Some HVAC companies might look to model their onsite facilities in a similar manner for times when employees do need to turn up in person. ## Promoting Culture and Camaraderie One of the great challenges for a remote workplace is ensuring that employees still feel like a team despite physical distance. **Companies that do not already use platforms such as** [Slack](https://slack.com/) **might want to consider opening one or more channels** so employees can get quick answers to questions or simply chat casually as they might when encountering one another in the break room. Since this is a cultural shift in and of itself, employers should carefully consider how to introduce and regulate these types of platforms and ensure that they are used appropriately. Employers may also want to consider scheduling activities that bring employees together somewhat regularly so that they do get some face-to-face interaction. These are best planned with employee input. For example, **they should not be mandatory outside of an employee’s regular work hours**, but they should also not add to employees’ overall workload and stress by taking them away from their real or virtual desks during busy times. > Remote work means communication skills become more important than ever, and listening is one of those critical skills. Team-building activities should have the buy-in of the actual team. Some employees genuinely value the experience of working alongside others daily, and the work-from-home conditions imposed by the pandemic has caused a number of employees to feel isolated. For this and other reasons, going completely remote might not be feasible in some cases. **Companies might instead want to look at whether some individual roles could be shifted so that they are all or partly remote if there are advantages in doing so**. ## Realistic Expectations for Fully Remote Offices A [survey by the research firm Gartner](https://www.gartner.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2020-04-03-gartner-cfo-surey-reveals-74-percent-of-organizations-to-shift-some-employees-to-remote-work-permanently2) found that almost three-fourths of CFOs said that a minimum of 5% of their employees would continue working from home even after the pandemic’s end. Only 2% said that half of their employees or more would continue to be remote permanently. Around one-quarter thought that a significant minority of employees would continue to be remote. The reality of the situation is that most HVAC companies will not go fully remote, as is the case in most industries. The hurdles are both logistical and psychological. **Most employees prefer to keep their home and professional lives more separate than they are able to when working from home**. Video, chat facilities and other communication tools can help coworkers stay in touch, but they do not fully substitute for face-to-face interaction, as has become clear in places where full lockdowns have continued for some time. Furthermore, **HVAC is inherently a person-to-person business**. Even if technicians employ distancing procedures that include having the homeowner or business owner in another room while working, they still must physically travel to customer homes or commercial buildings in order to do their jobs. ## The Role of an Answering Service [Answering services can play a critical role for an HVAC company](https://www.centratel.com/blog/hvac-answering-service/hvac-phone-coverage-a-must-have-24-7/) that plans to go fully remote. Companies that move toward a remote workplace need to either fully or partly outsource some functions. Outsourcing has some negative connotations attached to it in part because some people associate it with reduced quality, but in fact, an answering service can offer top quality service when it is [staffed by professionals specifically trained in the industry](https://www.centratel.com/blog/answering-service/quality-employee-training-matters-for-you-your-associates-and-your-answering-service/). Customers who contacted the HVAC company would find experienced, knowledgeable individuals on the other end of the line. How much a fully or partially remote HVAC company might want to use an answering service would vary. Some companies might want to route all their calls through an answering service. However, for a family-owned company in a small town, customers might rely on speaking to someone they are acquainted with. In these situations, **having employees who can answer the phone during business hours and only using the answering service outside of those hours can be an excellent compromise**. In places where temperatures can drop dangerously low or high or in homes or facilities where medically vulnerable people whose conditions are sensitive to temperature changes live, an HVAC issue can quickly become an emergency. **An answering service that can guarantee 24/7 coverage helps reinforce customer confidence that any issues will be dealt with quickly and efficiency** even in a pandemic and even if the company is 100% remote. ## Taking the Next Step * * * For a quick orientation on how we operate, take a moment to review one or more of the key points listed in Why Choose Centratel Q&A (scroll down the page if you are on a mobile phone) For more specifics on cost, to start the onboarding process, or if you have questions, fill out this form with your basic information and if it’s during regular working hours (M-F 8am to 8pm EST or 5am to 5pm PST), we’ll get back to you within minutes. Or, during the above hours, you can simply call us at 800-664-7159 or send us an email to [inquiry@centratel.com](mailto:inquiry@centratel.com). First Name \* Last Name \* Job Title Email \* Company \* Phone \* City \* State \*State \*AlabamaAlaskaArkansasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDistrict of ColumbiaDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming How did you hear about us? How did you hear about us? \*PostcardBook gift: Work the SystemLetterReferralOnline SearchWork The SystemFacebook Is your business one of our specialties \*Is your business one of our specialties \*MedicalHome Health/HospiceVeterinary24/7 BusinessHVACTrade ServiceProperty ManagementUtilityDisaster RestorationPlumbing What is your ONE primary concern with using an answering service? \*What is your primary concern with using an answering service? \*Professionalism of staffMessage delivery accuracy and timelinessConsistent high quality of serviceCost of serviceLiabilityConfidentialityOther Are you currently using a call center/telephone answering service? \* YesNo Requested service start date \*Requested service start date \*ASAPWithin 1 WeekWithin 2 WeeksWithin 1 MonthOther List any specific call requirements Submit [Terms of Service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) ### **Why Choose Centratel** **BY SAM CARPENTER** **February 1, 2026** 1.CENTRATEL’S UNIQUE 30-DAY FREE TRIAL Why is this important? Because it will provide you a truly accurate estimate of cost (we bill monthly), it will demonstrate our quality, and it gives both sides of this brand new relationship—you and Centratel—plenty of time to refine and perfect operational details. Here’s a testimonial from a new medical client that had just finished their 30-day trial: _“Of course, I love the cost as it is close to the amount I was allowed by the president of the company. I told him that if we did not continue with Centratel, I would resign as the Director of Customer Service, and I meant it. It’s a great fit. We have had NOT ONE complaint from a patient or in-house which, as you know, we received daily with our former answering service._ _I love you, Centratel, and the price. I’m ready to sign whatever documents you require._ _Thanks for the great service, and the free month_! _To a great partnership! -KB, Phoenix_“ 2.STATISTICALLY, THE BEST IN THE U.S.? Answering service quality is 100% dependent on human action and reaction, and in the course of a single day a multitude of human decisions are made by the people who process the calls: Telephone Service Representatives, or TSRs. (Some answering services refer to them as “agents.” Others, “operators.”) Like any other answering service, at Centratel we’re dealing with real live human beings and so human errors can occur. But within this labor intensive service industry that is historically known for marginal quality, Centratel’s error rate is light years ahead of established standards. Our most recent Customer Reported Error Rate (October through December, 2025) was 1 customer-reported error for every 7,017 message transactions processed. That statistic is unmatched. There’s no artificial intelligence manipulation, we do not offshore calls, and we were founded and have always operated within the United States. (Note that since early 2020, the COVID six-foot social distancing mandate drove thousands of small-to-medium sized answering services out of business. Large, often foreign-owned multi-nationals, disguised by the name of the local answering services they acquired, now thoroughly dominate the industry. Hence, an even further decline in general service quality. [See this analysis.](https://www.centratel.com/answering-service-phone-industry/)) 3.CUSTOMER SERVICE EXTRAORDINAIRE Your concerns will be instantly acted upon. It’s a work ethic that stands in stark contrast to the general decline in quality of human-to-human business communications. You’ve seen it yourself, all around. At Centratel you will know by name the customer service people you’re working with, appreciating their special listening abilities as well as their take-action-now comportment. e.g. see the testimonial in point #1 above. ‘Nuff said! 4.GETTING STARTED: IT’S SIMPLE AND FAST Getting your new Centratel answering service 30-day free trial up-and-running is accomplished within 24-48 hours. From the start, your “onboarding” customer service representative will be with you every step of the way **,** listening carefully to your concerns, answering questions and offering suggestions. 5.NEW TO USING AN ANSWERING SERVICE? The very large majority of our current answering service accounts switched to us from another service because of quality and/or cost problems. However, if you have not used a service before, you are not familiar with the options, benefits, and pitfalls. Our 30-day free trial provides you—and us—plenty of time to precisely refine your desired message-taking and delivery protocols; to get things exactly the way you want them to be without any financial risk, undue pressure, or obligation. 6.PRICING Starting at $150 per month, our rates lie in the mid-range of the industry. Note that we charge by the “transaction unit” rather than the duration of time spent handling calls. Large “mega-services” operating in the U.S. prefer time billing because it ensures the company is compensated for lower-paid/high-turnover — and thus slower — agents. _No matter the quality or how long they keep your callers on hold, they still make a profit_. And yes, it can get expensive, especially if caller on-hold time is also billed. In any answering service, it takes a long time for a new agent to become fast, efficient, and stable. At Centratel, we pamper and reward experienced agents (via high pay and great benefits) and therefore have extremely low staff turnover. Needless to say, experienced agents make fewer errors than trainees who learn on-the-job. And, transaction-unit billing is easy to understand. There is no room for fraud as in time-billing. We can easily document and explain any monthly billing we send you. 7.ACCURATELY COMPARING ANSWERING SERVICE PRICING IS COMPLICATED It’s apples and oranges. There isn’t an industry standard for billing, and each answering service has its own formula. Also, as noted above, some services charge by agent “time” while a few, like us, charge by “transaction units.” Some others combine the two. At Centratel, we charge for the work we do, not by the time we spend. The raw truth is that the only reliable way to determine monthly cost for a new service is to use that service for a solid month. Most answering services offer a 7-day free trial or no trial at all. With Centratel you get 30-days. 8. MONTHLY OR 28-DAY BILLING? Important! At Centratel, we use a “monthly” billing cycle in which invoices are compiled from the first day of a month through the last day of that month. When soliciting quotes from other services, be sure to ask if the base-rate charges are billed monthly or on a “28-day billing cycle.” There is no good reason for a 28-day billing cycle! It’s a sly manipulation by the answering service: customers billed on a 28-day cycle actually receive thirteen billings per year instead of twelve. 9.NO CONTRACT AND SIMPLE TERMS OF SERVICE We don’t ask for a term contract for service because you should be able to evaluate us in real time, without restraint. Our [terms of service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) are simple and straight-forward. 10.VALUABLE FREE GIFT FOR CONTACTING US If you take the time to discuss answering service with us, on that same day we will ship you a hardcover copy of Sam Carpenter’s bestselling book, [_Work The System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_](https://www.workthesystem.com/), now in its 5th edition. (Sam is Centatel’s very active CEO.) December 1st 2025 marked his forty first year of ownership.) * * * ## Footer ## Answering Service Importance - [Skip to primary navigation](https://www.centratel.com/blog/answering-service/why-an-answering-service-is-vital-for-your-virtual-meetings-success/#genesis-nav-primary) - [Skip to main content](https://www.centratel.com/blog/answering-service/why-an-answering-service-is-vital-for-your-virtual-meetings-success/#genesis-content) - [Skip to footer](https://www.centratel.com/blog/answering-service/why-an-answering-service-is-vital-for-your-virtual-meetings-success/#genesis-footer-widgets) The Highest Quality Telephone Answering Service in the United States - [Make Payment](https://thepaymentportal.com/index.php?compcode=2C1A-9FF4-91CA-7F93) - [Client Login](https://oncall.centratel.com/) - [Follow Centratel on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centratel-answering-service/) - [Follow Centratel on Twitter](https://twitter.com/centratel) - [Follow Centratel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centratel) ![A Centratel desk with phone, notebook, and computer during a virtual meeting](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Centratel-why-an-answering-service-is-vital-for-your-virtual-meetings-success.jpg) # Why an Answering Service is Vital for Your Virtual Meeting’s Success July 16, 2020 [Answering Service](https://www.centratel.com/blog/answering-service/) By Andi Freeman As the American workforce moves home, we face a new future. This is a future without office cubicles and water-cooler gossip, without handshakes and high fives, without seeing eye-to-eye (hopefully, only physically) or speaking face-to-face. Instead, our future is filled with virtual conferences, with team meetings held on video conferencing platforms, and with workplace happy hours celebrated via webcam. ![A person working remote from home during Covid-19 pandemic](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Centratel-why-an-answering-service-is-vital-for-your-virtual-meetings-success-intro-image.jpg) With social distancing mandates still in effect in many places and most companies shuttered for the foreseeable future, working from home has undeniably become the new normal. Deloitte reports that **58% of the American workforce is currently working from home**, and the CDC recommends allowing any worker who can operate remotely to do so. So, although we may not necessarily be ready to embrace this change, we must embrace it nonetheless. Keep in mind: this is possibly the best time _ever_ to take steps forward towards modernizing your business’ systems and values. In just the first quarter of 2020, we’ve seen drastic shifts in workplace communication models as well as employer-employee expectations. And luckily, in the years since virtual meetings began building their now-solidly horrible reputation, **technology has undergone an enormous evolution**, offering technical solutions to some of web conferencing’s biggest problems. One of those problems? **Being interrupted during a virtual team meeting**. Face it, you’ve almost definitely had this happen to you before. Or if it didn’t happen to you personally, it happened to someone else who was in a meeting with you. Whether it’s the baby or the dog, the door-to-door salesman or your sister on the phone, interruptions seem to be an inevitable part of a virtual team meeting. But they don’t _have_ to be. Using a [high-quality answering service](https://www.centratel.com/faq/#highest) minimizes interruptions and maximizes work time. It is a tried-and-true technological tool that you can — and should — be utilizing at your company. [Harvard](https://blog.dce.harvard.edu/professional-development/challenges-managing-virtual-teams-and-how-overcome-them) agrees, “Technology is what makes virtual teams possible. Don’t shy away from the tools and software that can make your job easier.” **A high-quality answering service is simply part of technology’s trend towards modernization**, towards seamless communication– without interruption. ![Centratel's CEO desk during a team meeting in a virtual conference](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201024%20533'%3E%3C/svg%3E) Here’s five reasons why you and your team deserve to be using a high-quality answering service for inbound call reception, redirection, and message-relaying. ## Why a High-Quality Answering Service is the Answer ### Team Time is Sacred When you take some time out to establish and fine-tune some ground-rules for virtual meetings, they tend to run much more smoothly and take far less time. Increased efficiency is possible because of how many variables are eliminated from the equation. Eliminate all those distractions that come from being at home and all those interruptions that come from not-in-person communication. Setting up some clear and transparent guidelines is the first step towards conducting a successful virtual meeting. Protect your team’s time by providing clarity surrounding inter-office communications. [Harvard](https://blog.dce.harvard.edu/professional-development/challenges-managing-virtual-teams-and-how-overcome-them) advises, “Remove the ambiguity that so often surrounds workplace communication by providing written guidelines that outline what kind of messages should be sent through which mediums, and how team members are expected to interact with each other.” > Having a quality answering service at your back means that you can maintain certain expectations even when managing a team from afar. You won’t have to police who’s on their phone during a virtual meeting because there’ll be no need for anyone to take a call. [Your answering service is there to make your life, as well as your employees’ lives, easier](https://www.centratel.com/blog/answering-service/are-you-throwing-away-your-money-using-a-cheap-answering-service/). ### Trust is Built When you and your team members know that team time is sacred to everyone involved, trusting, strong relationships can be built between team members. [Forbes](https://www.forbes.com/sites/nickmorgan/2012/10/02/5-fatal-flaws-with-virtual-meetings/#6c969e77704f) names this lack of trust as one of the fatal flaws of virtual meetings because “the bonding that naturally happens when people meet…is lacking.” If you set aside time for team-building or just a chance to connect, your team will communicate more efficiently and effectively when they’re on the job together. [The Enterprisers Project](https://enterprisersproject.com/article/2018/3/awful-virtual-meetings-9-fixes) reports that “Relationships are just as important in a virtual team as they are for a co-located team, but virtual team leaders tend to focus more on task than connection…To accommodate this – and give your team the chance to build relationships – add time to the agenda for casual conversation.” ![A company virtual team meeting covered by Centratel Telephone Answering Service](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201500%20781'%3E%3C/svg%3E) ### No Interruptions–For You or Your Customers With **the highest-quality answering service** taking your company’s calls, you’re not the only one who is no longer being interrupted. Yes, your meetings are no longer held up by staff running in and out, phones ringing, answering machines crackling on loudly — but, and perhaps more importantly, your [customer service is no longer being interrupted](https://www.centratel.com/blog/answering-service/using-an-internal-phone-system-could-be-bad-for-business/) either. When you previously held whole-staff meetings, there were times when calls got missed entirely, leaving clients waiting on the line with no idea as to when they’ll hear back. With an answering service running your calls, uninterrupted customer service is our guarantee. ### No Missed Messages Anybody who has worked on a team knows: if somebody’s out sick, either one of us has to pick up the slack or the ball is getting dropped, today. With an experienced and enthusiastic answering service by your side, your team will no longer have to scramble to cover shifts or take on others’ work. An answering service provides **24/7 support**, including taking messages and directing them to the right people, so we serve to fill in any gaps in your communication model, particularly now, as your business shifts to remote working practices. ### A Modern Solution to a Persistent Problem If you had to look for a silver lining to our current state of events, it’s that important changes are happening and they’re happening very quickly, at a pace much faster than they would in other circumstances. And it’s up to us to take advantage of these technological advancements and solutions that will make our current situations easier, if only by a little. [Forbes](https://www.forbes.com/sites/danielnewman/2020/05/08/how-innovation-is-driving-productivity-during-and-beyond-the-covid-19-pandemic/#390ae3e677b2) says, “A crucial – if perhaps under appreciated – aspect of our ability to weather this and future global crises is the development, at speed and at scale, of the very technologies that enable us to quickly adapt and carry on when disruption strikes.” At **the highest-quality telephone answering service** in the United States, we thought and acted urgently yet flexibly, **adapting to an unforeseen global pandemic without a second of interruption to our services**. > We’re a reliable and **trustworthy partner** in the worst of times, and we’ll celebrate the best of times with you when they come around again. Collaborating with a high-quality answering service is a proven solution that you can implement _tomorrow_ to improve communication and team culture across the board, for all team members. With us, your team members won’t be struggling to answer calls during business hours as well as find time to do their regular work — all while working at home. Instead, your team can breathe easy and relax, knowing their business is safely in the hands of a truly professional, experienced answering service provider. ## Taking the Next Step * * * For a quick orientation on how we operate, take a moment to review one or more of the key points listed in Why Choose Centratel Q&A (scroll down the page if you are on a mobile phone) For more specifics on cost, to start the onboarding process, or if you have questions, fill out this form with your basic information and if it’s during regular working hours (M-F 8am to 8pm EST or 5am to 5pm PST), we’ll get back to you within minutes. Or, during the above hours, you can simply call us at 800-664-7159 or send us an email to [inquiry@centratel.com](mailto:inquiry@centratel.com). First Name \* Last Name \* Job Title Email \* Company \* Phone \* City \* State \*State \*AlabamaAlaskaArkansasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDistrict of ColumbiaDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming How did you hear about us? How did you hear about us? \*PostcardBook gift: Work the SystemLetterReferralOnline SearchWork The SystemFacebook Is your business one of our specialties \*Is your business one of our specialties \*MedicalHome Health/HospiceVeterinary24/7 BusinessHVACTrade ServiceProperty ManagementUtilityDisaster RestorationPlumbing What is your ONE primary concern with using an answering service? \*What is your primary concern with using an answering service? \*Professionalism of staffMessage delivery accuracy and timelinessConsistent high quality of serviceCost of serviceLiabilityConfidentialityOther Are you currently using a call center/telephone answering service? \* YesNo Requested service start date \*Requested service start date \*ASAPWithin 1 WeekWithin 2 WeeksWithin 1 MonthOther List any specific call requirements Submit [Terms of Service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) ### **Why Choose Centratel** **BY SAM CARPENTER** **February 1, 2026** 1.CENTRATEL’S UNIQUE 30-DAY FREE TRIAL Why is this important? Because it will provide you a truly accurate estimate of cost (we bill monthly), it will demonstrate our quality, and it gives both sides of this brand new relationship—you and Centratel—plenty of time to refine and perfect operational details. Here’s a testimonial from a new medical client that had just finished their 30-day trial: _“Of course, I love the cost as it is close to the amount I was allowed by the president of the company. I told him that if we did not continue with Centratel, I would resign as the Director of Customer Service, and I meant it. It’s a great fit. We have had NOT ONE complaint from a patient or in-house which, as you know, we received daily with our former answering service._ _I love you, Centratel, and the price. I’m ready to sign whatever documents you require._ _Thanks for the great service, and the free month_! _To a great partnership! -KB, Phoenix_“ 2.STATISTICALLY, THE BEST IN THE U.S.? Answering service quality is 100% dependent on human action and reaction, and in the course of a single day a multitude of human decisions are made by the people who process the calls: Telephone Service Representatives, or TSRs. (Some answering services refer to them as “agents.” Others, “operators.”) Like any other answering service, at Centratel we’re dealing with real live human beings and so human errors can occur. But within this labor intensive service industry that is historically known for marginal quality, Centratel’s error rate is light years ahead of established standards. Our most recent Customer Reported Error Rate (October through December, 2025) was 1 customer-reported error for every 7,017 message transactions processed. That statistic is unmatched. There’s no artificial intelligence manipulation, we do not offshore calls, and we were founded and have always operated within the United States. (Note that since early 2020, the COVID six-foot social distancing mandate drove thousands of small-to-medium sized answering services out of business. Large, often foreign-owned multi-nationals, disguised by the name of the local answering services they acquired, now thoroughly dominate the industry. Hence, an even further decline in general service quality. [See this analysis.](https://www.centratel.com/answering-service-phone-industry/)) 3.CUSTOMER SERVICE EXTRAORDINAIRE Your concerns will be instantly acted upon. It’s a work ethic that stands in stark contrast to the general decline in quality of human-to-human business communications. You’ve seen it yourself, all around. At Centratel you will know by name the customer service people you’re working with, appreciating their special listening abilities as well as their take-action-now comportment. e.g. see the testimonial in point #1 above. ‘Nuff said! 4.GETTING STARTED: IT’S SIMPLE AND FAST Getting your new Centratel answering service 30-day free trial up-and-running is accomplished within 24-48 hours. From the start, your “onboarding” customer service representative will be with you every step of the way **,** listening carefully to your concerns, answering questions and offering suggestions. 5.NEW TO USING AN ANSWERING SERVICE? The very large majority of our current answering service accounts switched to us from another service because of quality and/or cost problems. However, if you have not used a service before, you are not familiar with the options, benefits, and pitfalls. Our 30-day free trial provides you—and us—plenty of time to precisely refine your desired message-taking and delivery protocols; to get things exactly the way you want them to be without any financial risk, undue pressure, or obligation. 6.PRICING Starting at $150 per month, our rates lie in the mid-range of the industry. Note that we charge by the “transaction unit” rather than the duration of time spent handling calls. Large “mega-services” operating in the U.S. prefer time billing because it ensures the company is compensated for lower-paid/high-turnover — and thus slower — agents. _No matter the quality or how long they keep your callers on hold, they still make a profit_. And yes, it can get expensive, especially if caller on-hold time is also billed. In any answering service, it takes a long time for a new agent to become fast, efficient, and stable. At Centratel, we pamper and reward experienced agents (via high pay and great benefits) and therefore have extremely low staff turnover. Needless to say, experienced agents make fewer errors than trainees who learn on-the-job. And, transaction-unit billing is easy to understand. There is no room for fraud as in time-billing. We can easily document and explain any monthly billing we send you. 7.ACCURATELY COMPARING ANSWERING SERVICE PRICING IS COMPLICATED It’s apples and oranges. There isn’t an industry standard for billing, and each answering service has its own formula. Also, as noted above, some services charge by agent “time” while a few, like us, charge by “transaction units.” Some others combine the two. At Centratel, we charge for the work we do, not by the time we spend. The raw truth is that the only reliable way to determine monthly cost for a new service is to use that service for a solid month. Most answering services offer a 7-day free trial or no trial at all. With Centratel you get 30-days. 8. MONTHLY OR 28-DAY BILLING? Important! At Centratel, we use a “monthly” billing cycle in which invoices are compiled from the first day of a month through the last day of that month. When soliciting quotes from other services, be sure to ask if the base-rate charges are billed monthly or on a “28-day billing cycle.” There is no good reason for a 28-day billing cycle! It’s a sly manipulation by the answering service: customers billed on a 28-day cycle actually receive thirteen billings per year instead of twelve. 9.NO CONTRACT AND SIMPLE TERMS OF SERVICE We don’t ask for a term contract for service because you should be able to evaluate us in real time, without restraint. Our [terms of service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) are simple and straight-forward. 10.VALUABLE FREE GIFT FOR CONTACTING US If you take the time to discuss answering service with us, on that same day we will ship you a hardcover copy of Sam Carpenter’s bestselling book, [_Work The System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_](https://www.workthesystem.com/), now in its 5th edition. (Sam is Centatel’s very active CEO.) December 1st 2025 marked his forty first year of ownership.) * * * ## Footer ## 4th of July Answering Service - [Skip to primary navigation](https://www.centratel.com/blog/answering-service/answering-service-for-the-4th-of-july/#genesis-nav-primary) - [Skip to main content](https://www.centratel.com/blog/answering-service/answering-service-for-the-4th-of-july/#genesis-content) - [Skip to footer](https://www.centratel.com/blog/answering-service/answering-service-for-the-4th-of-july/#genesis-footer-widgets) The Highest Quality Telephone Answering Service in the United States - [Make Payment](https://thepaymentportal.com/index.php?compcode=2C1A-9FF4-91CA-7F93) - [Client Login](https://oncall.centratel.com/) - [Follow Centratel on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centratel-answering-service/) - [Follow Centratel on Twitter](https://twitter.com/centratel) - [Follow Centratel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centratel) ![The American flag as symbol of the 4th of July for Centratel Telephone Answering Service](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Centratel-answering-service-for-the-4th-of-july.jpg) # Answering Service for the 4th of July July 2, 2020 [Answering Service](https://www.centratel.com/blog/answering-service/) By Centratel On July 4, 1776, the 13 colonies claimed their independence from England, an event which eventually led to the formation of the United States. Each year on the fourth of July, also known as Independence Day, Americans celebrate this historic event. Massachusetts was the first to make Independence Day a holiday. On July 3, 1781, Massachusetts legislature called for an official state celebration to recognize “the anniversary of the independence of the United States of America,” making it the first state to recognize the 4th of July as an official holiday, and Independence Day or July 4th—has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941. This year, for the first time in a long time this beloved holiday will be vastly **different than in years past**.  The Coronavirus has forced a new normal of social distancing and limiting group gatherings for the safety of us all. ![American flag intro image for the 4th of July for Centratel Telephone Answering Service](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Centratel-answering-service-for-the-4th-of-july-intro.jpg) This year the traditional parades, carnivals and events that we have become accustomed to attending will not be happening.  The big neighborhood BBQs will look a lot different if they occur at all with everyone wearing masks and standing six feet apart. There will likely be more thought given to what it is that we are celebrating about our past and what needs to be done in order to celebrate our future. ![Centratel's BBQ illustration with masks during 4th of July 2020 celebrations](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Centratel-answering-service-for-the-4th-of-july-middle.jpg) ## The United States of America is a great country. We have a tremendous number of things that we can be proud of as citizens of this great country and even with everything that is going on right now we should be proud to live in a democracy that allows us to grow and prosper as individuals and as a society.  **This 4th of July is a good opportunity for us to reflect on who we are as a country and to celebrate not only what this country has been but what it can be.** We will get through all of this together.  We are Americans, a great nation of amazing people who have faced great challenges throughout our history and always overcome them. So, while the Pet Parade may not be happening and the fairground carnival may be closed, lets get together with our family, our loved ones and our friends and neighbors and talk about what we can do to help each other keep this country great and what we can do to make it an even better place for future generations of Americans. > From all of us at Centratel we want to wish everyone a happy 4th of July.  Please stay safe and enjoy the celebration of our great nations birth. ## Taking the Next Step * * * For a quick orientation on how we operate, take a moment to review one or more of the key points listed in Why Choose Centratel Q&A (scroll down the page if you are on a mobile phone) For more specifics on cost, to start the onboarding process, or if you have questions, fill out this form with your basic information and if it’s during regular working hours (M-F 8am to 8pm EST or 5am to 5pm PST), we’ll get back to you within minutes. Or, during the above hours, you can simply call us at 800-664-7159 or send us an email to [inquiry@centratel.com](mailto:inquiry@centratel.com). First Name \* Last Name \* Job Title Email \* Company \* Phone \* City \* State \*State \*AlabamaAlaskaArkansasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDistrict of ColumbiaDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming How did you hear about us? How did you hear about us? \*PostcardBook gift: Work the SystemLetterReferralOnline SearchWork The SystemFacebook Is your business one of our specialties \*Is your business one of our specialties \*MedicalHome Health/HospiceVeterinary24/7 BusinessHVACTrade ServiceProperty ManagementUtilityDisaster RestorationPlumbing What is your ONE primary concern with using an answering service? \*What is your primary concern with using an answering service? \*Professionalism of staffMessage delivery accuracy and timelinessConsistent high quality of serviceCost of serviceLiabilityConfidentialityOther Are you currently using a call center/telephone answering service? \* YesNo Requested service start date \*Requested service start date \*ASAPWithin 1 WeekWithin 2 WeeksWithin 1 MonthOther List any specific call requirements Submit [Terms of Service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) ### **Why Choose Centratel** **BY SAM CARPENTER** **February 1, 2026** 1.CENTRATEL’S UNIQUE 30-DAY FREE TRIAL Why is this important? Because it will provide you a truly accurate estimate of cost (we bill monthly), it will demonstrate our quality, and it gives both sides of this brand new relationship—you and Centratel—plenty of time to refine and perfect operational details. Here’s a testimonial from a new medical client that had just finished their 30-day trial: _“Of course, I love the cost as it is close to the amount I was allowed by the president of the company. I told him that if we did not continue with Centratel, I would resign as the Director of Customer Service, and I meant it. It’s a great fit. We have had NOT ONE complaint from a patient or in-house which, as you know, we received daily with our former answering service._ _I love you, Centratel, and the price. I’m ready to sign whatever documents you require._ _Thanks for the great service, and the free month_! _To a great partnership! -KB, Phoenix_“ 2.STATISTICALLY, THE BEST IN THE U.S.? Answering service quality is 100% dependent on human action and reaction, and in the course of a single day a multitude of human decisions are made by the people who process the calls: Telephone Service Representatives, or TSRs. (Some answering services refer to them as “agents.” Others, “operators.”) Like any other answering service, at Centratel we’re dealing with real live human beings and so human errors can occur. But within this labor intensive service industry that is historically known for marginal quality, Centratel’s error rate is light years ahead of established standards. Our most recent Customer Reported Error Rate (October through December, 2025) was 1 customer-reported error for every 7,017 message transactions processed. That statistic is unmatched. There’s no artificial intelligence manipulation, we do not offshore calls, and we were founded and have always operated within the United States. (Note that since early 2020, the COVID six-foot social distancing mandate drove thousands of small-to-medium sized answering services out of business. Large, often foreign-owned multi-nationals, disguised by the name of the local answering services they acquired, now thoroughly dominate the industry. Hence, an even further decline in general service quality. [See this analysis.](https://www.centratel.com/answering-service-phone-industry/)) 3.CUSTOMER SERVICE EXTRAORDINAIRE Your concerns will be instantly acted upon. It’s a work ethic that stands in stark contrast to the general decline in quality of human-to-human business communications. You’ve seen it yourself, all around. At Centratel you will know by name the customer service people you’re working with, appreciating their special listening abilities as well as their take-action-now comportment. e.g. see the testimonial in point #1 above. ‘Nuff said! 4.GETTING STARTED: IT’S SIMPLE AND FAST Getting your new Centratel answering service 30-day free trial up-and-running is accomplished within 24-48 hours. From the start, your “onboarding” customer service representative will be with you every step of the way **,** listening carefully to your concerns, answering questions and offering suggestions. 5.NEW TO USING AN ANSWERING SERVICE? The very large majority of our current answering service accounts switched to us from another service because of quality and/or cost problems. However, if you have not used a service before, you are not familiar with the options, benefits, and pitfalls. Our 30-day free trial provides you—and us—plenty of time to precisely refine your desired message-taking and delivery protocols; to get things exactly the way you want them to be without any financial risk, undue pressure, or obligation. 6.PRICING Starting at $150 per month, our rates lie in the mid-range of the industry. Note that we charge by the “transaction unit” rather than the duration of time spent handling calls. Large “mega-services” operating in the U.S. prefer time billing because it ensures the company is compensated for lower-paid/high-turnover — and thus slower — agents. _No matter the quality or how long they keep your callers on hold, they still make a profit_. And yes, it can get expensive, especially if caller on-hold time is also billed. In any answering service, it takes a long time for a new agent to become fast, efficient, and stable. At Centratel, we pamper and reward experienced agents (via high pay and great benefits) and therefore have extremely low staff turnover. Needless to say, experienced agents make fewer errors than trainees who learn on-the-job. And, transaction-unit billing is easy to understand. There is no room for fraud as in time-billing. We can easily document and explain any monthly billing we send you. 7.ACCURATELY COMPARING ANSWERING SERVICE PRICING IS COMPLICATED It’s apples and oranges. There isn’t an industry standard for billing, and each answering service has its own formula. Also, as noted above, some services charge by agent “time” while a few, like us, charge by “transaction units.” Some others combine the two. At Centratel, we charge for the work we do, not by the time we spend. The raw truth is that the only reliable way to determine monthly cost for a new service is to use that service for a solid month. Most answering services offer a 7-day free trial or no trial at all. With Centratel you get 30-days. 8. MONTHLY OR 28-DAY BILLING? Important! At Centratel, we use a “monthly” billing cycle in which invoices are compiled from the first day of a month through the last day of that month. When soliciting quotes from other services, be sure to ask if the base-rate charges are billed monthly or on a “28-day billing cycle.” There is no good reason for a 28-day billing cycle! It’s a sly manipulation by the answering service: customers billed on a 28-day cycle actually receive thirteen billings per year instead of twelve. 9.NO CONTRACT AND SIMPLE TERMS OF SERVICE We don’t ask for a term contract for service because you should be able to evaluate us in real time, without restraint. Our [terms of service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) are simple and straight-forward. 10.VALUABLE FREE GIFT FOR CONTACTING US If you take the time to discuss answering service with us, on that same day we will ship you a hardcover copy of Sam Carpenter’s bestselling book, [_Work The System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_](https://www.workthesystem.com/), now in its 5th edition. (Sam is Centatel’s very active CEO.) December 1st 2025 marked his forty first year of ownership.) * * * ## Footer ## COVID-19 Property Management Guide - [Skip to primary navigation](https://www.centratel.com/blog/property-management-answering-service/your-property-management-company-will-survive-covid-19/#genesis-nav-primary) - [Skip to main content](https://www.centratel.com/blog/property-management-answering-service/your-property-management-company-will-survive-covid-19/#genesis-content) - [Skip to footer](https://www.centratel.com/blog/property-management-answering-service/your-property-management-company-will-survive-covid-19/#genesis-footer-widgets) The Highest Quality Telephone Answering Service in the United States - [Make Payment](https://thepaymentportal.com/index.php?compcode=2C1A-9FF4-91CA-7F93) - [Client Login](https://oncall.centratel.com/) - [Follow Centratel on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centratel-answering-service/) - [Follow Centratel on Twitter](https://twitter.com/centratel) - [Follow Centratel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centratel) ![Rooms successfully managed by the property menagers thanks to an answering service help](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Centratel-your-property-management-company-will-survive-covid-19.jpg) # Your Property Management Company Will Survive COVID-19 June 25, 2020 [Property Management](https://www.centratel.com/blog/property-management-answering-service/) By Andi Freeman ## Here’s how As businesses begin to reopen in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, it can be difficult to know what timeline you should follow and how quickly you can resume operating as usual, especially if you’re a property manager. Though [your business likely suffered financially during the outbreak of COVID-19](https://www.centratel.com/blog/property-management-answering-service/challenges-for-property-managers-during-covid-19/) in the United States, reopening your doors is not a decision to make lightly, as you must ensure your clientele feel confident your company has done everything in its power to make its properties safe and sanitized. Luckily, we’ve compiled a thorough checklist for property managers who are navigating this transitional time. As you plan and prepare to reopen, these tips should help mitigate your fears and ease your worries. Property managers around the country are in this together, and following some simple, shared guidelines for how to proceed ensures your reopening will be a successful one, drawing clients from near and far who have been unable to find new housing during a difficult time. ![Apartments for rent closed doors due to the COVID-19 crisis](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Centratel-your-property-management-company-will-survive-covid-19-intro.jpg) Read on to learn how your property management company can and will survive COVID-19. ![A Centratel infographic about the Checklist for Property Managers on How to survive COVID-19](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Centratel-your-property-management-company-will-survive-covid-19-infographic.jpg) ## Keep Residents Informed In times of crisis, people want to be informed. They feel more secure and safe when they are receiving a steady stream of communication and information. > As a property manager, you can lead the charge on **ensuring your residents remain fully informed of any important executive decisions made by your company during this time**, as well as providing some educational content about COVID-19 so that your residents are sure to stay safe and socially distanced. Give your residents easy access to this information by setting up an online resident web portal or sending out mass emails and text messages. Other common, perhaps more traditional ways of communicating with residents, such as by paper flyer, should be avoided at this time to lessen the chance of people congregating at a shared site, potentially putting themselves at risk of spreading disease and infection. Additionally, there’s less of a chance that residents will see a paper flyer if they are staying inside and at home more often than usual. You also want to protect your employees’ health at this time by ensuring they can safely communicate with residents. One foolproof way to do this is to take residents’ questions or concerns via the internet and telephone. ## Minimize In-person Interactions What we currently know is that the coronavirus spreads most easily when people are in close quarters with one another, as infectious droplets can jump from person to person. The [Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)](https://www.cdc.gov/) advises that the best way to stay healthy is to keep a distance of at least six feet between yourself and other people. ![A living room with a wooden floor and a blue sofa](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Centratel-your-property-management-company-will-survive-covid-19-middle.jpg) As a property manager, you can keep your residents healthy and safe by minimizing the number of times they are forced to interact with other people face-to-face each day. If residents usually pay rent in-person, set up a way for them to pay rent online instead of having to come down to the office. Instead of conducting walk-throughs of your properties for interested parties, send them a link to a virtual or video tour. Close all shared amenities like pools, rec centers, and gyms — or require your residents to follow strict social distancing guidelines. ## Consider Changing Your Policies Many property owners have revised their policies regarding evictions and late rent payments due to the overwhelming number of people who have been financially affected by the pandemic. You may also want to consider adding in vacancy periods to your scheduling. After someone moves out, for instance, be sure to follow the CDC’s recommended vacancy period before sending in staff to inspect, clean, or perform maintenance. > Follow up each vacancy period with a thorough disinfection of the unit, focusing on high-contact surfaces. ## Restrict Service Providers If you have any open contracts with service providers, such as plumbers or gardeners, be clear on the measures they are taking to protect themselves and their clients during this time. If needed, restrict the amount of work being done on-site, which may require you to review contracts for clauses on work delays or stoppages. Just as you don’t want your residents interacting with your employees or one another, you also don’t want additional personnel entering and leaving your buildings, as this allows more opportunities for disease to spread. ![A lounge with several armchairs arranged by the property managers company](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Centratel-your-property-management-company-will-survive-covid-19-outro-1024x533.jpg) ## Develop a Detailed Response Plan In times of crisis, some leaders become paralyzed by indecision, while others choose to seek out opportunity in the midst of chaos. You, as the lead decision-maker for your company, must think and act flexibility and proactively — to seize this opportunity and develop a detailed response plan that can be used now or in any situation that requires an emergency response. ## Invest In 24/7 Customer Service [An answering service provides immediate and constant customer service for your clients — both residents and property owners — throughout this trying time](https://www.centratel.com/30-day-free-trial/). While you are busy balancing your desire to serve your clientele while still keeping everyone safe, your phones are likely ringing off the hook with residents’ questions, comments, and concerns. These calls cannot go unanswered. Your community must feel seen and heard, now more than ever. As you perform a thorough reset on your facilities and audit your operations for safety, it can be difficult to maintain consistent and reliable customer service to your clients. > Ensure their needs are still being met on a daily basis by **[hiring an experienced and dedicated answering service to take and redirect your calls](https://www.centratel.com/property-management/)**. Some of your employees may still need to work from home, especially if they have young children or elderly members of their family living with them. Child care may not be available, or perhaps you simply don’t want to open your central office just yet. [With an answering service by your side, your employees can easily continue to support your company from home](https://www.centratel.com/property-management/), even if they require more flexibility with regards to setting their hours and times of availability. Your answering service will pick up the slack and provide 24/7 service to residents and their families. > Keep in mind that you are providing **an essential service to those who need shelter in your community**. Be proud of the work you are doing, and most of all, remember that you don’t have to do it alone. **A respected and reliable answering service will have your back 7 days a week, 24 hours a day**. ## Taking the Next Step * * * For a quick orientation on how we operate, take a moment to review one or more of the key points listed in Why Choose Centratel Q&A (scroll down the page if you are on a mobile phone) For more specifics on cost, to start the onboarding process, or if you have questions, fill out this form with your basic information and if it’s during regular working hours (M-F 8am to 8pm EST or 5am to 5pm PST), we’ll get back to you within minutes. Or, during the above hours, you can simply call us at 800-664-7159 or send us an email to [inquiry@centratel.com](mailto:inquiry@centratel.com). First Name \* Last Name \* Job Title Email \* Company \* Phone \* City \* State \*State \*AlabamaAlaskaArkansasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDistrict of ColumbiaDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming How did you hear about us? How did you hear about us? \*PostcardBook gift: Work the SystemLetterReferralOnline SearchWork The SystemFacebook Is your business one of our specialties \*Is your business one of our specialties \*MedicalHome Health/HospiceVeterinary24/7 BusinessHVACTrade ServiceProperty ManagementUtilityDisaster RestorationPlumbing What is your ONE primary concern with using an answering service? \*What is your primary concern with using an answering service? \*Professionalism of staffMessage delivery accuracy and timelinessConsistent high quality of serviceCost of serviceLiabilityConfidentialityOther Are you currently using a call center/telephone answering service? \* YesNo Requested service start date \*Requested service start date \*ASAPWithin 1 WeekWithin 2 WeeksWithin 1 MonthOther List any specific call requirements Submit [Terms of Service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) ### **Why Choose Centratel** **BY SAM CARPENTER** **February 1, 2026** 1.CENTRATEL’S UNIQUE 30-DAY FREE TRIAL Why is this important? Because it will provide you a truly accurate estimate of cost (we bill monthly), it will demonstrate our quality, and it gives both sides of this brand new relationship—you and Centratel—plenty of time to refine and perfect operational details. Here’s a testimonial from a new medical client that had just finished their 30-day trial: _“Of course, I love the cost as it is close to the amount I was allowed by the president of the company. I told him that if we did not continue with Centratel, I would resign as the Director of Customer Service, and I meant it. It’s a great fit. We have had NOT ONE complaint from a patient or in-house which, as you know, we received daily with our former answering service._ _I love you, Centratel, and the price. I’m ready to sign whatever documents you require._ _Thanks for the great service, and the free month_! _To a great partnership! -KB, Phoenix_“ 2.STATISTICALLY, THE BEST IN THE U.S.? Answering service quality is 100% dependent on human action and reaction, and in the course of a single day a multitude of human decisions are made by the people who process the calls: Telephone Service Representatives, or TSRs. (Some answering services refer to them as “agents.” Others, “operators.”) Like any other answering service, at Centratel we’re dealing with real live human beings and so human errors can occur. But within this labor intensive service industry that is historically known for marginal quality, Centratel’s error rate is light years ahead of established standards. Our most recent Customer Reported Error Rate (October through December, 2025) was 1 customer-reported error for every 7,017 message transactions processed. That statistic is unmatched. There’s no artificial intelligence manipulation, we do not offshore calls, and we were founded and have always operated within the United States. (Note that since early 2020, the COVID six-foot social distancing mandate drove thousands of small-to-medium sized answering services out of business. Large, often foreign-owned multi-nationals, disguised by the name of the local answering services they acquired, now thoroughly dominate the industry. Hence, an even further decline in general service quality. [See this analysis.](https://www.centratel.com/answering-service-phone-industry/)) 3.CUSTOMER SERVICE EXTRAORDINAIRE Your concerns will be instantly acted upon. It’s a work ethic that stands in stark contrast to the general decline in quality of human-to-human business communications. You’ve seen it yourself, all around. At Centratel you will know by name the customer service people you’re working with, appreciating their special listening abilities as well as their take-action-now comportment. e.g. see the testimonial in point #1 above. ‘Nuff said! 4.GETTING STARTED: IT’S SIMPLE AND FAST Getting your new Centratel answering service 30-day free trial up-and-running is accomplished within 24-48 hours. From the start, your “onboarding” customer service representative will be with you every step of the way **,** listening carefully to your concerns, answering questions and offering suggestions. 5.NEW TO USING AN ANSWERING SERVICE? The very large majority of our current answering service accounts switched to us from another service because of quality and/or cost problems. However, if you have not used a service before, you are not familiar with the options, benefits, and pitfalls. Our 30-day free trial provides you—and us—plenty of time to precisely refine your desired message-taking and delivery protocols; to get things exactly the way you want them to be without any financial risk, undue pressure, or obligation. 6.PRICING Starting at $150 per month, our rates lie in the mid-range of the industry. Note that we charge by the “transaction unit” rather than the duration of time spent handling calls. Large “mega-services” operating in the U.S. prefer time billing because it ensures the company is compensated for lower-paid/high-turnover — and thus slower — agents. _No matter the quality or how long they keep your callers on hold, they still make a profit_. And yes, it can get expensive, especially if caller on-hold time is also billed. In any answering service, it takes a long time for a new agent to become fast, efficient, and stable. At Centratel, we pamper and reward experienced agents (via high pay and great benefits) and therefore have extremely low staff turnover. Needless to say, experienced agents make fewer errors than trainees who learn on-the-job. And, transaction-unit billing is easy to understand. There is no room for fraud as in time-billing. We can easily document and explain any monthly billing we send you. 7.ACCURATELY COMPARING ANSWERING SERVICE PRICING IS COMPLICATED It’s apples and oranges. There isn’t an industry standard for billing, and each answering service has its own formula. Also, as noted above, some services charge by agent “time” while a few, like us, charge by “transaction units.” Some others combine the two. At Centratel, we charge for the work we do, not by the time we spend. The raw truth is that the only reliable way to determine monthly cost for a new service is to use that service for a solid month. Most answering services offer a 7-day free trial or no trial at all. With Centratel you get 30-days. 8. MONTHLY OR 28-DAY BILLING? Important! At Centratel, we use a “monthly” billing cycle in which invoices are compiled from the first day of a month through the last day of that month. When soliciting quotes from other services, be sure to ask if the base-rate charges are billed monthly or on a “28-day billing cycle.” There is no good reason for a 28-day billing cycle! It’s a sly manipulation by the answering service: customers billed on a 28-day cycle actually receive thirteen billings per year instead of twelve. 9.NO CONTRACT AND SIMPLE TERMS OF SERVICE We don’t ask for a term contract for service because you should be able to evaluate us in real time, without restraint. Our [terms of service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) are simple and straight-forward. 10.VALUABLE FREE GIFT FOR CONTACTING US If you take the time to discuss answering service with us, on that same day we will ship you a hardcover copy of Sam Carpenter’s bestselling book, [_Work The System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_](https://www.workthesystem.com/), now in its 5th edition. (Sam is Centatel’s very active CEO.) December 1st 2025 marked his forty first year of ownership.) * * * ## Footer ## Virtual Funerals Support - [Skip to primary navigation](https://www.centratel.com/blog/answering-service/how-an-answering-service-can-help-virtual-funerals-during-the-coronavirus/#genesis-nav-primary) - [Skip to main content](https://www.centratel.com/blog/answering-service/how-an-answering-service-can-help-virtual-funerals-during-the-coronavirus/#genesis-content) - [Skip to footer](https://www.centratel.com/blog/answering-service/how-an-answering-service-can-help-virtual-funerals-during-the-coronavirus/#genesis-footer-widgets) The Highest Quality Telephone Answering Service in the United States - [Make Payment](https://thepaymentportal.com/index.php?compcode=2C1A-9FF4-91CA-7F93) - [Client Login](https://oncall.centratel.com/) - [Follow Centratel on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centratel-answering-service/) - [Follow Centratel on Twitter](https://twitter.com/centratel) - [Follow Centratel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centratel) ![Flower arrangements broadcasted into an online video conference by Centratel's funeral home clients](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Centratel-how-an-answering-service-can-help-virtual-funerals-during-the-coronavirus.jpg) # How an Answering Service can help Virtual Funerals During the Coronavirus June 11, 2020 [Answering Service](https://www.centratel.com/blog/answering-service/) By Centratel [Funeral directors](https://www.centratel.com/) are facing an unprecedented challenge in the era of COVID-19 as they work to make their ceremonies for grieving families both meaningful and safe. Planning a virtual funeral requires sensitivity to the emotional state of mourners as well as consideration of the fact that some people who want to “attend” may not be very tech-savvy. Fortunately, online video conferencing can be as simple as having participants click on a link that takes them to a site where the funeral will take place. ![A flower bouquet on a coffin arranged by Centratel's funeral home client](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Centratel-how-an-answering-service-can-help-virtual-funerals-during-the-coronavirus-intro-image.jpg) ## In-Person Challenges Generally, virtual funerals do involve a handful of people being present either at the funeral home or the graveside, generally immediate family, while the rest of the attendees watch and participate from home. Funeral directors still must try to enforce [social distancing guidelines](https://www.npr.org/2020/04/02/825175482/social-distancing-means-mourners-must-find-new-ways-to-cope-and-connect) among those who are not members of the same household. This can be particularly difficult in the emotional atmosphere of a funeral, when people are used to being able to touch and hug one another for comfort. Furthermore, while there does not appear to be danger of catching COVID-19 from the deceased person, under safe social distancing guidelines, best practices are that people should not touch the casket or the body of their loved one. Singing is another in-person activity that can be particularly dangerous and that funeral directors may need to discourage. [An answering service may serve as the first point of contact for many grieving families](https://www.centratel.com/blog/funeral-home-answering-service/never-risk-missing-a-call-why-every-funeral-home-should-use-an-answering-service/), and this may actually make the planning process more efficient since they can get replies to any questions they have promptly and can be directed quickly to the right funeral home personnel in other instances. ![A infographic about how Centratel could help Funeral Homes](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Centratel-how-an-answering-service-can-help-virtual-funerals-during-the-coronavirus-infographic.jpg) ## Families and Coronavirus [People who work in the funeral industry](https://www.centratel.com/) already know that grief may manifest itself in many different ways and that families can have their own individual approaches to mourning. However, loss and grief during **COVID-19 has introduced some additional unique dynamics** that funeral directors may need to help manage. Family members may have differing views and risk tolerance. This could lead to some conflict between immediate family members who might otherwise be among the few in-person mourners but who would prefer to participate virtually to maximize their safety and that of others versus those who feel it is important to be there on the day. [The context and experience of remote funerals](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/29/opinion/coronavirus-funerals-mourning.html) for families is likely to vary greatly. Other elements that may be significant include the following: - families who were unable to be with their loved one for days or even weeks leading up to their death - families who feel strongly about being unable to participate in the rites of their religion in person - families who feel that the virtual option actually enhances the funeral since people from far away “can attend” It may be necessary to take these and other special circumstances into consideration when working with families and planning the funeral. ## Virtual Mourning Before COVID-19 As unfamiliar as the concept of a “virtual funeral” may be, people coming together online to express sympathy and share memories of a loved one is not entirely new. For several years, most funeral homes have offered virtual “guestbooks” that allow people to share their thoughts and condolences online. Many social media platforms have introduced ways for family members to deal with the accounts of loved ones they have lost, with “memorializing” a Facebook account being one of the best known. Even if an account is not memorialized, it is common for people to share thoughts about loved ones who have died on social media. It can help to start with some of these examples as a framework for families as they begin thinking about how they will mourn and honor their loved one. ![Candles used during a virtual funeral organized thanks to funeral home answering service](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201024%20533'%3E%3C/svg%3E) ## Planning the Funeral Some families who have had to hold virtual funerals in recent weeks have been surprised at how moving and meaningful these ceremonies have been. In many ways, the key to creating a successful virtual funeral is the same as creating any other type of funeral. Funeral directors should work with families to ensure that they are able to honor their loved ones in a way they feel reflects who they were and the life they led. A [well-planned, professional funeral](https://edition.cnn.com/2020/04/16/health/virtual-funerals-coronavirus-wellness/index.html) can be important in making mourners feel as though they are still participating in a “real” ritual and not simply video conferencing with friends and families. > People who want to have a physical service should keep in mind that a virtual funeral does not preclude the possibility of a memorial service later when people are able to gather again. The virtual funeral can still serve as an important tool for closure for grieving loved ones. Some families may want to turn to the religious bodies that they are members of for assistance in planning the funeral. The ceremony can follow a pattern similar to one that a physical funeral would. There can be one or more speakers, and some people may want to sing. One feature a virtual service can offer that a physical one cannot is giving people an opportunity to share memories about the person even if they are not comfortable getting up and talking in front of a group. People can simply type their thoughts into the chat stream instead of speaking if they prefer. The stream can also be recorded for those who could not “attend” or who might want to watch it again at a later date. ## After the Funeral Traditionally, **funerals do not end at the graveside**. Family members often gather at another location afterwards for a meal and more time spent together. This can be as important in the healing process as the funeral itself, and families might want to consider how they can reproduce something similar rather than simply having everyone log off at the end of the planned ceremony. It may be helpful to create more structure for this than would be necessary for an in-person gathering. **This might be the time when memories of the deceased could be more widely shared.** Families can get creative and shape this in a way that is personally meaningful. For example, if food was a big part of their shared family life, they might all have some prepared so they can “share” a meal together virtually. If a family has chosen to have a loved one cremated, it can be important to work out a method of returning the person’s ashes to the family in a way that feels appropriate while observing safe social distancing. For example, the funeral home can prepare an attractive arrangement that includes the urn for the family to pick up without contact. Funeral homes may also want to consider compiling a [list of suggestions](https://www.cnet.com/health/how-to-plan-a-remote-funeral-or-memorial-and-grieve-during-the-coronavirus-pandemic/) of ways that families can honor loved ones in a more public way. Some of these might include: - creating a vigil on a porch or windowsill that can be seen from outside, and allowing fellow mourners to drive past - planting something in the loved one’s memory - making a donation in the memory of a loved one - crowdsourcing photos and memories to make an online scrapbook ## Memorial Ceremonies After COVID-19 Funeral directors have noted that one major change in their industry is that while funerals once had to be arranged within days, people are now booking months ahead for memorial services that they expect to be able to have once COVID-19 is better controlled. **The practice of scheduling memorial services weeks or months later used to be much rarer.** It is unclear how long virtual funerals will be necessary. Recommendations may vary in different parts of the country, and eventually, restrictions may be tightened and loosened depending on how much the local community is affected by COVID-19 at any given time. ![A mourning statue after the funeral day happened thanks to the answering service help](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201024%20533'%3E%3C/svg%3E) Many funeral homes have offered streaming options for those who could not attend for some time, but few families took them up on it prior to COVID-19. Even as the industry eventually shifts back to more in-person funerals, a virtual element may be here to stay as people have become more familiar with the idea and more comfortable with the technology. For funeral directors, families and loved ones of the deceased, there is no getting away from the fact that a virtual funeral is not the same as a traditional one and lacks some of the specific elements that make those ceremonies so important. **The inability to meet with family members and longtime friends and offer comfort via touch can be particularly difficult as can the lack of opportunity to spend time together afterwards**. Acknowledging the shortcomings of a virtual funeral while also highlighting some potential positives may help. Ultimately, as with a traditional funeral, it is important to allow families to guide the process while still being cognizant of safety. In the time of COVID-19, it can be more important than ever that people facing the death of a loved one have their concerns listened to and that they are able to get questions answered promptly. An answering service can help take some of the burden off funeral homes and their staff and still provide the essential support that families need. Personnel trained in the industry, with the knowledge and compassion necessary to answer and questions and reassure families that have concerns, can be available 24/7. This can help families feel supported during one of the most difficult times of their lives. ## Taking the Next Step * * * For a quick orientation on how we operate, take a moment to review one or more of the key points listed in Why Choose Centratel Q&A (scroll down the page if you are on a mobile phone) For more specifics on cost, to start the onboarding process, or if you have questions, fill out this form with your basic information and if it’s during regular working hours (M-F 8am to 8pm EST or 5am to 5pm PST), we’ll get back to you within minutes. Or, during the above hours, you can simply call us at 800-664-7159 or send us an email to [inquiry@centratel.com](mailto:inquiry@centratel.com). First Name \* Last Name \* Job Title Email \* Company \* Phone \* City \* State \*State \*AlabamaAlaskaArkansasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDistrict of ColumbiaDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming How did you hear about us? How did you hear about us? \*PostcardBook gift: Work the SystemLetterReferralOnline SearchWork The SystemFacebook Is your business one of our specialties \*Is your business one of our specialties \*MedicalHome Health/HospiceVeterinary24/7 BusinessHVACTrade ServiceProperty ManagementUtilityDisaster RestorationPlumbing What is your ONE primary concern with using an answering service? \*What is your primary concern with using an answering service? \*Professionalism of staffMessage delivery accuracy and timelinessConsistent high quality of serviceCost of serviceLiabilityConfidentialityOther Are you currently using a call center/telephone answering service? \* YesNo Requested service start date \*Requested service start date \*ASAPWithin 1 WeekWithin 2 WeeksWithin 1 MonthOther List any specific call requirements Submit [Terms of Service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) ### **Why Choose Centratel** **BY SAM CARPENTER** **February 1, 2026** 1.CENTRATEL’S UNIQUE 30-DAY FREE TRIAL Why is this important? Because it will provide you a truly accurate estimate of cost (we bill monthly), it will demonstrate our quality, and it gives both sides of this brand new relationship—you and Centratel—plenty of time to refine and perfect operational details. Here’s a testimonial from a new medical client that had just finished their 30-day trial: _“Of course, I love the cost as it is close to the amount I was allowed by the president of the company. I told him that if we did not continue with Centratel, I would resign as the Director of Customer Service, and I meant it. It’s a great fit. We have had NOT ONE complaint from a patient or in-house which, as you know, we received daily with our former answering service._ _I love you, Centratel, and the price. I’m ready to sign whatever documents you require._ _Thanks for the great service, and the free month_! _To a great partnership! -KB, Phoenix_“ 2.STATISTICALLY, THE BEST IN THE U.S.? Answering service quality is 100% dependent on human action and reaction, and in the course of a single day a multitude of human decisions are made by the people who process the calls: Telephone Service Representatives, or TSRs. (Some answering services refer to them as “agents.” Others, “operators.”) Like any other answering service, at Centratel we’re dealing with real live human beings and so human errors can occur. But within this labor intensive service industry that is historically known for marginal quality, Centratel’s error rate is light years ahead of established standards. Our most recent Customer Reported Error Rate (October through December, 2025) was 1 customer-reported error for every 7,017 message transactions processed. That statistic is unmatched. There’s no artificial intelligence manipulation, we do not offshore calls, and we were founded and have always operated within the United States. (Note that since early 2020, the COVID six-foot social distancing mandate drove thousands of small-to-medium sized answering services out of business. Large, often foreign-owned multi-nationals, disguised by the name of the local answering services they acquired, now thoroughly dominate the industry. Hence, an even further decline in general service quality. [See this analysis.](https://www.centratel.com/answering-service-phone-industry/)) 3.CUSTOMER SERVICE EXTRAORDINAIRE Your concerns will be instantly acted upon. It’s a work ethic that stands in stark contrast to the general decline in quality of human-to-human business communications. You’ve seen it yourself, all around. At Centratel you will know by name the customer service people you’re working with, appreciating their special listening abilities as well as their take-action-now comportment. e.g. see the testimonial in point #1 above. ‘Nuff said! 4.GETTING STARTED: IT’S SIMPLE AND FAST Getting your new Centratel answering service 30-day free trial up-and-running is accomplished within 24-48 hours. From the start, your “onboarding” customer service representative will be with you every step of the way **,** listening carefully to your concerns, answering questions and offering suggestions. 5.NEW TO USING AN ANSWERING SERVICE? The very large majority of our current answering service accounts switched to us from another service because of quality and/or cost problems. However, if you have not used a service before, you are not familiar with the options, benefits, and pitfalls. Our 30-day free trial provides you—and us—plenty of time to precisely refine your desired message-taking and delivery protocols; to get things exactly the way you want them to be without any financial risk, undue pressure, or obligation. 6.PRICING Starting at $150 per month, our rates lie in the mid-range of the industry. Note that we charge by the “transaction unit” rather than the duration of time spent handling calls. Large “mega-services” operating in the U.S. prefer time billing because it ensures the company is compensated for lower-paid/high-turnover — and thus slower — agents. _No matter the quality or how long they keep your callers on hold, they still make a profit_. And yes, it can get expensive, especially if caller on-hold time is also billed. In any answering service, it takes a long time for a new agent to become fast, efficient, and stable. At Centratel, we pamper and reward experienced agents (via high pay and great benefits) and therefore have extremely low staff turnover. Needless to say, experienced agents make fewer errors than trainees who learn on-the-job. And, transaction-unit billing is easy to understand. There is no room for fraud as in time-billing. We can easily document and explain any monthly billing we send you. 7.ACCURATELY COMPARING ANSWERING SERVICE PRICING IS COMPLICATED It’s apples and oranges. There isn’t an industry standard for billing, and each answering service has its own formula. Also, as noted above, some services charge by agent “time” while a few, like us, charge by “transaction units.” Some others combine the two. At Centratel, we charge for the work we do, not by the time we spend. The raw truth is that the only reliable way to determine monthly cost for a new service is to use that service for a solid month. Most answering services offer a 7-day free trial or no trial at all. With Centratel you get 30-days. 8. MONTHLY OR 28-DAY BILLING? Important! At Centratel, we use a “monthly” billing cycle in which invoices are compiled from the first day of a month through the last day of that month. When soliciting quotes from other services, be sure to ask if the base-rate charges are billed monthly or on a “28-day billing cycle.” There is no good reason for a 28-day billing cycle! It’s a sly manipulation by the answering service: customers billed on a 28-day cycle actually receive thirteen billings per year instead of twelve. 9.NO CONTRACT AND SIMPLE TERMS OF SERVICE We don’t ask for a term contract for service because you should be able to evaluate us in real time, without restraint. Our [terms of service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) are simple and straight-forward. 10.VALUABLE FREE GIFT FOR CONTACTING US If you take the time to discuss answering service with us, on that same day we will ship you a hardcover copy of Sam Carpenter’s bestselling book, [_Work The System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_](https://www.workthesystem.com/), now in its 5th edition. (Sam is Centatel’s very active CEO.) December 1st 2025 marked his forty first year of ownership.) * * * ## Footer ## Employee Training Importance - [Skip to primary navigation](https://www.centratel.com/blog/answering-service/quality-employee-training-matters-for-you-your-associates-and-your-answering-service/#genesis-nav-primary) - [Skip to main content](https://www.centratel.com/blog/answering-service/quality-employee-training-matters-for-you-your-associates-and-your-answering-service/#genesis-content) - [Skip to footer](https://www.centratel.com/blog/answering-service/quality-employee-training-matters-for-you-your-associates-and-your-answering-service/#genesis-footer-widgets) The Highest Quality Telephone Answering Service in the United States - [Make Payment](https://thepaymentportal.com/index.php?compcode=2C1A-9FF4-91CA-7F93) - [Client Login](https://oncall.centratel.com/) - [Follow Centratel on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centratel-answering-service/) - [Follow Centratel on Twitter](https://twitter.com/centratel) - [Follow Centratel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centratel) ![Centratel employees attending the training to become Telephone Answering Service representatives](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Centratel-Quality-Employee-Training-Matters-For-You-Your-Associates-and-Your-Answering-Service.jpg) # Quality Employee Training Matters For You, Your Associates and Your Answering Service June 4, 2020 [Answering Service](https://www.centratel.com/blog/answering-service/) By Andi Freeman Quality employee training is of primary importance to your business. Whether it is your employees or those who work for contracted businesses, such as your answering service, staff excel when properly prepared for their positions. This article examines the overall value of employee training as part of your organizational plan. You’ll read about strategies that assure employees are routinely offered training to keep pace with emerging business trends and practices. As you do, think about the benefits for your organization and contracted associates. ![A girl writing on a white board during the answering service quality employee training](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Centratel-Quality-Employee-Training-Matters-For-You-Your-Associates-and-Your-Answering-Service-SIDE.jpg) ## The Benefits of High-quality Employee Training Most CEOs and business owners are well aware of the costs associated with recruiting and training new employees. The average costs for new hires hovers close to [$4000](https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/346557). Those expenses are only one portion of the recruit-train-retain equation. Think about **the revenue that is gained because of quality customer satisfaction**. Factors that contribute to quality consumer responses include: -  Prompt, courteous service, -  Staff prepared to answer an array of questions, -  Confidentiality, security, and - Full follow through with problem resolution. This certainly applies when your organization’s professional profile is represented by an answering service. It’s vital to have the service’s employees prepared to match the caliber of your own staff. After all, this service is representing your business as needed, day and night. - Whether you provide [healthcare](https://www.centratel.com/home-healthcarehospice/), home systems services, or [utilities](https://www.centratel.com/public-and-private-utilities/), you know the importance of having a competent, assuring person there to take your customer’s call, text, or message. - This is especially true during emergencies, be that an ill relative or [plumbing](https://www.centratel.com/hvac-answering-service/) mishap. - The benefit of a calm, well-informed person on the other end of the phone is something consumers remember and talk about with others. ![A high quality trained Centratel employee answering customer calls](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Centratel-A-girl-wearing-a-headset-during-the-answering-service-quality-employee-training-1024x533.jpg) Getting back to the cost of training, think about the thousands of dollars spent because new hires felt inadequate in their roles. They’re happy to start a new job that quickly becomes lackluster due to scant training. They resign and you’re left with added recruitment expenses. On the other hand, there are companies with comprehensive, ongoing training programs that have seen a [30% increase in productivity](https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/275842). - This is typically coupled with **satisfied employees who are loyal**. - That means staff retention is positive and absenteeism declines. - Another benefit is that these employees become more skilled with time on the job and advanced training. - These are [the staff you can rely](https://www.centratel.com/why-centratel/) on for setting a tone of workplace excellence and innovation ## Design Training with Employees in Mind It’s true that training objectives and outcomes focus on the organization, its mission, and financial benchmarks. Even then, you want your business and those who are close associates to design training that literally gets the job done. That means: - Learning about employees, beginning with the interview and onboarding process. - Offering employees a variety of [learning experiences](https://hbr.org/2020/01/a-better-way-to-develop-and-retain-top-talent), including those that involve upskilling or cross-training. Benefits of ongoing training means: - Being able to recruit from within for advanced positions, - Having staff who work well across departments, and - Building capacity for growth or when employees reach retirement. ## Start Them Off Right: Quality Onboard Training Offer new employees an encouraging entry into your organization with a carefully designed onboarding process. This phase combines digital sharing with personal interactions and the practical tasks necessary for new hires. You’ll reduce their frustration by balancing the mundane with the exciting. This era’s new staff are eager to get right to work, sharing their skills as they learn about your organization. They’re tech savvy and able to adapt quickly to new systems. They are aware of the **serious need for security and privacy protections**, such as those in place at [highly professional answering services](https://www.centratel.com/). Their eagerness to learn means they welcome the chance to engage in hands-on work activities, even during their first days of employment. This can be achieved by: - Preparing a variety of manageable tasks for new employees. - Recruiting and assigning mentors for new staff to shadow and work with. - Establishing a schedule for follow up, assigning new tasks according to each new hire’s performance. Remember that the complexity of each position at your organization determines how long the full onboard phase lasts. This period gives you multiple opportunities to establish a solid relationship with new employees by: - Setting aside time to meet with new employees and gather their feedback. - Responding to new staff’s questions and concerns as you provide thoughtful responses. - Using this process to promote engagement within your organization, setting the tone for the months and years to come. ![Centratel employees discussing together about the telephone service representative training](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Centratel-employees-discussing-together-about-the-telephone-service-representative-training-1024x533.jpg) ## Build a Proficient Workforce with Ongoing Learning Options Your business will reap the rewards when staff are offered **high quality skill advancement and career development opportunities**. This is linked with [effective performance](https://www.centratel.com/blog/answering-service/are-you-throwing-away-your-money-using-a-cheap-answering-service/) and increased business success. - One study of 2000 professionals working at various levels in over [20 industries](https://www.amanet.org/whitepapers/mastering-the-skills-that-drive-performance/) assessed their skills in four domains. -  Survey results revealed that 73% of respondents believed they needed to improve crucial skills. - One skill that was noted as lacking was conflict resolution, something central to effective business relations, be it [home healthcare or property maintenance](https://www.centratel.com/business-specialties/). Upskilling describes the continual planning required for a workplace to keep pace with today’s rapidly evolving business practices and requirements. As it sounds, upskilling is far more than the average skills training as it involves both upward and forward planning. It’s a cyclical process of **identify-develop-train-assess-revise**. The best candidates for filling your answering service needs are sure to follow these five steps for quality employee training as they: - Identify gaps, lags, or deficiencies in service. - Develop a training curriculum designed for advancing staff knowledge and skills to address areas of concern while advancing practice. - Implement the training curriculum. - Assess the outcomes from learner, associate, and consumer perspectives. - Revise training elements based on assessment. [You can rely on an answering service](https://www.centratel.com/why-employ-centratel/) that provides a similar approach to upskill training as they provide quality training to respond to: - Changes in industry standards and regulations such as those associated with [healthcare organizations and HIPAA.](https://www.centratel.com/blog/home-healthcare-hospice-answering-service/what-is-hipaa-compliance-and-why-is-it-important/) - Technological advances, including those to protect privacy and cybersecurity. - Advances in disaster and public health management. ## In Closing Quality employee training continually results in positive business outcomes, from customer satisfaction to staff retention. > Answering service employees who are well prepared for their jobs are able to respond efficiently and effectively to workplace and community changes. They are part of today’s workforce serving you toward tomorrow’s growth. ## Taking the Next Step * * * For a quick orientation on how we operate, take a moment to review one or more of the key points listed in Why Choose Centratel Q&A (scroll down the page if you are on a mobile phone) For more specifics on cost, to start the onboarding process, or if you have questions, fill out this form with your basic information and if it’s during regular working hours (M-F 8am to 8pm EST or 5am to 5pm PST), we’ll get back to you within minutes. Or, during the above hours, you can simply call us at 800-664-7159 or send us an email to [inquiry@centratel.com](mailto:inquiry@centratel.com). First Name \* Last Name \* Job Title Email \* Company \* Phone \* City \* State \*State \*AlabamaAlaskaArkansasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDistrict of ColumbiaDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming How did you hear about us? How did you hear about us? \*PostcardBook gift: Work the SystemLetterReferralOnline SearchWork The SystemFacebook Is your business one of our specialties \*Is your business one of our specialties \*MedicalHome Health/HospiceVeterinary24/7 BusinessHVACTrade ServiceProperty ManagementUtilityDisaster RestorationPlumbing What is your ONE primary concern with using an answering service? \*What is your primary concern with using an answering service? \*Professionalism of staffMessage delivery accuracy and timelinessConsistent high quality of serviceCost of serviceLiabilityConfidentialityOther Are you currently using a call center/telephone answering service? \* YesNo Requested service start date \*Requested service start date \*ASAPWithin 1 WeekWithin 2 WeeksWithin 1 MonthOther List any specific call requirements Submit [Terms of Service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) ### **Why Choose Centratel** **BY SAM CARPENTER** **February 1, 2026** 1.CENTRATEL’S UNIQUE 30-DAY FREE TRIAL Why is this important? Because it will provide you a truly accurate estimate of cost (we bill monthly), it will demonstrate our quality, and it gives both sides of this brand new relationship—you and Centratel—plenty of time to refine and perfect operational details. Here’s a testimonial from a new medical client that had just finished their 30-day trial: _“Of course, I love the cost as it is close to the amount I was allowed by the president of the company. I told him that if we did not continue with Centratel, I would resign as the Director of Customer Service, and I meant it. It’s a great fit. We have had NOT ONE complaint from a patient or in-house which, as you know, we received daily with our former answering service._ _I love you, Centratel, and the price. I’m ready to sign whatever documents you require._ _Thanks for the great service, and the free month_! _To a great partnership! -KB, Phoenix_“ 2.STATISTICALLY, THE BEST IN THE U.S.? Answering service quality is 100% dependent on human action and reaction, and in the course of a single day a multitude of human decisions are made by the people who process the calls: Telephone Service Representatives, or TSRs. (Some answering services refer to them as “agents.” Others, “operators.”) Like any other answering service, at Centratel we’re dealing with real live human beings and so human errors can occur. But within this labor intensive service industry that is historically known for marginal quality, Centratel’s error rate is light years ahead of established standards. Our most recent Customer Reported Error Rate (October through December, 2025) was 1 customer-reported error for every 7,017 message transactions processed. That statistic is unmatched. There’s no artificial intelligence manipulation, we do not offshore calls, and we were founded and have always operated within the United States. (Note that since early 2020, the COVID six-foot social distancing mandate drove thousands of small-to-medium sized answering services out of business. Large, often foreign-owned multi-nationals, disguised by the name of the local answering services they acquired, now thoroughly dominate the industry. Hence, an even further decline in general service quality. [See this analysis.](https://www.centratel.com/answering-service-phone-industry/)) 3.CUSTOMER SERVICE EXTRAORDINAIRE Your concerns will be instantly acted upon. It’s a work ethic that stands in stark contrast to the general decline in quality of human-to-human business communications. You’ve seen it yourself, all around. At Centratel you will know by name the customer service people you’re working with, appreciating their special listening abilities as well as their take-action-now comportment. e.g. see the testimonial in point #1 above. ‘Nuff said! 4.GETTING STARTED: IT’S SIMPLE AND FAST Getting your new Centratel answering service 30-day free trial up-and-running is accomplished within 24-48 hours. From the start, your “onboarding” customer service representative will be with you every step of the way **,** listening carefully to your concerns, answering questions and offering suggestions. 5.NEW TO USING AN ANSWERING SERVICE? The very large majority of our current answering service accounts switched to us from another service because of quality and/or cost problems. However, if you have not used a service before, you are not familiar with the options, benefits, and pitfalls. Our 30-day free trial provides you—and us—plenty of time to precisely refine your desired message-taking and delivery protocols; to get things exactly the way you want them to be without any financial risk, undue pressure, or obligation. 6.PRICING Starting at $150 per month, our rates lie in the mid-range of the industry. Note that we charge by the “transaction unit” rather than the duration of time spent handling calls. Large “mega-services” operating in the U.S. prefer time billing because it ensures the company is compensated for lower-paid/high-turnover — and thus slower — agents. _No matter the quality or how long they keep your callers on hold, they still make a profit_. And yes, it can get expensive, especially if caller on-hold time is also billed. In any answering service, it takes a long time for a new agent to become fast, efficient, and stable. At Centratel, we pamper and reward experienced agents (via high pay and great benefits) and therefore have extremely low staff turnover. Needless to say, experienced agents make fewer errors than trainees who learn on-the-job. And, transaction-unit billing is easy to understand. There is no room for fraud as in time-billing. We can easily document and explain any monthly billing we send you. 7.ACCURATELY COMPARING ANSWERING SERVICE PRICING IS COMPLICATED It’s apples and oranges. There isn’t an industry standard for billing, and each answering service has its own formula. Also, as noted above, some services charge by agent “time” while a few, like us, charge by “transaction units.” Some others combine the two. At Centratel, we charge for the work we do, not by the time we spend. The raw truth is that the only reliable way to determine monthly cost for a new service is to use that service for a solid month. Most answering services offer a 7-day free trial or no trial at all. With Centratel you get 30-days. 8. MONTHLY OR 28-DAY BILLING? Important! At Centratel, we use a “monthly” billing cycle in which invoices are compiled from the first day of a month through the last day of that month. When soliciting quotes from other services, be sure to ask if the base-rate charges are billed monthly or on a “28-day billing cycle.” There is no good reason for a 28-day billing cycle! It’s a sly manipulation by the answering service: customers billed on a 28-day cycle actually receive thirteen billings per year instead of twelve. 9.NO CONTRACT AND SIMPLE TERMS OF SERVICE We don’t ask for a term contract for service because you should be able to evaluate us in real time, without restraint. Our [terms of service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) are simple and straight-forward. 10.VALUABLE FREE GIFT FOR CONTACTING US If you take the time to discuss answering service with us, on that same day we will ship you a hardcover copy of Sam Carpenter’s bestselling book, [_Work The System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_](https://www.workthesystem.com/), now in its 5th edition. (Sam is Centatel’s very active CEO.) December 1st 2025 marked his forty first year of ownership.) * * * ## Footer ## Veterinary Team Meetings - [Skip to primary navigation](https://www.centratel.com/blog/veterinary-answering-service/veterinary-team-meetings-the-key-is-using-an-answering-service/#genesis-nav-primary) - [Skip to main content](https://www.centratel.com/blog/veterinary-answering-service/veterinary-team-meetings-the-key-is-using-an-answering-service/#genesis-content) - [Skip to footer](https://www.centratel.com/blog/veterinary-answering-service/veterinary-team-meetings-the-key-is-using-an-answering-service/#genesis-footer-widgets) The Highest Quality Telephone Answering Service in the United States - [Make Payment](https://thepaymentportal.com/index.php?compcode=2C1A-9FF4-91CA-7F93) - [Client Login](https://oncall.centratel.com/) - [Follow Centratel on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centratel-answering-service/) - [Follow Centratel on Twitter](https://twitter.com/centratel) - [Follow Centratel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centratel) ![A cat paw on a veterinary computer keyboard while on a team meeting](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Feat-Image-Veterinary-Team-Meetings.jpg) # Veterinary Team Meetings the Key is Using an Answering Service May 28, 2020 [Veterinary](https://www.centratel.com/blog/veterinary-answering-service/) By Andi Freeman Can an answering service be utilized to give your veterinary practice team meetings a boost? With a well-planned strategy, remote team meetings will improve your internal and external communication. **Great communication means client satisfaction**, employee engagement, and top-quality animal care. Although there are many solutions for a ringing office line, utilizing an answering service is one that can provide great results. ![Veterinarians in a team meeting talking about the benefit in using an answering service](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/side-image-veterinary-team-meeting.jpg) ## Navigating Remote Veterinary Teams Being on the road is not new for some veterinary practices. With house calls, farm visits, mobile vets, and an increase in telehealth and telemedicine, many aspects of veterinary practice can lend themselves to working remotely. In a time of national or global crisis, the need to work remotely may increase. The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced veterinary practices to several realities all hitting at once: - School closures. - Employees caring for sick family members. - Staff safety and health concerns. - More home and car visits. - Remote office staff. These challenges can arise with any type of crisis or natural disaster. Business continuity plans must include a strategy for improved communications. ### Communication Is Key > “So much of what veterinarians do involves communicating.” > > Dr. Emily Nielsen as quoted in [8 Things People Don’t Realize About Being a Veterinarian \| PetMD](https://www.petmd.com/dog/care/8-things-people-dont-realize-about-being-veterinarian) Right now, veterinary practices are faced with unprecedented communication challenges: - Coordination with remote staff - More home monitoring of patients and more calls from clients - Need for assessments and triage in light of remote work - New procedures for office visits and house calls - Client calls to clarify changes in how business is conducted - Less office traffic, resulting in more calls and questions from clients, staff, vendors, suppliers - Improving business continuity plans to prepare for additional contingencies - Incoming calls about pet health during a global health crisis - Collaboration with other practices during staff shortages With employees working remotely and so much in-office change, coupled with the inability to predict outcomes, stress levels may increase for managers, employees as well as clients. Pet parents have strong emotional bonds with their furry family member. When communications are most challenging for your practice, that is exactly when **your clients most need to feel heard and understood** and have their fears assuaged. When your clients and employees are worried or confused, they will look to you for answers, assurance, and stability. Any seeming disorganization makes clients likely to look elsewhere. And a lack of communication with employees makes them discouraged and likely to quit when you need them most. ### Remote Team Meetings Improve Communication ![A smartphone and a computer with video call apps installed and ready for a team meeting](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/REMOTE-TEAM-MEETINGS-IMPROVE-COMMUNICATION-1024x533.jpg) With a well-planned strategy, remote team meetings will help your veterinary practice provide seamless client interaction, even in the midst of a crisis. **Effective remote meetings will keep your employees focused** on what they do best: working together to provide top-notch animal care. When so much extra daily communication is needed, it may seem there is no time for remote team meetings. Your tendency may be survival mode. But remote team meetings are not a luxury. They are an integral part of communication strategy for your veterinary practice. ## Why Hold Remote Team Meetings? Remote team meetings improve communication, accountability, and productivity for your veterinary practice. Through recurring team meetings, you create a unified and organized public face that aligns with expectations of clients. With staff working remotely, it often seems that nothing is where your employees expect it to be. How do they stay productive and not give in to chaos and frustration? Remote team meetings help with the vital work of team-building and navigating remote work: - Acknowledging everything is a little bit harder when staff is dispersed. - Reminding everyone to over communicate - Helping the team stay on task. - Finding solutions to any areas of confusion. - Fostering collaboration. - Giving team members a chance to voice their feedback - Keeping the team hopeful and productively engaged with the business. - Staying on the same page regarding client interaction. - Encouraging employees take care of their own mental and physical well-being ### Well-being Is Worth The Effort Your employees love the work they do. But veterinary work can be stressful. The veterinary profession actually has one of the [highest suicide rates](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30668293/). > “It’s not all puppies and kittens and wonderful experiences. There’s a lot of pain involved.” > > Lisa Stewart-Brown as quoted in [Here’s Why Suicide Among Veterinarians Is A Growing Problem \| Time](https://time.com/5670965/veterinarian-suicide-help/) No matter what job your employees have, whether they are directly involved with animal care or remotely handling office management, they can be overcome with compassion fatigue. It is vital for your entire team to invest in self-care and maintain a healthy work-life balance. If your team isn’t physically, emotionally, and mentally healthy, they cannot help pets and pet parents with their health and care needs. Remote team meetings give you an opportunity to check in with your staff and make sure everyone is practicing a healthy work-life balance. **Self-care is an important topic of remote team meetings**. It is a great way to establish accountability for work-life balance among your team. ![A grey cat laying on a sofa while his owner is on a team meeting](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/grey-cat-1024x533.jpg) ## 6 Tips For Successful Remote Meetings If you are new to remote team meetings, you might find them challenging and even awkward. But with some planning, your veterinary team can meet successfully. Here are some tips to help you design productive remote meetings: 1. Set meetings for the full team and smaller working groups on a regular schedule. 2. Establish a concrete goal for each team meeting, to enhance productivity and to create a sense of value for the meeting time. 3. Give everyone a specific role or contribution for the meeting. 4. Encourage collaboration in the meeting and create ways to support collaboration beyond the meeting. 5. Remember that people interact in different ways, so include different types of interaction in each meeting. 6. Value the face time – don’t use the meeting to discuss items that can be communicated through other media. If your veterinary staff is not acclimated to remote team meetings, you will need to find ways to minimize awkwardness and create meetings that seem natural. Think about times when your team has met or interacted in person. What contributes to good interaction? Identify those keys to successful in-person meetings and find ways to create a similar environment remotely. Ask your staff to contribute ideas for how to make remote meetings seem more natural. Make sure some of your team meetings focus on items beyond survival. [Talk about old and new ways to achieve growth in your practice](https://www.centratel.com/blog/veterinary-answering-service/create-scalability-for-your-growing-veterinary-practice/). Collaborate on creative ways to use resources and time for preventive medicine, for researching and identifying solutions to challenges you or your clients have faced. Use one of your meetings to allow your team to brainstorm ideas for sharing helpful information (breed profiles, animal behavior, etc.) via social media. **With a little thinking outside the box, your remote meetings can foster team building and the growth of your practice** while also creating a dynamic atmosphere for engaging with more immediate matters. ### If Everyone Is Meeting, Who Is Answering The Phone? Remote team meetings are not a luxury. They are a key part of your veterinary practice success. But they do pull staff away from incoming calls, at a time when the need for answering calls has increased. It is possible to designate someone to miss the team meeting, so they can answer calls. But do you really want anyone on your staff to miss out on that valuable interaction with other team members? Perhaps a staff member could sit in the meeting but take calls as they come in. But that would be distracting for everyone. And they would be so focused on anticipating calls that they would feel disconnected from the meeting. **How do you include every staff member in your remote team meetings without missing any calls?** Have you thought about how an answering service can help? With the [highest quality answering service](https://www.centratel.com/veterinary-answering-service/) trained especially for the needs of your practice, you have a whole team backing you up. They can handle all incoming calls that occur during your valuable remote staff meetings and throughout the rest of your busy days, nights, weekends, and even holidays. ## What Could The Highest Quality Answering Service Do For You? With a professional answering service on your team, you won’t have to worry about missing any incoming calls. You can invest your time in the patient care, project, or team meeting right in front of you, and all your calls will be answered by **professionals trained especially for your practice**. Imagine a whole backup team who understands the needs of your clients and your veterinary practice. The right answering service understands that it takes time and effort to run your business. Emergency care, advice about breeds, food or behavior, pet parents who are new in town, unexpected needs – so many people need your attention. You and your team cannot talk to all of them at once, especially when you are giving your attention to the patients in front of you. ![A Telephone Service Representative taking veterinaries clients calls at Centratel](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Tsr-1024x533.jpg) How often do people call in for a quick need that you could fit easily into your schedule? Or maybe someone else on your team could handle it? You won’t know unless the phone is answered live. Otherwise you will waste time on voice messages and returned calls. Or the client will hang up and try elsewhere. People make decisions based on whether the phone is answered live, especially where the well-being of their pet is concerned. ### The Right Answering Service Will Always Have Your Back What if you had an answering service that worked seamlessly as an extension of your business, assuring you that every client, every inquiry will be given personal and professional attention of the highest quality? What if this answering service was trained in your unique business practices, processing calls and messages by your exact specifications? **What if your answering service team cares about your clients and pets as much as you do**, and are able to communicate in ways that make your clients feel valued and honored? The highest quality answering service can help you gain new clients and new business, as well as provide quality communication with existing clients, showing how much you value them and that you are part of their pet care team. When you know your incoming calls are handled by trained professionals who care about your business, your employees can concentrate on their work without multitasking to cover incoming calls, and without heading toward burnout. When you and your employees are covering weekend or evening shifts, extended hours or emergencies, you will know a whole answering service team is backing you up. Demand for services in the veterinary industry is increasing, resulting in the need for greater capacity of interacting with clients. **During times of uncertainty, clients expect and need even more communication**. With staff working remotely, the need for internal communication is growing as well. This may be the right time to consider what the highest quality answering service can do for your veterinary practice. ## Taking the Next Step * * * For a quick orientation on how we operate, take a moment to review one or more of the key points listed in Why Choose Centratel Q&A (scroll down the page if you are on a mobile phone) For more specifics on cost, to start the onboarding process, or if you have questions, fill out this form with your basic information and if it’s during regular working hours (M-F 8am to 8pm EST or 5am to 5pm PST), we’ll get back to you within minutes. Or, during the above hours, you can simply call us at 800-664-7159 or send us an email to [inquiry@centratel.com](mailto:inquiry@centratel.com). First Name \* Last Name \* Job Title Email \* Company \* Phone \* City \* State \*State \*AlabamaAlaskaArkansasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDistrict of ColumbiaDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming How did you hear about us? How did you hear about us? \*PostcardBook gift: Work the SystemLetterReferralOnline SearchWork The SystemFacebook Is your business one of our specialties \*Is your business one of our specialties \*MedicalHome Health/HospiceVeterinary24/7 BusinessHVACTrade ServiceProperty ManagementUtilityDisaster RestorationPlumbing What is your ONE primary concern with using an answering service? \*What is your primary concern with using an answering service? \*Professionalism of staffMessage delivery accuracy and timelinessConsistent high quality of serviceCost of serviceLiabilityConfidentialityOther Are you currently using a call center/telephone answering service? \* YesNo Requested service start date \*Requested service start date \*ASAPWithin 1 WeekWithin 2 WeeksWithin 1 MonthOther List any specific call requirements Submit [Terms of Service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) ### **Why Choose Centratel** **BY SAM CARPENTER** **February 1, 2026** 1.CENTRATEL’S UNIQUE 30-DAY FREE TRIAL Why is this important? Because it will provide you a truly accurate estimate of cost (we bill monthly), it will demonstrate our quality, and it gives both sides of this brand new relationship—you and Centratel—plenty of time to refine and perfect operational details. Here’s a testimonial from a new medical client that had just finished their 30-day trial: _“Of course, I love the cost as it is close to the amount I was allowed by the president of the company. I told him that if we did not continue with Centratel, I would resign as the Director of Customer Service, and I meant it. It’s a great fit. We have had NOT ONE complaint from a patient or in-house which, as you know, we received daily with our former answering service._ _I love you, Centratel, and the price. I’m ready to sign whatever documents you require._ _Thanks for the great service, and the free month_! _To a great partnership! -KB, Phoenix_“ 2.STATISTICALLY, THE BEST IN THE U.S.? Answering service quality is 100% dependent on human action and reaction, and in the course of a single day a multitude of human decisions are made by the people who process the calls: Telephone Service Representatives, or TSRs. (Some answering services refer to them as “agents.” Others, “operators.”) Like any other answering service, at Centratel we’re dealing with real live human beings and so human errors can occur. But within this labor intensive service industry that is historically known for marginal quality, Centratel’s error rate is light years ahead of established standards. Our most recent Customer Reported Error Rate (October through December, 2025) was 1 customer-reported error for every 7,017 message transactions processed. That statistic is unmatched. There’s no artificial intelligence manipulation, we do not offshore calls, and we were founded and have always operated within the United States. (Note that since early 2020, the COVID six-foot social distancing mandate drove thousands of small-to-medium sized answering services out of business. Large, often foreign-owned multi-nationals, disguised by the name of the local answering services they acquired, now thoroughly dominate the industry. Hence, an even further decline in general service quality. [See this analysis.](https://www.centratel.com/answering-service-phone-industry/)) 3.CUSTOMER SERVICE EXTRAORDINAIRE Your concerns will be instantly acted upon. It’s a work ethic that stands in stark contrast to the general decline in quality of human-to-human business communications. You’ve seen it yourself, all around. At Centratel you will know by name the customer service people you’re working with, appreciating their special listening abilities as well as their take-action-now comportment. e.g. see the testimonial in point #1 above. ‘Nuff said! 4.GETTING STARTED: IT’S SIMPLE AND FAST Getting your new Centratel answering service 30-day free trial up-and-running is accomplished within 24-48 hours. From the start, your “onboarding” customer service representative will be with you every step of the way **,** listening carefully to your concerns, answering questions and offering suggestions. 5.NEW TO USING AN ANSWERING SERVICE? The very large majority of our current answering service accounts switched to us from another service because of quality and/or cost problems. However, if you have not used a service before, you are not familiar with the options, benefits, and pitfalls. Our 30-day free trial provides you—and us—plenty of time to precisely refine your desired message-taking and delivery protocols; to get things exactly the way you want them to be without any financial risk, undue pressure, or obligation. 6.PRICING Starting at $150 per month, our rates lie in the mid-range of the industry. Note that we charge by the “transaction unit” rather than the duration of time spent handling calls. Large “mega-services” operating in the U.S. prefer time billing because it ensures the company is compensated for lower-paid/high-turnover — and thus slower — agents. _No matter the quality or how long they keep your callers on hold, they still make a profit_. And yes, it can get expensive, especially if caller on-hold time is also billed. In any answering service, it takes a long time for a new agent to become fast, efficient, and stable. At Centratel, we pamper and reward experienced agents (via high pay and great benefits) and therefore have extremely low staff turnover. Needless to say, experienced agents make fewer errors than trainees who learn on-the-job. And, transaction-unit billing is easy to understand. There is no room for fraud as in time-billing. We can easily document and explain any monthly billing we send you. 7.ACCURATELY COMPARING ANSWERING SERVICE PRICING IS COMPLICATED It’s apples and oranges. There isn’t an industry standard for billing, and each answering service has its own formula. Also, as noted above, some services charge by agent “time” while a few, like us, charge by “transaction units.” Some others combine the two. At Centratel, we charge for the work we do, not by the time we spend. The raw truth is that the only reliable way to determine monthly cost for a new service is to use that service for a solid month. Most answering services offer a 7-day free trial or no trial at all. With Centratel you get 30-days. 8. MONTHLY OR 28-DAY BILLING? Important! At Centratel, we use a “monthly” billing cycle in which invoices are compiled from the first day of a month through the last day of that month. When soliciting quotes from other services, be sure to ask if the base-rate charges are billed monthly or on a “28-day billing cycle.” There is no good reason for a 28-day billing cycle! It’s a sly manipulation by the answering service: customers billed on a 28-day cycle actually receive thirteen billings per year instead of twelve. 9.NO CONTRACT AND SIMPLE TERMS OF SERVICE We don’t ask for a term contract for service because you should be able to evaluate us in real time, without restraint. Our [terms of service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) are simple and straight-forward. 10.VALUABLE FREE GIFT FOR CONTACTING US If you take the time to discuss answering service with us, on that same day we will ship you a hardcover copy of Sam Carpenter’s bestselling book, [_Work The System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_](https://www.workthesystem.com/), now in its 5th edition. (Sam is Centatel’s very active CEO.) December 1st 2025 marked his forty first year of ownership.) * * * ## Footer ## Telehospice Advantages - [Skip to primary navigation](https://www.centratel.com/blog/home-healthcare-hospice-answering-service/can-telehospice-help-your-health-care-business/#genesis-nav-primary) - [Skip to main content](https://www.centratel.com/blog/home-healthcare-hospice-answering-service/can-telehospice-help-your-health-care-business/#genesis-content) - [Skip to footer](https://www.centratel.com/blog/home-healthcare-hospice-answering-service/can-telehospice-help-your-health-care-business/#genesis-footer-widgets) The Highest Quality Telephone Answering Service in the United States - [Make Payment](https://thepaymentportal.com/index.php?compcode=2C1A-9FF4-91CA-7F93) - [Client Login](https://oncall.centratel.com/) - [Follow Centratel on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centratel-answering-service/) - [Follow Centratel on Twitter](https://twitter.com/centratel) - [Follow Centratel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centratel) ![A telehospice service provider browsing Centratel site seeking the help of an answering service](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Centratel-can-telehospice-help-your-health-care-business.jpg) # Can Telehospice help your Health-care business? May 21, 2020 [Home Healthcare & Hospice](https://www.centratel.com/blog/home-healthcare-hospice-answering-service/) By Centratel ## A New Move in Telehealth The use of telehealth is growing across many medical specialties, and hospice care is no exception. Telehospice can provide assistance when winter weather prevents professionals from making house calls in rural areas and can allow for consultations at night when safety considerations might prevent visits in some urban areas. It can also mean that providers spend less time traveling between locations and more time focusing on patient and caregiver needs. ![A nurse calling her patient in his own house](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20600%20750'%3E%3C/svg%3E) * * * ## Simplifying the Process for Patients and Professionals The technology and approach used will vary between agencies and states, but the aim is to make the process as simple as possible for patients. This often involves a device that is attached to the landline on an initial home visit. Patients may have a very simple action they must perform, such as pushing a button, in order to launch the connection. The advantages to patients can be immediate, to mention a few: - More comfort for both patients and their families - Immediate face-to-face connection to professionals when in needs - Faster treatment, diagnosis, and prescriptions - Less isolation for patients and more control over their clinical data [Medical professionals](https://www.centratel.com/medical-answering-service/) can use information gathered by asking patients daily questions to provide individualized care recommendations. Coordinators can also do assessments with caregivers to ensure they are receiving adequate support. ## Observing Legalities Certain legalities must be taken into account when providing long-distance services. For example, physicians may only be licensed to practice in one state. In most states, nurses have limited authority to act independently and need to be working with a physician’s orders. It is important for telehealth programs to remain compliant with all local, state and federal laws and regulations. ![Centratel Answering Service's infographic about the benefits of Telehealth for service providers](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20600%20698'%3E%3C/svg%3E) ## Conserving Resources Through telehospice, patients continue have access to the same staff they would in person, including a chaplain and any other necessary personnel. > Telehospice programs give patients the opportunity to remain in the comfort of their home and require fewer resources on the part of the medical professionals who serve them. In the time it could take medical staff to travel to a patient’s home regularly, many more people could be helped. These programs can further provide efficient, compassionate care by using a specialized answering service that is [HIPAA-compliant](https://www.centratel.com/blog/home-healthcare-hospice-answering-service/is-your-answering-service-hipaa-compliant/) and staffed by professionals trained in the hospice field. This is an area in which it is critical for answering service personnel to be both accurate and compassionate. By taking calls during irregular hours or providing initial screening of calls, an answering service can empower a telehospice staff to focus on each patient’s and caregiver’s most pressing needs as they arise. ## Taking the Next Step * * * For a quick orientation on how we operate, take a moment to review one or more of the key points listed in Why Choose Centratel Q&A (scroll down the page if you are on a mobile phone) For more specifics on cost, to start the onboarding process, or if you have questions, fill out this form with your basic information and if it’s during regular working hours (M-F 8am to 8pm EST or 5am to 5pm PST), we’ll get back to you within minutes. Or, during the above hours, you can simply call us at 800-664-7159 or send us an email to [inquiry@centratel.com](mailto:inquiry@centratel.com). First Name \* Last Name \* Job Title Email \* Company \* Phone \* City \* State \*State \*AlabamaAlaskaArkansasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDistrict of ColumbiaDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming How did you hear about us? How did you hear about us? \*PostcardBook gift: Work the SystemLetterReferralOnline SearchWork The SystemFacebook Is your business one of our specialties \*Is your business one of our specialties \*MedicalHome Health/HospiceVeterinary24/7 BusinessHVACTrade ServiceProperty ManagementUtilityDisaster RestorationPlumbing What is your ONE primary concern with using an answering service? \*What is your primary concern with using an answering service? \*Professionalism of staffMessage delivery accuracy and timelinessConsistent high quality of serviceCost of serviceLiabilityConfidentialityOther Are you currently using a call center/telephone answering service? \* YesNo Requested service start date \*Requested service start date \*ASAPWithin 1 WeekWithin 2 WeeksWithin 1 MonthOther List any specific call requirements Submit [Terms of Service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) ### **Why Choose Centratel** **BY SAM CARPENTER** **February 1, 2026** 1.CENTRATEL’S UNIQUE 30-DAY FREE TRIAL Why is this important? Because it will provide you a truly accurate estimate of cost (we bill monthly), it will demonstrate our quality, and it gives both sides of this brand new relationship—you and Centratel—plenty of time to refine and perfect operational details. Here’s a testimonial from a new medical client that had just finished their 30-day trial: _“Of course, I love the cost as it is close to the amount I was allowed by the president of the company. I told him that if we did not continue with Centratel, I would resign as the Director of Customer Service, and I meant it. It’s a great fit. We have had NOT ONE complaint from a patient or in-house which, as you know, we received daily with our former answering service._ _I love you, Centratel, and the price. I’m ready to sign whatever documents you require._ _Thanks for the great service, and the free month_! _To a great partnership! -KB, Phoenix_“ 2.STATISTICALLY, THE BEST IN THE U.S.? Answering service quality is 100% dependent on human action and reaction, and in the course of a single day a multitude of human decisions are made by the people who process the calls: Telephone Service Representatives, or TSRs. (Some answering services refer to them as “agents.” Others, “operators.”) Like any other answering service, at Centratel we’re dealing with real live human beings and so human errors can occur. But within this labor intensive service industry that is historically known for marginal quality, Centratel’s error rate is light years ahead of established standards. Our most recent Customer Reported Error Rate (October through December, 2025) was 1 customer-reported error for every 7,017 message transactions processed. That statistic is unmatched. There’s no artificial intelligence manipulation, we do not offshore calls, and we were founded and have always operated within the United States. (Note that since early 2020, the COVID six-foot social distancing mandate drove thousands of small-to-medium sized answering services out of business. Large, often foreign-owned multi-nationals, disguised by the name of the local answering services they acquired, now thoroughly dominate the industry. Hence, an even further decline in general service quality. [See this analysis.](https://www.centratel.com/answering-service-phone-industry/)) 3.CUSTOMER SERVICE EXTRAORDINAIRE Your concerns will be instantly acted upon. It’s a work ethic that stands in stark contrast to the general decline in quality of human-to-human business communications. You’ve seen it yourself, all around. At Centratel you will know by name the customer service people you’re working with, appreciating their special listening abilities as well as their take-action-now comportment. e.g. see the testimonial in point #1 above. ‘Nuff said! 4.GETTING STARTED: IT’S SIMPLE AND FAST Getting your new Centratel answering service 30-day free trial up-and-running is accomplished within 24-48 hours. From the start, your “onboarding” customer service representative will be with you every step of the way **,** listening carefully to your concerns, answering questions and offering suggestions. 5.NEW TO USING AN ANSWERING SERVICE? The very large majority of our current answering service accounts switched to us from another service because of quality and/or cost problems. However, if you have not used a service before, you are not familiar with the options, benefits, and pitfalls. Our 30-day free trial provides you—and us—plenty of time to precisely refine your desired message-taking and delivery protocols; to get things exactly the way you want them to be without any financial risk, undue pressure, or obligation. 6.PRICING Starting at $150 per month, our rates lie in the mid-range of the industry. Note that we charge by the “transaction unit” rather than the duration of time spent handling calls. Large “mega-services” operating in the U.S. prefer time billing because it ensures the company is compensated for lower-paid/high-turnover — and thus slower — agents. _No matter the quality or how long they keep your callers on hold, they still make a profit_. And yes, it can get expensive, especially if caller on-hold time is also billed. In any answering service, it takes a long time for a new agent to become fast, efficient, and stable. At Centratel, we pamper and reward experienced agents (via high pay and great benefits) and therefore have extremely low staff turnover. Needless to say, experienced agents make fewer errors than trainees who learn on-the-job. And, transaction-unit billing is easy to understand. There is no room for fraud as in time-billing. We can easily document and explain any monthly billing we send you. 7.ACCURATELY COMPARING ANSWERING SERVICE PRICING IS COMPLICATED It’s apples and oranges. There isn’t an industry standard for billing, and each answering service has its own formula. Also, as noted above, some services charge by agent “time” while a few, like us, charge by “transaction units.” Some others combine the two. At Centratel, we charge for the work we do, not by the time we spend. The raw truth is that the only reliable way to determine monthly cost for a new service is to use that service for a solid month. Most answering services offer a 7-day free trial or no trial at all. With Centratel you get 30-days. 8. MONTHLY OR 28-DAY BILLING? Important! At Centratel, we use a “monthly” billing cycle in which invoices are compiled from the first day of a month through the last day of that month. When soliciting quotes from other services, be sure to ask if the base-rate charges are billed monthly or on a “28-day billing cycle.” There is no good reason for a 28-day billing cycle! It’s a sly manipulation by the answering service: customers billed on a 28-day cycle actually receive thirteen billings per year instead of twelve. 9.NO CONTRACT AND SIMPLE TERMS OF SERVICE We don’t ask for a term contract for service because you should be able to evaluate us in real time, without restraint. Our [terms of service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) are simple and straight-forward. 10.VALUABLE FREE GIFT FOR CONTACTING US If you take the time to discuss answering service with us, on that same day we will ship you a hardcover copy of Sam Carpenter’s bestselling book, [_Work The System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_](https://www.workthesystem.com/), now in its 5th edition. (Sam is Centatel’s very active CEO.) December 1st 2025 marked his forty first year of ownership.) * * * ## Footer ## Boosting Home Productivity - [Skip to primary navigation](https://www.centratel.com/blog/answering-service/the-top-3-tips-to-improve-productivity-while-working-from-home/#genesis-nav-primary) - [Skip to main content](https://www.centratel.com/blog/answering-service/the-top-3-tips-to-improve-productivity-while-working-from-home/#genesis-content) - [Skip to footer](https://www.centratel.com/blog/answering-service/the-top-3-tips-to-improve-productivity-while-working-from-home/#genesis-footer-widgets) The Highest Quality Telephone Answering Service in the United States - [Make Payment](https://thepaymentportal.com/index.php?compcode=2C1A-9FF4-91CA-7F93) - [Client Login](https://oncall.centratel.com/) - [Follow Centratel on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centratel-answering-service/) - [Follow Centratel on Twitter](https://twitter.com/centratel) - [Follow Centratel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centratel) ![The desk of a smart worker with the help of an answering service during the Covid crisis](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Centratel-the-top-3-tips-to-improve-productivity-while-working-from-home.jpg) # The Top 3 Tips to Improve Productivity while Working from Home May 14, 2020 [Answering Service](https://www.centratel.com/blog/answering-service/) By Centratel ## **Best Practices for Working from Home During COVID-19** Among the many challenges COVID-19 has introduced are those associated with [wor](https://www.centratel.com/blog/answering-service/keeping-your-business-open-during-the-covid-19-crisis/) [k](https://www.centratel.com/blog/answering-service/keeping-your-business-open-during-the-covid-19-crisis/) [ing](https://www.centratel.com/blog/answering-service/keeping-your-business-open-during-the-covid-19-crisis/) [from](https://www.centratel.com/blog/answering-service/keeping-your-business-open-during-the-covid-19-crisis/) [home](https://www.centratel.com/blog/answering-service/keeping-your-business-open-during-the-covid-19-crisis/). While working from home can seem like and may be a terrific opportunity, it can actually be more upsetting to work/life balance than going into the office each day if you aren’t careful. These tips can help you adjust and ensure that you remain productive while not jeopardizing your home life, relationships or mental health. ### Get Your Own Space If at all possible, try to set up home office space in a separate room with a door that closes. Your dining room table or, even worse, your bedroom should not become spaces that you associate with work. This helps you keep your home and work life separate. ### Look Professional Lots of people have been touting the pleasures of wearing pajamas all day, but it’s much easier to get into a work mindset if you get dressed. This doesn’t mean wearing your most uncomfortable work clothes, but you might think along the lines of “business casual.” If you’re going to be doing a lot of video conferencing, you might consider setting up a dedicated space for it. Everyone is forgiving of the occasional intrusion from children or pets, but you should prioritize [projecting a professional image](https://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-use-zoom-like-a-pro-13-hidden-features-to-try-at-your-next-meeting/). An LED light ring can substantially improve the way you look on video software. For a background, try to avoid both clutter and a stark white wall. Think tasteful without being bland. ### Stay on Schedule As tempting as it can be to sleep in and take frequent breaks to do household chores throughout the day, it’s best to try to observe the same schedule you would at the office. This also means taking breaks that are real breaks and that get you away from both office work and housework. You should set boundaries on communications as well with the exception of emergencies, confining your responses to emails and phone calls to business hours. An answering service can be a great way to help you manage these boundaries throughout the COVID-19 crisis and beyond. A service with a dedicated, professional staff can field calls during your off hours and ensure that only the most important get directed your way. Training within your industry means that they will be able to handle these calls with sensitivity and accurately determine when they need to be escalated and when matters can be put on hold until you are back in your home office again. ## Taking the Next Step * * * For a quick orientation on how we operate, take a moment to review one or more of the key points listed in Why Choose Centratel Q&A (scroll down the page if you are on a mobile phone) For more specifics on cost, to start the onboarding process, or if you have questions, fill out this form with your basic information and if it’s during regular working hours (M-F 8am to 8pm EST or 5am to 5pm PST), we’ll get back to you within minutes. Or, during the above hours, you can simply call us at 800-664-7159 or send us an email to [inquiry@centratel.com](mailto:inquiry@centratel.com). First Name \* Last Name \* Job Title Email \* Company \* Phone \* City \* State \*State \*AlabamaAlaskaArkansasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDistrict of ColumbiaDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming How did you hear about us? How did you hear about us? \*PostcardBook gift: Work the SystemLetterReferralOnline SearchWork The SystemFacebook Is your business one of our specialties \*Is your business one of our specialties \*MedicalHome Health/HospiceVeterinary24/7 BusinessHVACTrade ServiceProperty ManagementUtilityDisaster RestorationPlumbing What is your ONE primary concern with using an answering service? \*What is your primary concern with using an answering service? \*Professionalism of staffMessage delivery accuracy and timelinessConsistent high quality of serviceCost of serviceLiabilityConfidentialityOther Are you currently using a call center/telephone answering service? \* YesNo Requested service start date \*Requested service start date \*ASAPWithin 1 WeekWithin 2 WeeksWithin 1 MonthOther List any specific call requirements Submit [Terms of Service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) ### **Why Choose Centratel** **BY SAM CARPENTER** **February 1, 2026** 1.CENTRATEL’S UNIQUE 30-DAY FREE TRIAL Why is this important? Because it will provide you a truly accurate estimate of cost (we bill monthly), it will demonstrate our quality, and it gives both sides of this brand new relationship—you and Centratel—plenty of time to refine and perfect operational details. Here’s a testimonial from a new medical client that had just finished their 30-day trial: _“Of course, I love the cost as it is close to the amount I was allowed by the president of the company. I told him that if we did not continue with Centratel, I would resign as the Director of Customer Service, and I meant it. It’s a great fit. We have had NOT ONE complaint from a patient or in-house which, as you know, we received daily with our former answering service._ _I love you, Centratel, and the price. I’m ready to sign whatever documents you require._ _Thanks for the great service, and the free month_! _To a great partnership! -KB, Phoenix_“ 2.STATISTICALLY, THE BEST IN THE U.S.? Answering service quality is 100% dependent on human action and reaction, and in the course of a single day a multitude of human decisions are made by the people who process the calls: Telephone Service Representatives, or TSRs. (Some answering services refer to them as “agents.” Others, “operators.”) Like any other answering service, at Centratel we’re dealing with real live human beings and so human errors can occur. But within this labor intensive service industry that is historically known for marginal quality, Centratel’s error rate is light years ahead of established standards. Our most recent Customer Reported Error Rate (October through December, 2025) was 1 customer-reported error for every 7,017 message transactions processed. That statistic is unmatched. There’s no artificial intelligence manipulation, we do not offshore calls, and we were founded and have always operated within the United States. (Note that since early 2020, the COVID six-foot social distancing mandate drove thousands of small-to-medium sized answering services out of business. Large, often foreign-owned multi-nationals, disguised by the name of the local answering services they acquired, now thoroughly dominate the industry. Hence, an even further decline in general service quality. [See this analysis.](https://www.centratel.com/answering-service-phone-industry/)) 3.CUSTOMER SERVICE EXTRAORDINAIRE Your concerns will be instantly acted upon. It’s a work ethic that stands in stark contrast to the general decline in quality of human-to-human business communications. You’ve seen it yourself, all around. At Centratel you will know by name the customer service people you’re working with, appreciating their special listening abilities as well as their take-action-now comportment. e.g. see the testimonial in point #1 above. ‘Nuff said! 4.GETTING STARTED: IT’S SIMPLE AND FAST Getting your new Centratel answering service 30-day free trial up-and-running is accomplished within 24-48 hours. From the start, your “onboarding” customer service representative will be with you every step of the way **,** listening carefully to your concerns, answering questions and offering suggestions. 5.NEW TO USING AN ANSWERING SERVICE? The very large majority of our current answering service accounts switched to us from another service because of quality and/or cost problems. However, if you have not used a service before, you are not familiar with the options, benefits, and pitfalls. Our 30-day free trial provides you—and us—plenty of time to precisely refine your desired message-taking and delivery protocols; to get things exactly the way you want them to be without any financial risk, undue pressure, or obligation. 6.PRICING Starting at $150 per month, our rates lie in the mid-range of the industry. Note that we charge by the “transaction unit” rather than the duration of time spent handling calls. Large “mega-services” operating in the U.S. prefer time billing because it ensures the company is compensated for lower-paid/high-turnover — and thus slower — agents. _No matter the quality or how long they keep your callers on hold, they still make a profit_. And yes, it can get expensive, especially if caller on-hold time is also billed. In any answering service, it takes a long time for a new agent to become fast, efficient, and stable. At Centratel, we pamper and reward experienced agents (via high pay and great benefits) and therefore have extremely low staff turnover. Needless to say, experienced agents make fewer errors than trainees who learn on-the-job. And, transaction-unit billing is easy to understand. There is no room for fraud as in time-billing. We can easily document and explain any monthly billing we send you. 7.ACCURATELY COMPARING ANSWERING SERVICE PRICING IS COMPLICATED It’s apples and oranges. There isn’t an industry standard for billing, and each answering service has its own formula. Also, as noted above, some services charge by agent “time” while a few, like us, charge by “transaction units.” Some others combine the two. At Centratel, we charge for the work we do, not by the time we spend. The raw truth is that the only reliable way to determine monthly cost for a new service is to use that service for a solid month. Most answering services offer a 7-day free trial or no trial at all. With Centratel you get 30-days. 8. MONTHLY OR 28-DAY BILLING? Important! At Centratel, we use a “monthly” billing cycle in which invoices are compiled from the first day of a month through the last day of that month. When soliciting quotes from other services, be sure to ask if the base-rate charges are billed monthly or on a “28-day billing cycle.” There is no good reason for a 28-day billing cycle! It’s a sly manipulation by the answering service: customers billed on a 28-day cycle actually receive thirteen billings per year instead of twelve. 9.NO CONTRACT AND SIMPLE TERMS OF SERVICE We don’t ask for a term contract for service because you should be able to evaluate us in real time, without restraint. Our [terms of service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) are simple and straight-forward. 10.VALUABLE FREE GIFT FOR CONTACTING US If you take the time to discuss answering service with us, on that same day we will ship you a hardcover copy of Sam Carpenter’s bestselling book, [_Work The System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_](https://www.workthesystem.com/), now in its 5th edition. (Sam is Centatel’s very active CEO.) December 1st 2025 marked his forty first year of ownership.) * * * ## Footer ## COVID-19 Management Challenges - [Skip to primary navigation](https://www.centratel.com/blog/property-management-answering-service/challenges-for-property-managers-during-covid-19/#genesis-nav-primary) - [Skip to main content](https://www.centratel.com/blog/property-management-answering-service/challenges-for-property-managers-during-covid-19/#genesis-content) - [Skip to footer](https://www.centratel.com/blog/property-management-answering-service/challenges-for-property-managers-during-covid-19/#genesis-footer-widgets) The Highest Quality Telephone Answering Service in the United States - [Make Payment](https://thepaymentportal.com/index.php?compcode=2C1A-9FF4-91CA-7F93) - [Client Login](https://oncall.centratel.com/) - [Follow Centratel on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centratel-answering-service/) - [Follow Centratel on Twitter](https://twitter.com/centratel) - [Follow Centratel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centratel) ![A building well managed by the property manager helped by a telephone answering service](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Centratel-challenges-for-property-managers-during-covid-19.jpg) # Challenges for Property Managers during Covid-19 May 7, 2020 [Property Management](https://www.centratel.com/blog/property-management-answering-service/) By Centratel From tenants who are struggling to pay rent to making sure that contractors can carry out necessary work safely and more, property managers are facing a whole new set of challenges in the face of COVID-19. On top of this, in order to observe safe social distancing guidelines, many property managers and their employees are working from home. Property managers must also stay abreast of recommendations from the government and medical authorities to keep tenants, employees and contractors safe. ## Rent Tenants need to have ways to pay their rent that does not require them to interact in person, whether that is online or via a mail drop. In some areas, there may be provisions to defer or forgive rent payments while in other places, tenants and property managers may need to work out payment arrangements. ## Move-Ins and Move-Outs Despite the pandemic, people still need to find new apartments and move out of old ones. Some property owners have put measures in place that allow tenants to do inspections on their own. Many have also moved viewings online. This could mean needing additional protocols for people who are from out of town and who must rent a place without visiting it first. Precautions may also require extra cleaning in between tenants. ## Maintenance and Communication One of the major duties of property managers is to ensure that repairs are made promptly. Some of these may be emergencies, but even in an emergency, it is important to observe safety measures. Some tenants may not be comfortable having someone in their home or might prefer to be out if maintenance must be done. Property managers must find a way to work around all of these issues. Good communication is critical at this time. More than ever, tenants need to have their worries responded to in a timely fashion. Property management is a 24/7 job. With these new protocols and concerns, neither property managers nor their tenants want to worry about whether someone can be reached round the clock in case of emergencies. An answering service staffed by professionals trained in the industry can fill the gaps when regular employees are unable to be on call. This not only provides peace of mind for tenants but also ensures greater safety since tenants can get their questions answered as soon as possible. ## Taking the Next Step * * * For a quick orientation on how we operate, take a moment to review one or more of the key points listed in Why Choose Centratel Q&A (scroll down the page if you are on a mobile phone) For more specifics on cost, to start the onboarding process, or if you have questions, fill out this form with your basic information and if it’s during regular working hours (M-F 8am to 8pm EST or 5am to 5pm PST), we’ll get back to you within minutes. Or, during the above hours, you can simply call us at 800-664-7159 or send us an email to [inquiry@centratel.com](mailto:inquiry@centratel.com). First Name \* Last Name \* Job Title Email \* Company \* Phone \* City \* State \*State \*AlabamaAlaskaArkansasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDistrict of ColumbiaDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming How did you hear about us? How did you hear about us? \*PostcardBook gift: Work the SystemLetterReferralOnline SearchWork The SystemFacebook Is your business one of our specialties \*Is your business one of our specialties \*MedicalHome Health/HospiceVeterinary24/7 BusinessHVACTrade ServiceProperty ManagementUtilityDisaster RestorationPlumbing What is your ONE primary concern with using an answering service? \*What is your primary concern with using an answering service? \*Professionalism of staffMessage delivery accuracy and timelinessConsistent high quality of serviceCost of serviceLiabilityConfidentialityOther Are you currently using a call center/telephone answering service? \* YesNo Requested service start date \*Requested service start date \*ASAPWithin 1 WeekWithin 2 WeeksWithin 1 MonthOther List any specific call requirements Submit [Terms of Service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) ### **Why Choose Centratel** **BY SAM CARPENTER** **February 1, 2026** 1.CENTRATEL’S UNIQUE 30-DAY FREE TRIAL Why is this important? Because it will provide you a truly accurate estimate of cost (we bill monthly), it will demonstrate our quality, and it gives both sides of this brand new relationship—you and Centratel—plenty of time to refine and perfect operational details. Here’s a testimonial from a new medical client that had just finished their 30-day trial: _“Of course, I love the cost as it is close to the amount I was allowed by the president of the company. I told him that if we did not continue with Centratel, I would resign as the Director of Customer Service, and I meant it. It’s a great fit. We have had NOT ONE complaint from a patient or in-house which, as you know, we received daily with our former answering service._ _I love you, Centratel, and the price. I’m ready to sign whatever documents you require._ _Thanks for the great service, and the free month_! _To a great partnership! -KB, Phoenix_“ 2.STATISTICALLY, THE BEST IN THE U.S.? Answering service quality is 100% dependent on human action and reaction, and in the course of a single day a multitude of human decisions are made by the people who process the calls: Telephone Service Representatives, or TSRs. (Some answering services refer to them as “agents.” Others, “operators.”) Like any other answering service, at Centratel we’re dealing with real live human beings and so human errors can occur. But within this labor intensive service industry that is historically known for marginal quality, Centratel’s error rate is light years ahead of established standards. Our most recent Customer Reported Error Rate (October through December, 2025) was 1 customer-reported error for every 7,017 message transactions processed. That statistic is unmatched. There’s no artificial intelligence manipulation, we do not offshore calls, and we were founded and have always operated within the United States. (Note that since early 2020, the COVID six-foot social distancing mandate drove thousands of small-to-medium sized answering services out of business. Large, often foreign-owned multi-nationals, disguised by the name of the local answering services they acquired, now thoroughly dominate the industry. Hence, an even further decline in general service quality. [See this analysis.](https://www.centratel.com/answering-service-phone-industry/)) 3.CUSTOMER SERVICE EXTRAORDINAIRE Your concerns will be instantly acted upon. It’s a work ethic that stands in stark contrast to the general decline in quality of human-to-human business communications. You’ve seen it yourself, all around. At Centratel you will know by name the customer service people you’re working with, appreciating their special listening abilities as well as their take-action-now comportment. e.g. see the testimonial in point #1 above. ‘Nuff said! 4.GETTING STARTED: IT’S SIMPLE AND FAST Getting your new Centratel answering service 30-day free trial up-and-running is accomplished within 24-48 hours. From the start, your “onboarding” customer service representative will be with you every step of the way **,** listening carefully to your concerns, answering questions and offering suggestions. 5.NEW TO USING AN ANSWERING SERVICE? The very large majority of our current answering service accounts switched to us from another service because of quality and/or cost problems. However, if you have not used a service before, you are not familiar with the options, benefits, and pitfalls. Our 30-day free trial provides you—and us—plenty of time to precisely refine your desired message-taking and delivery protocols; to get things exactly the way you want them to be without any financial risk, undue pressure, or obligation. 6.PRICING Starting at $150 per month, our rates lie in the mid-range of the industry. Note that we charge by the “transaction unit” rather than the duration of time spent handling calls. Large “mega-services” operating in the U.S. prefer time billing because it ensures the company is compensated for lower-paid/high-turnover — and thus slower — agents. _No matter the quality or how long they keep your callers on hold, they still make a profit_. And yes, it can get expensive, especially if caller on-hold time is also billed. In any answering service, it takes a long time for a new agent to become fast, efficient, and stable. At Centratel, we pamper and reward experienced agents (via high pay and great benefits) and therefore have extremely low staff turnover. Needless to say, experienced agents make fewer errors than trainees who learn on-the-job. And, transaction-unit billing is easy to understand. There is no room for fraud as in time-billing. We can easily document and explain any monthly billing we send you. 7.ACCURATELY COMPARING ANSWERING SERVICE PRICING IS COMPLICATED It’s apples and oranges. There isn’t an industry standard for billing, and each answering service has its own formula. Also, as noted above, some services charge by agent “time” while a few, like us, charge by “transaction units.” Some others combine the two. At Centratel, we charge for the work we do, not by the time we spend. The raw truth is that the only reliable way to determine monthly cost for a new service is to use that service for a solid month. Most answering services offer a 7-day free trial or no trial at all. With Centratel you get 30-days. 8. MONTHLY OR 28-DAY BILLING? Important! At Centratel, we use a “monthly” billing cycle in which invoices are compiled from the first day of a month through the last day of that month. When soliciting quotes from other services, be sure to ask if the base-rate charges are billed monthly or on a “28-day billing cycle.” There is no good reason for a 28-day billing cycle! It’s a sly manipulation by the answering service: customers billed on a 28-day cycle actually receive thirteen billings per year instead of twelve. 9.NO CONTRACT AND SIMPLE TERMS OF SERVICE We don’t ask for a term contract for service because you should be able to evaluate us in real time, without restraint. Our [terms of service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) are simple and straight-forward. 10.VALUABLE FREE GIFT FOR CONTACTING US If you take the time to discuss answering service with us, on that same day we will ship you a hardcover copy of Sam Carpenter’s bestselling book, [_Work The System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_](https://www.workthesystem.com/), now in its 5th edition. (Sam is Centatel’s very active CEO.) December 1st 2025 marked his forty first year of ownership.) * * * ## Footer ## COVID-19 Contractor Safety - [Skip to primary navigation](https://www.centratel.com/blog/hvac-answering-service/is-it-safe-to-call-a-service-contractor-during-the-covid-19-lockdown/#genesis-nav-primary) - [Skip to main content](https://www.centratel.com/blog/hvac-answering-service/is-it-safe-to-call-a-service-contractor-during-the-covid-19-lockdown/#genesis-content) - [Skip to footer](https://www.centratel.com/blog/hvac-answering-service/is-it-safe-to-call-a-service-contractor-during-the-covid-19-lockdown/#genesis-footer-widgets) The Highest Quality Telephone Answering Service in the United States - [Make Payment](https://thepaymentportal.com/index.php?compcode=2C1A-9FF4-91CA-7F93) - [Client Login](https://oncall.centratel.com/) - [Follow Centratel on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centratel-answering-service/) - [Follow Centratel on Twitter](https://twitter.com/centratel) - [Follow Centratel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centratel) ![Illustration of an HVAC operator helped by an answering service](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Centratel-is-it-safe-to-call-a-service-contractor-during-the-covid-19-lockdown.jpg) # Is it Safe to Call a Service Contractor During the Covid-19 Lockdown? April 30, 2020 [HVAC](https://www.centratel.com/blog/hvac-answering-service/) By Centratel For much of America we are currently into week 7 of some type of self-quarantine or mandated stay at home orders. Unless you own or work for a company that has been deemed an essential business you have probably been sheltering in place. Health care services, grocery stores and gas stations as most of us know make the cut as an essential service but what a lot of people don’t realize is that many businesses within the construction industry are still considered essential as well. Of course, different states have had varying standards on what they constitute to be essential businesses. Many states such as New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington have either mostly or completely shut down construction projects, while other states have put an array of restrictions, new guidelines and standards on building practices. However, service-related businesses such as HVAC are actually still in very high demand and are considered essential. While the Coronavirus or Covid-19 is and has been a rapidly evolving situation the need for services provided by HVAC contractors has diminished very little, in fact, with the majority of the country staying at home and working from the home more than ever before, some regions of the country have seen an increased demand for these services in recent weeks. ## **But is it safe to have work done?** Even before the coronavirus hit, high quality service contractors typically made it mandatory that their technicians and service people caused little or no disturbance to their clients and kept their clients’ homes clean and tidy. By wearing protective gear such as booties, gloves, and using drop cloths and sometimes even dust barrier systems, the service people left no trace or impact on the home they had been working on. Now is no different other than these efforts have simply increased. With the use of face masks and implementation of disinfectants these service providers are doing everything they can to prevent any possible spread of Covid-19. Another step that many of these businesses have taken is to create social distancing in their very own office. Many companies have asked front office staff to work from home if possible and have turned to using telephone answering services to provide additional phone support for the office. In some incidences this has been a lifeline for small companies just trying to stay open for business. It is important to know that your local HVAC company is still very much open for business and that their technicians are taking every precaution to keep both themselves and your home and family safe and virus free. So if, while you and your family are sheltering in place and the heater goes out, you have a plumbing leak or the breaker for the oven goes bad; use your own discretion and do what feels safe but know that you can call your local service contractor and they will still come out to take care of you. Even though this coronavirus crisis has caused a great deal of chaos and grief for many we just need to keep in mind that this will pass. We will get through this together and there are a lot of businesses out there still running in order to keep our daily lives as normal as possible through difficult times. ## Taking the Next Step * * * For a quick orientation on how we operate, take a moment to review one or more of the key points listed in Why Choose Centratel Q&A (scroll down the page if you are on a mobile phone) For more specifics on cost, to start the onboarding process, or if you have questions, fill out this form with your basic information and if it’s during regular working hours (M-F 8am to 8pm EST or 5am to 5pm PST), we’ll get back to you within minutes. Or, during the above hours, you can simply call us at 800-664-7159 or send us an email to [inquiry@centratel.com](mailto:inquiry@centratel.com). First Name \* Last Name \* Job Title Email \* Company \* Phone \* City \* State \*State \*AlabamaAlaskaArkansasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDistrict of ColumbiaDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming How did you hear about us? How did you hear about us? \*PostcardBook gift: Work the SystemLetterReferralOnline SearchWork The SystemFacebook Is your business one of our specialties \*Is your business one of our specialties \*MedicalHome Health/HospiceVeterinary24/7 BusinessHVACTrade ServiceProperty ManagementUtilityDisaster RestorationPlumbing What is your ONE primary concern with using an answering service? \*What is your primary concern with using an answering service? \*Professionalism of staffMessage delivery accuracy and timelinessConsistent high quality of serviceCost of serviceLiabilityConfidentialityOther Are you currently using a call center/telephone answering service? \* YesNo Requested service start date \*Requested service start date \*ASAPWithin 1 WeekWithin 2 WeeksWithin 1 MonthOther List any specific call requirements Submit [Terms of Service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) ### **Why Choose Centratel** **BY SAM CARPENTER** **February 1, 2026** 1.CENTRATEL’S UNIQUE 30-DAY FREE TRIAL Why is this important? Because it will provide you a truly accurate estimate of cost (we bill monthly), it will demonstrate our quality, and it gives both sides of this brand new relationship—you and Centratel—plenty of time to refine and perfect operational details. Here’s a testimonial from a new medical client that had just finished their 30-day trial: _“Of course, I love the cost as it is close to the amount I was allowed by the president of the company. I told him that if we did not continue with Centratel, I would resign as the Director of Customer Service, and I meant it. It’s a great fit. We have had NOT ONE complaint from a patient or in-house which, as you know, we received daily with our former answering service._ _I love you, Centratel, and the price. I’m ready to sign whatever documents you require._ _Thanks for the great service, and the free month_! _To a great partnership! -KB, Phoenix_“ 2.STATISTICALLY, THE BEST IN THE U.S.? Answering service quality is 100% dependent on human action and reaction, and in the course of a single day a multitude of human decisions are made by the people who process the calls: Telephone Service Representatives, or TSRs. (Some answering services refer to them as “agents.” Others, “operators.”) Like any other answering service, at Centratel we’re dealing with real live human beings and so human errors can occur. But within this labor intensive service industry that is historically known for marginal quality, Centratel’s error rate is light years ahead of established standards. Our most recent Customer Reported Error Rate (October through December, 2025) was 1 customer-reported error for every 7,017 message transactions processed. That statistic is unmatched. There’s no artificial intelligence manipulation, we do not offshore calls, and we were founded and have always operated within the United States. (Note that since early 2020, the COVID six-foot social distancing mandate drove thousands of small-to-medium sized answering services out of business. Large, often foreign-owned multi-nationals, disguised by the name of the local answering services they acquired, now thoroughly dominate the industry. Hence, an even further decline in general service quality. [See this analysis.](https://www.centratel.com/answering-service-phone-industry/)) 3.CUSTOMER SERVICE EXTRAORDINAIRE Your concerns will be instantly acted upon. It’s a work ethic that stands in stark contrast to the general decline in quality of human-to-human business communications. You’ve seen it yourself, all around. At Centratel you will know by name the customer service people you’re working with, appreciating their special listening abilities as well as their take-action-now comportment. e.g. see the testimonial in point #1 above. ‘Nuff said! 4.GETTING STARTED: IT’S SIMPLE AND FAST Getting your new Centratel answering service 30-day free trial up-and-running is accomplished within 24-48 hours. From the start, your “onboarding” customer service representative will be with you every step of the way **,** listening carefully to your concerns, answering questions and offering suggestions. 5.NEW TO USING AN ANSWERING SERVICE? The very large majority of our current answering service accounts switched to us from another service because of quality and/or cost problems. However, if you have not used a service before, you are not familiar with the options, benefits, and pitfalls. Our 30-day free trial provides you—and us—plenty of time to precisely refine your desired message-taking and delivery protocols; to get things exactly the way you want them to be without any financial risk, undue pressure, or obligation. 6.PRICING Starting at $150 per month, our rates lie in the mid-range of the industry. Note that we charge by the “transaction unit” rather than the duration of time spent handling calls. Large “mega-services” operating in the U.S. prefer time billing because it ensures the company is compensated for lower-paid/high-turnover — and thus slower — agents. _No matter the quality or how long they keep your callers on hold, they still make a profit_. And yes, it can get expensive, especially if caller on-hold time is also billed. In any answering service, it takes a long time for a new agent to become fast, efficient, and stable. At Centratel, we pamper and reward experienced agents (via high pay and great benefits) and therefore have extremely low staff turnover. Needless to say, experienced agents make fewer errors than trainees who learn on-the-job. And, transaction-unit billing is easy to understand. There is no room for fraud as in time-billing. We can easily document and explain any monthly billing we send you. 7.ACCURATELY COMPARING ANSWERING SERVICE PRICING IS COMPLICATED It’s apples and oranges. There isn’t an industry standard for billing, and each answering service has its own formula. Also, as noted above, some services charge by agent “time” while a few, like us, charge by “transaction units.” Some others combine the two. At Centratel, we charge for the work we do, not by the time we spend. The raw truth is that the only reliable way to determine monthly cost for a new service is to use that service for a solid month. Most answering services offer a 7-day free trial or no trial at all. With Centratel you get 30-days. 8. MONTHLY OR 28-DAY BILLING? Important! At Centratel, we use a “monthly” billing cycle in which invoices are compiled from the first day of a month through the last day of that month. When soliciting quotes from other services, be sure to ask if the base-rate charges are billed monthly or on a “28-day billing cycle.” There is no good reason for a 28-day billing cycle! It’s a sly manipulation by the answering service: customers billed on a 28-day cycle actually receive thirteen billings per year instead of twelve. 9.NO CONTRACT AND SIMPLE TERMS OF SERVICE We don’t ask for a term contract for service because you should be able to evaluate us in real time, without restraint. Our [terms of service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) are simple and straight-forward. 10.VALUABLE FREE GIFT FOR CONTACTING US If you take the time to discuss answering service with us, on that same day we will ship you a hardcover copy of Sam Carpenter’s bestselling book, [_Work The System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_](https://www.workthesystem.com/), now in its 5th edition. (Sam is Centatel’s very active CEO.) December 1st 2025 marked his forty first year of ownership.) * * * ## Footer ## Business Continuity Solutions - [Skip to primary navigation](https://www.centratel.com/blog/answering-service/keeping-your-business-open-during-the-covid-19-crisis/#genesis-nav-primary) - [Skip to main content](https://www.centratel.com/blog/answering-service/keeping-your-business-open-during-the-covid-19-crisis/#genesis-content) - [Skip to footer](https://www.centratel.com/blog/answering-service/keeping-your-business-open-during-the-covid-19-crisis/#genesis-footer-widgets) The Highest Quality Telephone Answering Service in the United States - [Make Payment](https://thepaymentportal.com/index.php?compcode=2C1A-9FF4-91CA-7F93) - [Client Login](https://oncall.centratel.com/) - [Follow Centratel on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centratel-answering-service/) - [Follow Centratel on Twitter](https://twitter.com/centratel) - [Follow Centratel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centratel) ![A sign of business opened during Covid crisis thanks to the help of its answering service](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Centratel-keeping-your-business-open-during-the-covid-19-crisis-1.jpg) # Keeping your business open during the Covid-19 crisis April 23, 2020 [Answering Service](https://www.centratel.com/blog/answering-service/) By Centratel ## Front office phone support during the Coronavirus pandemic. The Coronavirus has changed the world as we know it. Schools are closed across America; social distancing has interrupted nearly every aspect of our daily life from grocery shopping to simply grabbing a bite to eat. Small businesses are closing everywhere you look and even some major retailers like REI, Nike and Apple stores are temporarily closing their doors until the pandemic begins to get under control. Right now, being a small business owner is scarier than ever before and the future is still very uncertain. For many small business owners, the priorities have shifted. It has become the main goal of owners and management to keep their employees and their clientele safe and healthy and the only sure way to do that during this time is to keep people home and separated as much as possible. This means that thousands of businesses have had to lay off, furlough or ask their office staff to work from home which, in turn, has left phone lines unattended or overwhelmed with one person trying to answer a forwarded line with no support. If you are currently working on a business continuity plan and looking for ways to keep your business going strong, now may be a good time to look into an answering service. State governments are currently looking at ways to re-open their economies, but this could still be a few weeks out at best and the process will likely be slow and methodical, not “flipping a switch”. During this time there are many essential businesses like home health care, in home care, hospice providers, services such as HVAC that still need reliable phone support, message filtering, taking and delivery to staff or on-call personnel. Centratel has been providing the highest quality answering service in the U.S. for 35 years and our services have never been more valuable. Available 24/7 our professional, long term Telephone Service Representatives become an extension of our client’s own business. By offering the highest quality answering service in the country, we can offer the remote phone support that many businesses are in need of right now while their staff is no longer in the office. If you could use some help with your phones during this crisis; after hours, weekends, full time or just overflow, contact Centratel and let us tell you more about our services and pricing. We are here to help, and we will all get through this together. Be kind, stay safe and stay healthy. ## Taking the Next Step * * * For a quick orientation on how we operate, take a moment to review one or more of the key points listed in Why Choose Centratel Q&A (scroll down the page if you are on a mobile phone) For more specifics on cost, to start the onboarding process, or if you have questions, fill out this form with your basic information and if it’s during regular working hours (M-F 8am to 8pm EST or 5am to 5pm PST), we’ll get back to you within minutes. Or, during the above hours, you can simply call us at 800-664-7159 or send us an email to [inquiry@centratel.com](mailto:inquiry@centratel.com). First Name \* Last Name \* Job Title Email \* Company \* Phone \* City \* State \*State \*AlabamaAlaskaArkansasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDistrict of ColumbiaDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming How did you hear about us? How did you hear about us? \*PostcardBook gift: Work the SystemLetterReferralOnline SearchWork The SystemFacebook Is your business one of our specialties \*Is your business one of our specialties \*MedicalHome Health/HospiceVeterinary24/7 BusinessHVACTrade ServiceProperty ManagementUtilityDisaster RestorationPlumbing What is your ONE primary concern with using an answering service? \*What is your primary concern with using an answering service? \*Professionalism of staffMessage delivery accuracy and timelinessConsistent high quality of serviceCost of serviceLiabilityConfidentialityOther Are you currently using a call center/telephone answering service? \* YesNo Requested service start date \*Requested service start date \*ASAPWithin 1 WeekWithin 2 WeeksWithin 1 MonthOther List any specific call requirements Submit [Terms of Service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) ### **Why Choose Centratel** **BY SAM CARPENTER** **February 1, 2026** 1.CENTRATEL’S UNIQUE 30-DAY FREE TRIAL Why is this important? Because it will provide you a truly accurate estimate of cost (we bill monthly), it will demonstrate our quality, and it gives both sides of this brand new relationship—you and Centratel—plenty of time to refine and perfect operational details. Here’s a testimonial from a new medical client that had just finished their 30-day trial: _“Of course, I love the cost as it is close to the amount I was allowed by the president of the company. I told him that if we did not continue with Centratel, I would resign as the Director of Customer Service, and I meant it. It’s a great fit. We have had NOT ONE complaint from a patient or in-house which, as you know, we received daily with our former answering service._ _I love you, Centratel, and the price. I’m ready to sign whatever documents you require._ _Thanks for the great service, and the free month_! _To a great partnership! -KB, Phoenix_“ 2.STATISTICALLY, THE BEST IN THE U.S.? Answering service quality is 100% dependent on human action and reaction, and in the course of a single day a multitude of human decisions are made by the people who process the calls: Telephone Service Representatives, or TSRs. (Some answering services refer to them as “agents.” Others, “operators.”) Like any other answering service, at Centratel we’re dealing with real live human beings and so human errors can occur. But within this labor intensive service industry that is historically known for marginal quality, Centratel’s error rate is light years ahead of established standards. Our most recent Customer Reported Error Rate (October through December, 2025) was 1 customer-reported error for every 7,017 message transactions processed. That statistic is unmatched. There’s no artificial intelligence manipulation, we do not offshore calls, and we were founded and have always operated within the United States. (Note that since early 2020, the COVID six-foot social distancing mandate drove thousands of small-to-medium sized answering services out of business. Large, often foreign-owned multi-nationals, disguised by the name of the local answering services they acquired, now thoroughly dominate the industry. Hence, an even further decline in general service quality. [See this analysis.](https://www.centratel.com/answering-service-phone-industry/)) 3.CUSTOMER SERVICE EXTRAORDINAIRE Your concerns will be instantly acted upon. It’s a work ethic that stands in stark contrast to the general decline in quality of human-to-human business communications. You’ve seen it yourself, all around. At Centratel you will know by name the customer service people you’re working with, appreciating their special listening abilities as well as their take-action-now comportment. e.g. see the testimonial in point #1 above. ‘Nuff said! 4.GETTING STARTED: IT’S SIMPLE AND FAST Getting your new Centratel answering service 30-day free trial up-and-running is accomplished within 24-48 hours. From the start, your “onboarding” customer service representative will be with you every step of the way **,** listening carefully to your concerns, answering questions and offering suggestions. 5.NEW TO USING AN ANSWERING SERVICE? The very large majority of our current answering service accounts switched to us from another service because of quality and/or cost problems. However, if you have not used a service before, you are not familiar with the options, benefits, and pitfalls. Our 30-day free trial provides you—and us—plenty of time to precisely refine your desired message-taking and delivery protocols; to get things exactly the way you want them to be without any financial risk, undue pressure, or obligation. 6.PRICING Starting at $150 per month, our rates lie in the mid-range of the industry. Note that we charge by the “transaction unit” rather than the duration of time spent handling calls. Large “mega-services” operating in the U.S. prefer time billing because it ensures the company is compensated for lower-paid/high-turnover — and thus slower — agents. _No matter the quality or how long they keep your callers on hold, they still make a profit_. And yes, it can get expensive, especially if caller on-hold time is also billed. In any answering service, it takes a long time for a new agent to become fast, efficient, and stable. At Centratel, we pamper and reward experienced agents (via high pay and great benefits) and therefore have extremely low staff turnover. Needless to say, experienced agents make fewer errors than trainees who learn on-the-job. And, transaction-unit billing is easy to understand. There is no room for fraud as in time-billing. We can easily document and explain any monthly billing we send you. 7.ACCURATELY COMPARING ANSWERING SERVICE PRICING IS COMPLICATED It’s apples and oranges. There isn’t an industry standard for billing, and each answering service has its own formula. Also, as noted above, some services charge by agent “time” while a few, like us, charge by “transaction units.” Some others combine the two. At Centratel, we charge for the work we do, not by the time we spend. The raw truth is that the only reliable way to determine monthly cost for a new service is to use that service for a solid month. Most answering services offer a 7-day free trial or no trial at all. With Centratel you get 30-days. 8. MONTHLY OR 28-DAY BILLING? Important! At Centratel, we use a “monthly” billing cycle in which invoices are compiled from the first day of a month through the last day of that month. When soliciting quotes from other services, be sure to ask if the base-rate charges are billed monthly or on a “28-day billing cycle.” There is no good reason for a 28-day billing cycle! It’s a sly manipulation by the answering service: customers billed on a 28-day cycle actually receive thirteen billings per year instead of twelve. 9.NO CONTRACT AND SIMPLE TERMS OF SERVICE We don’t ask for a term contract for service because you should be able to evaluate us in real time, without restraint. Our [terms of service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) are simple and straight-forward. 10.VALUABLE FREE GIFT FOR CONTACTING US If you take the time to discuss answering service with us, on that same day we will ship you a hardcover copy of Sam Carpenter’s bestselling book, [_Work The System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_](https://www.workthesystem.com/), now in its 5th edition. (Sam is Centatel’s very active CEO.) December 1st 2025 marked his forty first year of ownership.) * * * ## Footer ## Thank You Healthcare Heroes - [Skip to primary navigation](https://www.centratel.com/blog/home-healthcare-hospice-answering-service/a-thank-you-to-medical-providers-first-responders-and-care-givers-for-their-tireless-work-during-the-covid-19-crisis/#genesis-nav-primary) - [Skip to main content](https://www.centratel.com/blog/home-healthcare-hospice-answering-service/a-thank-you-to-medical-providers-first-responders-and-care-givers-for-their-tireless-work-during-the-covid-19-crisis/#genesis-content) - [Skip to footer](https://www.centratel.com/blog/home-healthcare-hospice-answering-service/a-thank-you-to-medical-providers-first-responders-and-care-givers-for-their-tireless-work-during-the-covid-19-crisis/#genesis-footer-widgets) The Highest Quality Telephone Answering Service in the United States - [Make Payment](https://thepaymentportal.com/index.php?compcode=2C1A-9FF4-91CA-7F93) - [Client Login](https://oncall.centratel.com/) - [Follow Centratel on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centratel-answering-service/) - [Follow Centratel on Twitter](https://twitter.com/centratel) - [Follow Centratel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centratel) ![A nurse wearing a surgical mask, knowing that an answering service is taking her calls](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Centratel-a-thank-you-to-medical-providers-first-responders-and-care-givers-for-their-tireless-work-during-the-covid-19-crisis.jpg) # A Thank You to Medical Providers, First Responders and Care Givers for Their Tireless Work During the Covid-19 Crisis April 16, 2020 [Home Healthcare & Hospice](https://www.centratel.com/blog/home-healthcare-hospice-answering-service/), [Medical](https://www.centratel.com/blog/medical-answering-service/) By Centratel Covid-19 has drastically changed the world we live in. Social distancing means getting no closer than six feet from people that you do not live with to avoid contracting the disease or passing it on to someone else. Because you can have Covid-19 without any symptoms and still make others sick, healthcare organizations say you should behave as though you have it. However, there are plenty of people out there who do not have this luxury. To them, we offer our heartfelt thanks. ## Protecting Us All First responders, including nurses, doctors and other healthcare personnel as well as firefighters and police officers all continue to deal with emergencies. This potentially puts them in harm’s way as they are doing their job since they cannot observe the six-foot rule and must often be in close, prolonged contact with others. The services of janitors, a role that includes disinfecting workplaces, and many others who work in medical and other emergency facilities are critical to keeping things functioning. We say thank you to them as well. ## Essential Businesses Even during a pandemic, many businesses must continue to operate. Sadly, in some cases, it is more crucial than ever for certain businesses, such as funeral homes, to be able to continue operation. Furthermore, other medical issues do not go away, and this means that people with existing illnesses continue to need such services as home health care and hospice. ## How Centratel Can Help At Centratel, we want to continue helping your company respond to emergencies. The staff of many businesses and organizations are already stretched thinly during this time. In the meantime, they may be busier than ever. Centratel remains open to continue offering aid to the essential businesses that we support with our specialized telephone answering services. It matters to us that our first responders and those who work in related fields are able to continue doing their important work. Our phone support can help make this happen. Centratel staff with our [HIPAA-compliant medical answering service](https://www.centratel.com/medical-answering-service/) have the expertise and the sensitivity to continue responding to calls at any time of the day or night. Our other specialties include hospice, home health and funeral homes. We understand that in these industries, speed and accuracy can be literally a matter of life and death. The best way for us to thank our first responders for their courageous and tireless work is by providing calm, compassionate and precise information to callers and understanding what action should be taken for each call. At Centratel, we’ll continue to show our gratitude by taking care of the phone lines while you manage the front lines. ## Taking the Next Step * * * For a quick orientation on how we operate, take a moment to review one or more of the key points listed in Why Choose Centratel Q&A (scroll down the page if you are on a mobile phone) For more specifics on cost, to start the onboarding process, or if you have questions, fill out this form with your basic information and if it’s during regular working hours (M-F 8am to 8pm EST or 5am to 5pm PST), we’ll get back to you within minutes. Or, during the above hours, you can simply call us at 800-664-7159 or send us an email to [inquiry@centratel.com](mailto:inquiry@centratel.com). First Name \* Last Name \* Job Title Email \* Company \* Phone \* City \* State \*State \*AlabamaAlaskaArkansasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDistrict of ColumbiaDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming How did you hear about us? How did you hear about us? \*PostcardBook gift: Work the SystemLetterReferralOnline SearchWork The SystemFacebook Is your business one of our specialties \*Is your business one of our specialties \*MedicalHome Health/HospiceVeterinary24/7 BusinessHVACTrade ServiceProperty ManagementUtilityDisaster RestorationPlumbing What is your ONE primary concern with using an answering service? \*What is your primary concern with using an answering service? \*Professionalism of staffMessage delivery accuracy and timelinessConsistent high quality of serviceCost of serviceLiabilityConfidentialityOther Are you currently using a call center/telephone answering service? \* YesNo Requested service start date \*Requested service start date \*ASAPWithin 1 WeekWithin 2 WeeksWithin 1 MonthOther List any specific call requirements Submit [Terms of Service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) ### **Why Choose Centratel** **BY SAM CARPENTER** **February 1, 2026** 1.CENTRATEL’S UNIQUE 30-DAY FREE TRIAL Why is this important? Because it will provide you a truly accurate estimate of cost (we bill monthly), it will demonstrate our quality, and it gives both sides of this brand new relationship—you and Centratel—plenty of time to refine and perfect operational details. Here’s a testimonial from a new medical client that had just finished their 30-day trial: _“Of course, I love the cost as it is close to the amount I was allowed by the president of the company. I told him that if we did not continue with Centratel, I would resign as the Director of Customer Service, and I meant it. It’s a great fit. We have had NOT ONE complaint from a patient or in-house which, as you know, we received daily with our former answering service._ _I love you, Centratel, and the price. I’m ready to sign whatever documents you require._ _Thanks for the great service, and the free month_! _To a great partnership! -KB, Phoenix_“ 2.STATISTICALLY, THE BEST IN THE U.S.? Answering service quality is 100% dependent on human action and reaction, and in the course of a single day a multitude of human decisions are made by the people who process the calls: Telephone Service Representatives, or TSRs. (Some answering services refer to them as “agents.” Others, “operators.”) Like any other answering service, at Centratel we’re dealing with real live human beings and so human errors can occur. But within this labor intensive service industry that is historically known for marginal quality, Centratel’s error rate is light years ahead of established standards. Our most recent Customer Reported Error Rate (October through December, 2025) was 1 customer-reported error for every 7,017 message transactions processed. That statistic is unmatched. There’s no artificial intelligence manipulation, we do not offshore calls, and we were founded and have always operated within the United States. (Note that since early 2020, the COVID six-foot social distancing mandate drove thousands of small-to-medium sized answering services out of business. Large, often foreign-owned multi-nationals, disguised by the name of the local answering services they acquired, now thoroughly dominate the industry. Hence, an even further decline in general service quality. [See this analysis.](https://www.centratel.com/answering-service-phone-industry/)) 3.CUSTOMER SERVICE EXTRAORDINAIRE Your concerns will be instantly acted upon. It’s a work ethic that stands in stark contrast to the general decline in quality of human-to-human business communications. You’ve seen it yourself, all around. At Centratel you will know by name the customer service people you’re working with, appreciating their special listening abilities as well as their take-action-now comportment. e.g. see the testimonial in point #1 above. ‘Nuff said! 4.GETTING STARTED: IT’S SIMPLE AND FAST Getting your new Centratel answering service 30-day free trial up-and-running is accomplished within 24-48 hours. From the start, your “onboarding” customer service representative will be with you every step of the way **,** listening carefully to your concerns, answering questions and offering suggestions. 5.NEW TO USING AN ANSWERING SERVICE? The very large majority of our current answering service accounts switched to us from another service because of quality and/or cost problems. However, if you have not used a service before, you are not familiar with the options, benefits, and pitfalls. Our 30-day free trial provides you—and us—plenty of time to precisely refine your desired message-taking and delivery protocols; to get things exactly the way you want them to be without any financial risk, undue pressure, or obligation. 6.PRICING Starting at $150 per month, our rates lie in the mid-range of the industry. Note that we charge by the “transaction unit” rather than the duration of time spent handling calls. Large “mega-services” operating in the U.S. prefer time billing because it ensures the company is compensated for lower-paid/high-turnover — and thus slower — agents. _No matter the quality or how long they keep your callers on hold, they still make a profit_. And yes, it can get expensive, especially if caller on-hold time is also billed. In any answering service, it takes a long time for a new agent to become fast, efficient, and stable. At Centratel, we pamper and reward experienced agents (via high pay and great benefits) and therefore have extremely low staff turnover. Needless to say, experienced agents make fewer errors than trainees who learn on-the-job. And, transaction-unit billing is easy to understand. There is no room for fraud as in time-billing. We can easily document and explain any monthly billing we send you. 7.ACCURATELY COMPARING ANSWERING SERVICE PRICING IS COMPLICATED It’s apples and oranges. There isn’t an industry standard for billing, and each answering service has its own formula. Also, as noted above, some services charge by agent “time” while a few, like us, charge by “transaction units.” Some others combine the two. At Centratel, we charge for the work we do, not by the time we spend. The raw truth is that the only reliable way to determine monthly cost for a new service is to use that service for a solid month. Most answering services offer a 7-day free trial or no trial at all. With Centratel you get 30-days. 8. MONTHLY OR 28-DAY BILLING? Important! At Centratel, we use a “monthly” billing cycle in which invoices are compiled from the first day of a month through the last day of that month. When soliciting quotes from other services, be sure to ask if the base-rate charges are billed monthly or on a “28-day billing cycle.” There is no good reason for a 28-day billing cycle! It’s a sly manipulation by the answering service: customers billed on a 28-day cycle actually receive thirteen billings per year instead of twelve. 9.NO CONTRACT AND SIMPLE TERMS OF SERVICE We don’t ask for a term contract for service because you should be able to evaluate us in real time, without restraint. Our [terms of service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) are simple and straight-forward. 10.VALUABLE FREE GIFT FOR CONTACTING US If you take the time to discuss answering service with us, on that same day we will ship you a hardcover copy of Sam Carpenter’s bestselling book, [_Work The System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_](https://www.workthesystem.com/), now in its 5th edition. (Sam is Centatel’s very active CEO.) December 1st 2025 marked his forty first year of ownership.) * * * ## Footer ## Centratel COVID-19 Update - [Skip to primary navigation](https://www.centratel.com/blog/answering-service/a-letter-to-centratel-clients-during-the-covid-19-crisis/#genesis-nav-primary) - [Skip to main content](https://www.centratel.com/blog/answering-service/a-letter-to-centratel-clients-during-the-covid-19-crisis/#genesis-content) - [Skip to footer](https://www.centratel.com/blog/answering-service/a-letter-to-centratel-clients-during-the-covid-19-crisis/#genesis-footer-widgets) The Highest Quality Telephone Answering Service in the United States - [Make Payment](https://thepaymentportal.com/index.php?compcode=2C1A-9FF4-91CA-7F93) - [Client Login](https://oncall.centratel.com/) - [Follow Centratel on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centratel-answering-service/) - [Follow Centratel on Twitter](https://twitter.com/centratel) - [Follow Centratel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centratel) ![A virus representing Covid19 crisis and the help that Centratel can give](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Centratel-a-letter-to-centratel-clients-during-the-covid19-crisis.jpg) # Centratel Answering Service Total System Redundancy April 9, 2020 [Answering Service](https://www.centratel.com/blog/answering-service/) By Sam Carpenter ## A letter to Centratel clients during the Covid-19 Crisis from Sam Carpenter, President and Owner For the last forty-one years, we have been providing our clients with the highest quality – and now, the most reliable – answering service in the United States. Of course, the safety of our individual team members is paramount. Know that our staff is receiving up-to-the-moment guidance so they can keep themselves and their families safe in this COVID-19 emergency. We continue to precisely follow CDC guidelines as well as our own unique protective protocols. But another top priority as an organization is to be able to process your incoming calls without interruption no matter the situation. To finally achieve that goal, over the last 12 months we’ve heavily invested in a redundant, fail-safe infrastructure – equipment, staff and protocol – that will enable our operators and administrative staff to work from an alternative location should the requirement for a total headquarters evacuation arise. _Today, our Bend, Oregon offices could be vacated without prior notice and for any reason and we will be able to continue to process your calls without interruption._ Nationwide, only a tiny percentage of the approximately eight hundred 24/7/365 answering services have this “total-redundancy” capability. This massive system improvement includes the most stable and reliable telephony infrastructure available supported by a 100% redundant on-site/off-site and cloud information technology architecture, distributed multi-technology data backups, and state of the art connectivity with multiple wired and wireless fail-over carriers. With this, continuity of service is assured and the possibility of losing client information and caller data is near zero. In terms of protocol and guaranteed continuity-of-service, Centratel now is, essentially, a privately operated 911 operation. Yes, Centratel is classified as an “essential business” at the state and federal level. Although we strive to answer every call “live,” in the midst of this COVID-19 emergency, overall incoming call-traffic has sometimes been difficult to predict and so there may occasionally be an increase in hold times. To counter this challenge, we are increasing our staffing. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our customer service department. Thank you SO MUCH for employing Centratel! Sam Carpenter, President and Owner ## Taking the Next Step * * * For a quick orientation on how we operate, take a moment to review one or more of the key points listed in Why Choose Centratel Q&A (scroll down the page if you are on a mobile phone) For more specifics on cost, to start the onboarding process, or if you have questions, fill out this form with your basic information and if it’s during regular working hours (M-F 8am to 8pm EST or 5am to 5pm PST), we’ll get back to you within minutes. Or, during the above hours, you can simply call us at 800-664-7159 or send us an email to [inquiry@centratel.com](mailto:inquiry@centratel.com). First Name \* Last Name \* Job Title Email \* Company \* Phone \* City \* State \*State \*AlabamaAlaskaArkansasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDistrict of ColumbiaDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming How did you hear about us? How did you hear about us? \*PostcardBook gift: Work the SystemLetterReferralOnline SearchWork The SystemFacebook Is your business one of our specialties \*Is your business one of our specialties \*MedicalHome Health/HospiceVeterinary24/7 BusinessHVACTrade ServiceProperty ManagementUtilityDisaster RestorationPlumbing What is your ONE primary concern with using an answering service? \*What is your primary concern with using an answering service? \*Professionalism of staffMessage delivery accuracy and timelinessConsistent high quality of serviceCost of serviceLiabilityConfidentialityOther Are you currently using a call center/telephone answering service? \* YesNo Requested service start date \*Requested service start date \*ASAPWithin 1 WeekWithin 2 WeeksWithin 1 MonthOther List any specific call requirements Submit [Terms of Service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) ### **Why Choose Centratel** **BY SAM CARPENTER** **February 1, 2026** 1.CENTRATEL’S UNIQUE 30-DAY FREE TRIAL Why is this important? Because it will provide you a truly accurate estimate of cost (we bill monthly), it will demonstrate our quality, and it gives both sides of this brand new relationship—you and Centratel—plenty of time to refine and perfect operational details. Here’s a testimonial from a new medical client that had just finished their 30-day trial: _“Of course, I love the cost as it is close to the amount I was allowed by the president of the company. I told him that if we did not continue with Centratel, I would resign as the Director of Customer Service, and I meant it. It’s a great fit. We have had NOT ONE complaint from a patient or in-house which, as you know, we received daily with our former answering service._ _I love you, Centratel, and the price. I’m ready to sign whatever documents you require._ _Thanks for the great service, and the free month_! _To a great partnership! -KB, Phoenix_“ 2.STATISTICALLY, THE BEST IN THE U.S.? Answering service quality is 100% dependent on human action and reaction, and in the course of a single day a multitude of human decisions are made by the people who process the calls: Telephone Service Representatives, or TSRs. (Some answering services refer to them as “agents.” Others, “operators.”) Like any other answering service, at Centratel we’re dealing with real live human beings and so human errors can occur. But within this labor intensive service industry that is historically known for marginal quality, Centratel’s error rate is light years ahead of established standards. Our most recent Customer Reported Error Rate (October through December, 2025) was 1 customer-reported error for every 7,017 message transactions processed. That statistic is unmatched. There’s no artificial intelligence manipulation, we do not offshore calls, and we were founded and have always operated within the United States. (Note that since early 2020, the COVID six-foot social distancing mandate drove thousands of small-to-medium sized answering services out of business. Large, often foreign-owned multi-nationals, disguised by the name of the local answering services they acquired, now thoroughly dominate the industry. Hence, an even further decline in general service quality. [See this analysis.](https://www.centratel.com/answering-service-phone-industry/)) 3.CUSTOMER SERVICE EXTRAORDINAIRE Your concerns will be instantly acted upon. It’s a work ethic that stands in stark contrast to the general decline in quality of human-to-human business communications. You’ve seen it yourself, all around. At Centratel you will know by name the customer service people you’re working with, appreciating their special listening abilities as well as their take-action-now comportment. e.g. see the testimonial in point #1 above. ‘Nuff said! 4.GETTING STARTED: IT’S SIMPLE AND FAST Getting your new Centratel answering service 30-day free trial up-and-running is accomplished within 24-48 hours. From the start, your “onboarding” customer service representative will be with you every step of the way **,** listening carefully to your concerns, answering questions and offering suggestions. 5.NEW TO USING AN ANSWERING SERVICE? The very large majority of our current answering service accounts switched to us from another service because of quality and/or cost problems. However, if you have not used a service before, you are not familiar with the options, benefits, and pitfalls. Our 30-day free trial provides you—and us—plenty of time to precisely refine your desired message-taking and delivery protocols; to get things exactly the way you want them to be without any financial risk, undue pressure, or obligation. 6.PRICING Starting at $150 per month, our rates lie in the mid-range of the industry. Note that we charge by the “transaction unit” rather than the duration of time spent handling calls. Large “mega-services” operating in the U.S. prefer time billing because it ensures the company is compensated for lower-paid/high-turnover — and thus slower — agents. _No matter the quality or how long they keep your callers on hold, they still make a profit_. And yes, it can get expensive, especially if caller on-hold time is also billed. In any answering service, it takes a long time for a new agent to become fast, efficient, and stable. At Centratel, we pamper and reward experienced agents (via high pay and great benefits) and therefore have extremely low staff turnover. Needless to say, experienced agents make fewer errors than trainees who learn on-the-job. And, transaction-unit billing is easy to understand. There is no room for fraud as in time-billing. We can easily document and explain any monthly billing we send you. 7.ACCURATELY COMPARING ANSWERING SERVICE PRICING IS COMPLICATED It’s apples and oranges. There isn’t an industry standard for billing, and each answering service has its own formula. Also, as noted above, some services charge by agent “time” while a few, like us, charge by “transaction units.” Some others combine the two. At Centratel, we charge for the work we do, not by the time we spend. The raw truth is that the only reliable way to determine monthly cost for a new service is to use that service for a solid month. Most answering services offer a 7-day free trial or no trial at all. With Centratel you get 30-days. 8. MONTHLY OR 28-DAY BILLING? Important! At Centratel, we use a “monthly” billing cycle in which invoices are compiled from the first day of a month through the last day of that month. When soliciting quotes from other services, be sure to ask if the base-rate charges are billed monthly or on a “28-day billing cycle.” There is no good reason for a 28-day billing cycle! It’s a sly manipulation by the answering service: customers billed on a 28-day cycle actually receive thirteen billings per year instead of twelve. 9.NO CONTRACT AND SIMPLE TERMS OF SERVICE We don’t ask for a term contract for service because you should be able to evaluate us in real time, without restraint. Our [terms of service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) are simple and straight-forward. 10.VALUABLE FREE GIFT FOR CONTACTING US If you take the time to discuss answering service with us, on that same day we will ship you a hardcover copy of Sam Carpenter’s bestselling book, [_Work The System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_](https://www.workthesystem.com/), now in its 5th edition. (Sam is Centatel’s very active CEO.) December 1st 2025 marked his forty first year of ownership.) * * * ## Footer ## HVAC COVID-19 Solutions - [Skip to primary navigation](https://www.centratel.com/blog/hvac-answering-service/how-hvac-contractors-can-help-reduce-the-spread-of-covid-19/#genesis-nav-primary) - [Skip to main content](https://www.centratel.com/blog/hvac-answering-service/how-hvac-contractors-can-help-reduce-the-spread-of-covid-19/#genesis-content) - [Skip to footer](https://www.centratel.com/blog/hvac-answering-service/how-hvac-contractors-can-help-reduce-the-spread-of-covid-19/#genesis-footer-widgets) The Highest Quality Telephone Answering Service in the United States - [Make Payment](https://thepaymentportal.com/index.php?compcode=2C1A-9FF4-91CA-7F93) - [Client Login](https://oncall.centratel.com/) - [Follow Centratel on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centratel-answering-service/) - [Follow Centratel on Twitter](https://twitter.com/centratel) - [Follow Centratel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centratel) ![HVAC owner taking notes from a message dispatched from his Telephone Ansering Service](https://www.centratel.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Centratel-how-hvac-contractors-can-help-reduce-the-spread-of-covid-19.jpg) # How HVAC Contractors Can Help Reduce the Spread of Covid-19 April 2, 2020 [HVAC](https://www.centratel.com/blog/hvac-answering-service/) By Centratel HVAC companies have a part to play in preventing the spread of the new coronavirus, COVID-19. While clean HVAC systems alone are not sufficient, they can be important in controlling COVID-19. The virus is primarily transmitted through droplets when people cough or sneeze, but it can also linger on surfaces and in the air. HVAC professionals can help reduce the potential for the virus’s airborne transmission. ## **What Filters Can Do** Filters are useful in preventing the transmission of a number of different air contaminants. However, the size of the virus that causes COVID-19 is smaller than the HEPA filters that trap particles as small as .3 microns with more than 99% accuracy. A good filter can still help reduce the circulation of the coronavirus, but more protection is needed. ## **UV Disinfectants** Coronaviruses may circulate through HVAC systems, causing infection. However, various types of UV cleaning can kill mold, bacteria and viruses. UV irradiation has not been specifically tested on the virus that causes COVID-19, but it is likely that it reacts in a similar way to other viruses that are exposed to it. ## **Prevention Strategies** HVAC systems designed to reduce the likelihood of viruses circulating can be one of several important prevention strategies. Doctors’ offices and senior living centers are among the commercial locations where it is particularly important to ensure that HVAC systems are as safe as possible, but versions of these same systems can be installed in residential homes. [Indoor air quality](https://www.acca.org/news/guest-blog/coronavirus-other-contaminants-indoor-air) is a critical component of good health. Failure of an HVAC system can cause problems for businesses or homeowners ranging from discomfort to health hazards. Those hazards are heightened when it becomes important to protect against a novel coronavirus or any other type of virus or bacteria. When people call an HVAC company, they want to speak to someone who is reassuring, knowledgeable and professional. Your company probably can’t have someone available to answer the phone 24/7, and this is where a professional answering service that specializes in the HVAC field becomes so important. Your customers can call any time of the day or night and know that their concerns are being addressed. ## Taking the Next Step * * * For a quick orientation on how we operate, take a moment to review one or more of the key points listed in Why Choose Centratel Q&A (scroll down the page if you are on a mobile phone) For more specifics on cost, to start the onboarding process, or if you have questions, fill out this form with your basic information and if it’s during regular working hours (M-F 8am to 8pm EST or 5am to 5pm PST), we’ll get back to you within minutes. Or, during the above hours, you can simply call us at 800-664-7159 or send us an email to [inquiry@centratel.com](mailto:inquiry@centratel.com). First Name \* Last Name \* Job Title Email \* Company \* Phone \* City \* State \*State \*AlabamaAlaskaArkansasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDistrict of ColumbiaDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming How did you hear about us? How did you hear about us? \*PostcardBook gift: Work the SystemLetterReferralOnline SearchWork The SystemFacebook Is your business one of our specialties \*Is your business one of our specialties \*MedicalHome Health/HospiceVeterinary24/7 BusinessHVACTrade ServiceProperty ManagementUtilityDisaster RestorationPlumbing What is your ONE primary concern with using an answering service? \*What is your primary concern with using an answering service? \*Professionalism of staffMessage delivery accuracy and timelinessConsistent high quality of serviceCost of serviceLiabilityConfidentialityOther Are you currently using a call center/telephone answering service? \* YesNo Requested service start date \*Requested service start date \*ASAPWithin 1 WeekWithin 2 WeeksWithin 1 MonthOther List any specific call requirements Submit [Terms of Service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) ### **Why Choose Centratel** **BY SAM CARPENTER** **February 1, 2026** 1.CENTRATEL’S UNIQUE 30-DAY FREE TRIAL Why is this important? Because it will provide you a truly accurate estimate of cost (we bill monthly), it will demonstrate our quality, and it gives both sides of this brand new relationship—you and Centratel—plenty of time to refine and perfect operational details. Here’s a testimonial from a new medical client that had just finished their 30-day trial: _“Of course, I love the cost as it is close to the amount I was allowed by the president of the company. I told him that if we did not continue with Centratel, I would resign as the Director of Customer Service, and I meant it. It’s a great fit. We have had NOT ONE complaint from a patient or in-house which, as you know, we received daily with our former answering service._ _I love you, Centratel, and the price. I’m ready to sign whatever documents you require._ _Thanks for the great service, and the free month_! _To a great partnership! -KB, Phoenix_“ 2.STATISTICALLY, THE BEST IN THE U.S.? Answering service quality is 100% dependent on human action and reaction, and in the course of a single day a multitude of human decisions are made by the people who process the calls: Telephone Service Representatives, or TSRs. (Some answering services refer to them as “agents.” Others, “operators.”) Like any other answering service, at Centratel we’re dealing with real live human beings and so human errors can occur. But within this labor intensive service industry that is historically known for marginal quality, Centratel’s error rate is light years ahead of established standards. Our most recent Customer Reported Error Rate (October through December, 2025) was 1 customer-reported error for every 7,017 message transactions processed. That statistic is unmatched. There’s no artificial intelligence manipulation, we do not offshore calls, and we were founded and have always operated within the United States. (Note that since early 2020, the COVID six-foot social distancing mandate drove thousands of small-to-medium sized answering services out of business. Large, often foreign-owned multi-nationals, disguised by the name of the local answering services they acquired, now thoroughly dominate the industry. Hence, an even further decline in general service quality. [See this analysis.](https://www.centratel.com/answering-service-phone-industry/)) 3.CUSTOMER SERVICE EXTRAORDINAIRE Your concerns will be instantly acted upon. It’s a work ethic that stands in stark contrast to the general decline in quality of human-to-human business communications. You’ve seen it yourself, all around. At Centratel you will know by name the customer service people you’re working with, appreciating their special listening abilities as well as their take-action-now comportment. e.g. see the testimonial in point #1 above. ‘Nuff said! 4.GETTING STARTED: IT’S SIMPLE AND FAST Getting your new Centratel answering service 30-day free trial up-and-running is accomplished within 24-48 hours. From the start, your “onboarding” customer service representative will be with you every step of the way **,** listening carefully to your concerns, answering questions and offering suggestions. 5.NEW TO USING AN ANSWERING SERVICE? The very large majority of our current answering service accounts switched to us from another service because of quality and/or cost problems. However, if you have not used a service before, you are not familiar with the options, benefits, and pitfalls. Our 30-day free trial provides you—and us—plenty of time to precisely refine your desired message-taking and delivery protocols; to get things exactly the way you want them to be without any financial risk, undue pressure, or obligation. 6.PRICING Starting at $150 per month, our rates lie in the mid-range of the industry. Note that we charge by the “transaction unit” rather than the duration of time spent handling calls. Large “mega-services” operating in the U.S. prefer time billing because it ensures the company is compensated for lower-paid/high-turnover — and thus slower — agents. _No matter the quality or how long they keep your callers on hold, they still make a profit_. And yes, it can get expensive, especially if caller on-hold time is also billed. In any answering service, it takes a long time for a new agent to become fast, efficient, and stable. At Centratel, we pamper and reward experienced agents (via high pay and great benefits) and therefore have extremely low staff turnover. Needless to say, experienced agents make fewer errors than trainees who learn on-the-job. And, transaction-unit billing is easy to understand. There is no room for fraud as in time-billing. We can easily document and explain any monthly billing we send you. 7.ACCURATELY COMPARING ANSWERING SERVICE PRICING IS COMPLICATED It’s apples and oranges. There isn’t an industry standard for billing, and each answering service has its own formula. Also, as noted above, some services charge by agent “time” while a few, like us, charge by “transaction units.” Some others combine the two. At Centratel, we charge for the work we do, not by the time we spend. The raw truth is that the only reliable way to determine monthly cost for a new service is to use that service for a solid month. Most answering services offer a 7-day free trial or no trial at all. With Centratel you get 30-days. 8. MONTHLY OR 28-DAY BILLING? Important! At Centratel, we use a “monthly” billing cycle in which invoices are compiled from the first day of a month through the last day of that month. When soliciting quotes from other services, be sure to ask if the base-rate charges are billed monthly or on a “28-day billing cycle.” There is no good reason for a 28-day billing cycle! It’s a sly manipulation by the answering service: customers billed on a 28-day cycle actually receive thirteen billings per year instead of twelve. 9.NO CONTRACT AND SIMPLE TERMS OF SERVICE We don’t ask for a term contract for service because you should be able to evaluate us in real time, without restraint. Our [terms of service](https://www.centratel.com/centratel-resources/terms-of-service/) are simple and straight-forward. 10.VALUABLE FREE GIFT FOR CONTACTING US If you take the time to discuss answering service with us, on that same day we will ship you a hardcover copy of Sam Carpenter’s bestselling book, [_Work The System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less_](https://www.workthesystem.com/), now in its 5th edition. (Sam is Centatel’s very active CEO.) December 1st 2025 marked his forty first year of ownership.) * * * ## Footer