Starting a TAS Business (PDF)

A Telephone Answering Service is essentially an Inbound Call Center that specializes in receiving messages for a wide range of clients. A typical Telephone Answering Service usually consists of from four to 30 agent stations and servicing from about 200 to over 1,000 clients. At present, there are approximately 2,800 Telephone Answering Service companies operating in the US that provide ‘live-answer’ messaging services.

Telescan Business Notes:

The following Business Notes present three valuable insights as they apply to a TAS business. There is something for you to consider in each paper as you deal with the day-to-day trials of running your business.
Note 1 - Maybe You Should Sell Niches
Note 2 - Make Your Service Unique
Note 3 - Sell Virtual Services

Take Messages - Make Money:

This is a guide to starting a telemessaging message call center business. It introduces some basic telephony concepts and reviews requirements for getting started in the business.

New Tax Regulations

Deduct up to $100,000 of new investment in computer hardware and software. Bonus depreciation has increased to 50% on qualifying assets. The recent Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003 lets business owners improve their operations and have the government help fund the effort! Invest now and reap the benefits that new equipment can offer while offsetting your investment for a faster payback with tax advantages available through the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003.

Plan for Technology Replacement

The need to replace your telephone answering system within a relatively short time frame has become a real business challenge. After spending thousands of dollars for your present equipment, and substantial monthly payments the last thing you want to discuss is replacing that system. One’s natural gut reaction is to just stick with what you have and enjoy the “profit” increase when the lease payments end.

New technology like; voice over IP, CTI (Computer telephony integrator), ISDN Messaging and IVR (interactive voice response) can leave you behind the times.