Most call-answering services are generalist, responding to customer calls with general questions about the business or its services. They answer calls from all types and sizes of businesses, from owner-operator plumbing businesses to national property management companies. While the requirements may differ according to industry and size, answering services commonly handle the following calls. [...]

Call agents are often required to schedule appointments and provide customers with information about booking availability.

Call Agents process orders from customers over the phone and provide them with confirmations.

Taking messages from callers was how the call-answering service industry began. This is provided when a client's business is closed or its employees are unavailable.

As well as taking a message, transferring a call to a requested person or department is the most common answering service function.

Call service agents manage emergency calls promptly and take appropriate actions like contacting emergency services and dispatching calls to a company’s on-call staff.