Home-based answering service for local businesses

Plumbers, HVAC and electrical contractors, law and accounting offices, property managers and other small businesses that miss calls while on the job.

A monthly fee per client covering a set number of minutes or calls, plus a per-call or per-minute rate above that. Some owners add an after-hours or overnight premium.

• Clear, friendly phone manner
• Reliable and organized
• Comfortable with call software and scheduling tools
• Staying calm with upset callers

• Call recording rules differ by state, and some require everyone on the call to consent, so check your state's rules before recording
• If you take calls for medical or legal offices, ask about privacy rules such as HIPAA and whether they will want a signed agreement
• Check whether your city or county requires a home occupation permit or a general business license
• Consider general liability and errors and omissions insurance in case a missed message costs a client money
• Coverage gaps: one person can't cover every hour, so be clear with clients about your hours or plan a backup

Startup costs are typically around $500 to $2,500, depending on your phone software, scheduling tools and any insurance you add. Errors and omissions and general liability cover are worth checking.

Monthly revenue is typically around $800 to $4,000, depending on how many clients you take on and how many hours you cover. One person can't cover every hour, so be clear about your availability.

Check your state's call recording consent rules before recording, as some require everyone on the call to agree. Also check privacy rules such as HIPAA for medical or legal clients, and any home occupation permit or business license.