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Call us: 844-311-7829

Live call answering services

Turn your business phone into a customer-acquiring, caller-impressing machine with Ruby’s phone answering services. We’re live 24/7 and 100% based in the US.

Call sales: 844-311-7829

Ruby’s answering service makes businesses more efficient.

Live answering services help businesses by providing professional call management that reduces missed opportunities, improves customer satisfaction, and enables staff to focus on core operations, ultimately boosting efficiency and supporting growth.

Ruby handles 1.1+ million
conversations month.

Ruby customers gain 10+ hours
back per month.

Ruby receptionists answer calls in an
average of <10 seconds.

Ruby is not your average
answering service.

Every answering service takes phone calls on behalf of another business. But only Ruby takes the call answering service a step further.

We’re the real, live, connection-making, customer-impressing, answering service extension to your in-house team. Our live virtual receptionists answer and transfer calls, provide FAQs, take messages, and focus on maximizing customer satisfaction—and we sound like we’re right in your office!

24/7 live answering

Full-time, part-time, overflow, after-hours—Ruby’s answering service and virtual receptionists are there for your callers whenever they need you. We offer a personalized touch with every call, ensuring your customers receive a warm, professional experience whenever they reach out. From answering FAQs to directing urgent calls, Ruby’s live answering goes beyond standard service to keep you connected and responsive.

Flexible call forwarding

Ruby’s flexible call forwarding adapts to your needs, allowing you to take calls when you want. Easily forward specific incoming calls to us, use Ruby as a backup, or set up customized handling instructions. This way, you’re in control, making sure every call goes just the way you want while giving you the freedom to focus on what really matters.

Instant notifications

After a receptionist wraps up a call, we send a notification via email, text, or the Ruby app. Stay connected to your customers and on top of your call activity anytime, from any device.

Appointment scheduling

Ruby integrates with your preferred calendaring system to streamline scheduling appointments and prevent double bookings. Our receptionists handle appointment requests in real time, keeping your calendar organized and up-to-date. Enjoy a hands-free approach to scheduling while staying effortlessly connected to your clients.

Lead capture

Ruby captures potential new customers or clients while screening out solicitors and unwanted calls. We’re happy to transfer leads directly to you.

Payment processing

Ruby’s receptionists can securely process payments by entering customer information directly into your payment processing link. This service ensures a seamless and professional transaction, giving your clients confidence when making payments. Focus on your core business while we handle the payment details efficiently and securely.

Outbound calling

Need to confirm an appointment or gather details from a client? Send Ruby a request through the app and we’ll handle the call.

Bilingual receptionists

Ruby’s bilingual virtual receptionists communicate in English or Spanish, ensuring every caller feels understood and valued.

“Ruby’s bilingual receptionists have transformed how we connect with clients, offering seamless service in English and Spanish. It’s not just about answering calls; it’s about making each caller feel welcomed and valued, no matter their preferred language.”
— Laura Ramirez, Client Relations Specialist

HIPAA compliance

All Ruby receptionists complete HIPAA training, and we have additional HIPAA security on-site to protect you and your patients’ information.

Number porting and hosting

Use Ruby to host your business number and access enhanced features that streamline communication while saving on costs. This service can even eliminate your monthly phone bill!

Robocall filtering

Automatically route robocalls to your Ruby voicemail box—we don’t answer them live or charge you for them. This feature keeps your phone lines clear, helping you attract more leads and focus on real customer interactions—without the hassle of unwanted calls.

Custom voicemail

Don’t want 24/7 answering? No problem. Ruby gives you unlimited voicemail boxes with customized greetings. Check recordings and transcripts instantly.

How Ruby works

Step 1: We answer the phone.

We say hello to your caller with a customized greeting. “Thank you for calling ABC Company, how may I help you today?”

Step 2: We handling the phone call—your way.

Based on your customized call-handling instructions, we either forward the incoming call back to you, take a message, or send the caller to voicemail.

Step 3: We provide detailed call follow-up.

When the call is complete, the receptionist sends an email, text, or app notification with the caller’s message and any relevant details.

Step 4: We delight callers while helping your business achieve more.

We can engage your callers in other ways including answering FAQs, scheduling appointments, and completing short intake forms.

Why do businesses rely on
Ruby’s answering services?

We’ll make you sound great.

Our 100% US-based call answering services specialize in making the most out of every customer conversation.

Use us full-time to just sometimes.

Ruby can work as an extension of your team, from full-time call answering to backup and fill-in support.

Your business, your number.

We can work with your existing phone number. Or, keep your personal number private with a custom, Ruby-hosted number.

Win opportunities 24/7

Ruby takes messages, transfers callers, schedules appointments, processes payments, and more—24/7, 365 days a year.

“When I first started my photography business, I was a one-man show. It was chaos, and I was dropping the ball left and right. That all changed when I decided to try a live answering service.

I remember this one time, I was in the middle of a tricky outdoor shoot. The light was perfect, but my client’s kids were being, well, kids. I was juggling cameras, trying to wrangle toddlers, and praying for a miracle. Then my phone buzzed.

Normally, I’d have ignored it, potentially missing out on business. But this time, I knew my answering service had it covered.

Later that evening, I checked my messages and found out that while I was chasing down runaway children with my camera, the answering service had booked two new clients and rescheduled an appointment I’d completely forgotten about.

What really struck me was how seamless it all was. My clients had no idea they weren’t talking directly to me or someone in my office.”

–John Lattanzio
Owner, John Angelo Photography

Missed calls do more than interrupt your day. They can mean missed appointments, stalled projects, and leads that quietly move on to the next business.

Ruby’s live answering service gives every caller a real person, a warm greeting, and a clear next step—whether that means booking time, routing the call, collecting key details, or making sure your team gets the information they need.

With Ruby, you get:

  • Live, friendly receptionists who answer calls in less than 10 seconds on average
  • 24/7 coverage, including nights, weekends, and holidays
  • Lead capture and call support that help protect your time and keep conversations moving

The benefits of choosing Ruby for live answering

Ruby helps businesses stay responsive without stretching their teams too thin. Our receptionists answer calls with care, gather the right information, and support first-call resolution whenever possible, so your staff can stay focused on the work in front of them.

You can think of Ruby as your lead safety net. When a potential customer calls after finding you through a Google ad, referral, email campaign, or lead platform, voicemail should not be the thing that greets them. Ruby helps make sure more callers reach a real person right away.

That is especially helpful for businesses where one captured opportunity can pay for the service many times over, such as law firms, home services companies, healthcare practices, real estate teams, and financial professionals.

Ruby answering solutions

Ruby’s live virtual receptionist services are built for businesses that want callers to feel cared for from the first hello. Whether you need full-time coverage, overflow support, after-hours help, or additional support during busy seasons, Ruby can help you stay available without adding more front-desk work to your team. 

How our 24/7 answering service works

Ruby is available 24/7/365 to answer calls based on your preferences, business details, and ideal call flow. Our receptionists can greet callers, answer frequently asked questions, take messages, transfer calls, schedule appointments, and send you updates so you always know what happened.

Need coverage outside your regular hours? Ruby helps customers, clients, and patients get the support they need day or night. For businesses that need round-the-clock support, our 24-hour answering service keeps conversations moving when your team is offline.

Industries we serve: tailored call handling for every business

Different businesses need different kinds of conversations. A law firm may need careful intake for a potential client facing a stressful situation. A home services business may need urgent scheduling details. A healthcare practice may need HIPAA-compliant support. A real estate professional may need to capture every new lead before they cool off.

With more than 20 years of experience and the trust of over 15,000 small businesses, Ruby supports a wide range of industries with call handling that feels natural, helpful, and specific to each business. For healthcare organizations and covered entities, Ruby also offers HIPAA-compliant answering services designed to support privacy-minded communication.

Seamless integrations with your existing business tools

Your call answering service should not create more admin work. Ruby can help move caller details into the systems your team already uses through direct integrations and Zapier, reducing manual follow-up and making customer information easier to access and act on. 

That means a new lead, appointment request, or customer message does not have to sit in a notebook, voicemail box, or crowded inbox. Instead, Ruby helps turn conversations into clear next steps. And when you want to support website visitors too, Ruby’s managed live chat can help capture online leads with the same warm, human-first approach.

Ready to make every call count? See Ruby’s plans and pricing to find the right fit for your business.

With more than 20 years of experience and the trust of over 15,000 small businesses, Ruby supports a wide range of industries with call handling that feels natural, helpful, and specific to each business. For healthcare organizations and covered entities, Ruby also offers HIPAA-compliant answering services designed to support privacy-minded communication.

FAQs

How much do answering services cost?

The cost of an answering service depends on your call volume, coverage needs, features, and service level. When comparing providers, it is also worth asking what is included. With some providers, features like appointment scheduling, bilingual answering, call recordings, setup, holiday coverage, or integrations may incur additional fees. Ruby keeps pricing clear so you can choose a plan that matches how your business communicates.

Can Ruby handle calls after business hours?

Yes. Ruby can answer after hours, on weekends, and on holidays, so callers can reach a real person even when your office is closed. That is especially valuable for businesses that receive urgent calls, high-value leads, or inquiries from people who cannot call during the workday.

What types of businesses use phone answering services?

Many businesses use a phone answering service to stay responsive without hiring more in-house staff. Ruby supports law firms, home services companies, real estate professionals, healthcare practices, financial services, small businesses, and more. If missed calls cost you time, revenue, or trust, live support can make a meaningful difference.

Can I customize how calls are answered and routed?

Yes. Ruby customizes call handling around your business, your callers, and your preferences. That can include specific greetings, call-routing instructions, appointment-scheduling rules, FAQs, intake questions, and message notifications. The goal is for callers to feel like they reached someone who knows your business, not someone reading from a stiff script.

How does Ruby use AI for answering?

Ruby uses AI to support better customer communication, not to replace the human connection callers expect. AI can help with things like efficiency, insights, and spam protection, while Ruby’s receptionists bring the warmth, judgment, and care that make conversations feel personal. Learn more about Ruby’s approach to AI.

Is an answering service worth it?

For many businesses, yes. An answering service can help capture more leads, reduce interruptions, improve customer experience, and give your team more time back in the day. If even one missed call could become a new client, booked job, or long-term customer, live answering services can quickly prove their value.

Mobile App

Meet the Ruby app.

Send calls to Ruby, straight to you, or any other number you choose with call forwarding. Have us hold calls with one tap, or set Ruby as backup—we’ll answer only if you don’t.

Update receptionists on your preferred call answering instructions with the status function, sync your day’s schedule with your call handling using Ruby’s calendar integration, and provide messages you’d like relayed to your callers.

Read receptionist messages and voicemail transcriptions, set follow-up reminders, and track usage and call volume throughout the month.

Show your Ruby-hosted business number as your caller ID when you make calls from the app and keep your personal number private.

Work from anywhere, never miss an opportunity, and make a great impression.

Customer testimonial

“A client of mine called in for directions when I wasn’t available once, and Ruby pulled up Google Maps and walked them through getting to the office. That was incredible! Ruby goes the extra mile. You don’t get that from other services.”

The Tyra Law Firm

Answering service resources

Learn more about how our answering service works.

We’ve written the book about answering services and virtual receptionists. Scratch that—we’ve written several. Explore our resources to learn how virtual receptionist services work, their ROI, and what to look for in a provider.

Guide: How to turn more callers into customers

Learn more

Virtual receptionists: the full guide for small businesses

Learn more

Guide: How to supercharge your growth with virtual receptionists

Learn more

Experience the Ruby difference for yourself.

Virtual receptionist services

Your business gets 24/7 live answering, lead capture, appointment scheduling, and more—all with a personal touch.

  • 24/7 live call answering, full-time or backup
  • Customizable greetings and call handling
  • Lead capture, appointment scheduling, and FAQs
Learn more about answering services

Transparent and flexible pricing

Choose a pricing plan that fits your business needs, with no hidden fees and the ability to scale as you grow.

  • Bundle live chat for additional savings
  • Virtual receptionist plans start at $245/month for 50 minutes
  • 24/7 live support and custom handling
Learn more about pricing options

Secure and HIPAA-compliant services

Enjoy peace of mind with HIPAA-compliant receptionists, secure payment processing, and customized voicemail options.

  • HIPAA-trained receptionists for secure communication
  • Payment processing and outbound calling
  • Custom voicemail and robocall filtering
Explore our secure services
Get started

FAQs

A live answering service handles calls professionally but typically focuses on basic tasks like answering and directing calls. A virtual receptionist, however, offers more tailored support, such as appointment scheduling, message taking, and personalized customer service. Ruby offers both: a live answering service for timely responses and virtual receptionists who handle appointments, take detailed messages, and provide tailored call handling to meet your business needs.

A live answering service ensures small businesses never miss a call, which is key for capturing new leads and enhancing customer satisfaction. Ruby’s live answering service is designed to be flexible and scalable, allowing small businesses to provide consistent, professional support without the overhead of hiring full-time staff. With Ruby, your business can improve response times and ensure clients always have a friendly, live person to speak with, even after hours.

Yes, live answering services are typically available 24/7, making them invaluable for businesses that need to be reachable at all hours. Ruby’s services are designed to ensure that businesses can offer round-the-clock customer support. Whether it’s a call during off-hours or an urgent weekend inquiry, Ruby’s team is always on hand to manage customer calls, ensuring you never miss an important connection.

Live answering services are especially beneficial in industries that require timely and professional call management, such as healthcare, real estate, legal services, and customer support. Ruby’s services are trusted by businesses across these industries to handle customer calls, appointment scheduling, and urgent inquiries. Ruby’s team is trained to adapt to the unique needs of each industry, ensuring high-quality service for every client interaction.

The cost of a live answering service varies depending on factors like call volume, service complexity, and hours of availability. Ruby offers transparent pricing with flexible packages tailored to your business’s needs, allowing you to choose a plan based on your call volume and service requirements. Ruby’s pricing is designed to provide a cost-effective solution that delivers value while ensuring you only pay for the services you use, whether it’s a pay-per-minute plan or a flat-rate package.