Skip to main content

Cookies on BBB.org

We use cookies to give users the best content and online experience. By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to allow us to use all cookies. Visit our Privacy Policy to learn more.

Cookie Preferences

Many websites use cookies or similar tools to store information on your browser or device. We use cookies on BBB websites to remember your preferences, improve website performance and enhance user experience, and to recommend content we believe will be most relevant to you. Most cookies collect anonymous information such as how users arrive at and use the website. Some cookies are necessary to allow the website to function properly, but you may choose to not allow other types of cookies below.

Necessary Cookies

What are necessary cookies?
These cookies are necessary for the site to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. They are usually only set in response to actions made by you that amount to a request for services, such as setting your privacy preferences, logging in or filling in forms. You can set your browser to block or alert you about these cookies, but some parts of the site will not work. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable information.

Necessary cookies must always be enabled.

Functional Cookies

What are functional cookies?
These cookies enable the site to provide enhanced functionality and personalization. They may be set by us or by third party providers whose services we have added to our pages. If you do not allow these cookies, some or all of these services may not function properly.

Performance Cookies

What are performance cookies?
These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. They help us to know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. If you do not allow these cookies we will not know when you have visited our site, and will not be able to monitor its performance.

Marketing Cookies

What are marketing cookies?
These cookies may be set through our site by our advertising partners. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant content on other sites. They do not store personal information directly, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser or device. If you do not allow these cookies, you will experience less targeted advertising.

Find a Location

Answering Specialists Inc has 1 locations, listed below.

*This company may be headquartered in or have additional locations in another country. Please click on the country abbreviation in the search box below to change to a different country location.

    Country
    Please enter a valid location.

    Business ProfileforAnswering Specialists Inc

    Answering Service

    Current Alerts For This Business

    Pattern of Complaint:

    On February 16, 2016, BBB recognized a pattern of complaints from consumers regarding customer service and contract issues. Consumers allege they experienced significant hold times and received inaccurate information from company operators. Consumers further allege Answering Specialists did not provide detailed call logs and became unresponsive to requests for assistance. Consumers claim they were charged for services after requesting to cancel the contract and are not offered a refund or pro-rated fee.

    Answering Specialists is working with BBB to eliminate the underlying pattern of complaints. The company advises BBB they monitor hold times to answer calls within 1 - 4 rings and aim to respond to all client concerns within 24 - 48 hours. Answering Specialists indicates they have employed new software, allowing the company to monitor hold times both during the initial ring and all holds placed during the call. Detailed call logs are available to clients. The company advised that significant hold times may be the result of unexpected employee absenteeism or unexpected high call volume. The company further advised it continues to make adjustments to allow for adequate staffing and training on all accounts. Answering Specialists indicated that business may make “test” calls to ensure their accounts are being handled to their satisfaction. The company indicated changes have been made to their current service agreement to allow new accounts a same day cancellation for requests made in writing. Answering Specialists advised that any outstanding charges would be billed on the date of cancellation. Customers who signed agreements previous to the change should contact Answering Specialists for terms and conditions.

    At-a-glance

    Customer Reviews

    1/5stars

    Average of 1 Customer Reviews

    Customer Complaints

    1 complaints closed in last 3 years

    0 complaints closed in last 12 months

    Customer Reviews are not used in the calculation of BBB Rating

    Reasons for BBB Rating

    Related Categories

    Overview

    Telephone Answering Services

    Business Details

    Location of This Business
    Bonners Ferry, ID 83805-8648
    BBB File Opened:
    2/5/2007
    Years in Business:
    21
    Business Started:
    1/1/2003
    Business Started Locally:
    1/1/2003
    Business Management
    • Mr. Terry Hinshaw, Manager
    • Mr. Christopher Harlan, President
    Contact Information

    Principal

    • Mr. Terry Hinshaw, Manager
    • Mr. Christopher Harlan, President

    Customer Contact

    • Mr. Christopher Harlan, President
    Additional Contact Information

    Phone Numbers

    Customer Complaints

    1 Customer Complaints

    Need to file a complaint? BBB is here to help. We'll guide you through the process. How BBB Processes Complaints and Reviews

    File a Complaint

    Most Recent Customer Complaint

    09/15/2022

    Complaint Type:
    Product Issues
    Status:
    Answered
    We hired this company to answer calls live for ************** **** because we are spending $5,000 a week on *********** Advertising with a major news channel. The spots starting airing on September 12, 2022. The company, Answering Specialists, **** is not answering calls LIVE as agreed but instead, calls are going to a voicemail after we have paid them. We believe this is a clear violation of FCC regulations and we not only would like a refund of the charges they have charged but also for the 5 spots that have aired on NewsMax at $625 per spot totaling $3,125 so far. Thank you for your help in this matter.
    Read More

    Customer Reviews

    1 Customer Reviews

    What do you think? Share your review.

    How BBB Processes Complaints and Reviews

    Start a Review

    Most Recent Customer Review

    Samantha C

    1 star

    11/12/2023

    This company expects new hires to attend a 5 day UNPAID training course. it is a requirement for hire. It is OBSCENE and SLAVERY. all for the pay of only $14.00 per hour.

    Local BBB

    BBB Great West + Pacific

    BBB Reports On

    BBB reports on known marketplace practices.

    BBB Business Profiles may not be reproduced for sales or promotional purposes.

    BBB Business Profiles are provided solely to assist you in exercising your own best judgment. BBB asks third parties who publish complaints, reviews and/or responses on this website to affirm that the information provided is accurate. However, BBB does not verify the accuracy of information provided by third parties, and does not guarantee the accuracy of any information in Business Profiles.

    When considering complaint information, please take into account the company's size and volume of transactions, and understand that the nature of complaints and a firm's responses to them are often more important than the number of complaints.

    BBB Business Profiles generally cover a three-year reporting period. BBB Business Profiles are subject to change at any time. If you choose to do business with this business, please let the business know that you contacted BBB for a BBB Business Profile.

    As a matter of policy, BBB does not endorse any product, service or business.