A 900 service bureau not only provides access to a 900 number, but can also help design a program that will comply with all regulatory requirements. Service centers can also provide office space and support for smaller companies unable to support a full calling center in their own offices. There are several points to consider when evaluating service bureaus. These include the system capacity, service offerings, and company experience. First, make sure that the service bureau will be able to handle the expected call volume during peak calling periods.
Peak periods can arise during certain times of the day, or after a radio or television commercial.
The service bureau should have enough lines and personnel to handle all the calls you expect to receive in these situations. Another area to evaluate is the service offerings of the 900 bureau. Examine areas such as call handling capabilities, program design assistance, regulatory knowledge, and billing reports. Ideally, the service bureau should have previous experience with the type of program you would like to implement. Even better is a firm that already has similar 900 offerings currently in place.