Getting started
How quickly can you start answering my calls?
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Most clients are up and running within three to five business days of signing up. We use that time to learn your business — your scripts, your protocols, your on-call schedule, and anything else that makes your operation unique. We never answer your first call cold.
Do you require a long-term contract?
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No long-term contracts are required. We believe our service speaks for itself. We offer flexible month-to-month agreements and work hard every day to earn your continued business. If your needs change, we will work with you.
How do you learn my business before answering calls?
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We start with a personal onboarding conversation where you walk us through your business — your clients, your terminology, your urgency levels, and how you want calls handled. We then build a custom call script and protocol document. Our operators study this before they ever answer a call for you. We do not use generic templates.
How it works
How do my calls get routed to you?
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It is simple. You either forward your calls to a dedicated number we provide, or we can work with your existing phone system. You can forward all calls, only after-hours calls, or only calls when your line is busy. We work around your schedule, not the other way around.
How do I receive messages from calls you take?
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We deliver messages however works best for you — text, email, or both. Urgent messages are delivered immediately. Routine messages can be batched at intervals you choose. We can also integrate with your existing systems in many cases. Just let us know your preference during onboarding.
What happens if a caller asks to speak to someone directly?
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We follow your instructions exactly. If you want us to transfer certain callers through to you directly, we can do that. If you want us to take a message for all calls, we do that. If you have an on-call person for emergencies, we contact them per your protocol. You are always in control of how your calls are handled.
Specialized services
Are your operators HIPAA trained?
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Yes. Our operators receive HIPAA training and understand their obligations regarding protected health information. We follow minimum necessary principles, use secure message delivery for PHI, and maintain complete call documentation. Healthcare clients requiring a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) should contact us to discuss.
Do you offer bilingual answering?
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Yes — we have English and Spanish speaking operators on staff. This is particularly valuable for businesses serving the Salinas Valley and Monterey County, where a significant portion of the community is Spanish-speaking. We do not use translation services — our operators are fluent.
Can you handle emergency dispatching?
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Absolutely — emergency dispatch is one of our core specialties. We work with plumbers, HVAC technicians, property managers, medical practices, and many others who need reliable after-hours emergency response. We follow your exact escalation protocols and contact your on-call person according to your schedule.
Pricing & setup
How is pricing determined?
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Pricing is based on your call volume and the specific services you need. We do not publish a one-size-fits-all rate because every business is different. A dental office with 20 after-hours calls a month has very different needs from a plumbing company that needs 24/7 emergency dispatch. We will give you a straightforward custom quote after a brief conversation.
Are there setup fees?
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No setup fees. We believe the onboarding process is part of the service — not something you should pay extra for. Our goal is to make getting started as easy as possible.
What makes Jane’s different from a large national answering service?
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Three things: local, personal, and experienced. Every operator works from our Salinas office — not a remote call center across the country. We have been doing this since 1954, so we have seen everything. And because we are deliberately small, every client gets personal attention. You will never feel like account number 10,482.