Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions:

  1. Why should I choose PATLive over the competition?
  2. How do I know PATLive will suit my business?
  3. Do you outsource your calls?
  4. Does PATLive operate outside of the US?
  5. What is PATLive's most popular service?
  6. How much training do your agents receive?
  7. Are you on the stock market?
  8. How long has PATLive been in business?

Sign-up and Billing:

  1. When I sign up for PATLive, will I have to sign a contract?
  2. How long will it take to set up my PATLive system?
  3. Who owns the number on a PATLive account?
  4. How will I be billed for my PATLive Service?
  5. Can I make a sudden change to my service?
  6. Can I make changes on my own, or do I need to call a customer care agent?

General Questions:

  1. Why should I choose PATLive over the competition?

    At PATLive, we pride ourselves on being the quality leader in our industry. PATLive answers your calls 24/7 as a quality extension of your business. Unlike many "budget" answering services that offer fixed-rate deals, we're prepared to handle every one of your calls with superior service. We have the most cutting-edge and flexible technology: we build our own software and invest in the latest hardware. We spend more money on hiring and training employees and we audit calls to ensure the best customer service. Unlike many other companies, PATLive answers all your calls here in the US.

  2. How do I know PATLive will suit my business?

    PATLive services can be customized to suit the needs of any business.

  3. Do you outsource your calls?

    No. Unlike many of our competitors, PATLive does not outsource - your calls will be answered in the United States.

  4. Does PATLive operate outside of the US?

    Yes, PATLive provides service to the US and her territories, Canada, Australia, and Taiwan.

  5. What is PATLive's most popular service?

    The PATLive Receptionist service is our specialty; it gives businesses the advantage of a live receptionist at a fraction of the cost, and can be added on to any PATLive automated system.

  6. How much training do your agents receive?

    PATLive Receptionists receive approximately 50 hours of training before they take their first call and must complete 26 hours of continual training per year. PATLive customer care representatives receive 110 hours of training plus a minimum of 26 hours of additional training per year. Think you have what it takes to be a PATLive Receptionist? Visit our employment page.

  7. Are you on the stock market?

    No, PATLive is a privately-held company.

  8. How long has PATLive been in business?

    PATLive has been in operation since 1990. Read more about us.

Sign-up and Billing:

  1. When I sign up for PATLive, will I have to sign a contract?

    No, there are no contracts required.

  2. How long will it take to set up my PATLive system?

    24 hours or fewer. If you sign up online, setup is even faster.

  3. Who owns the number on a PATLive account?

    Whether you choose local or toll-free numbers, you are renting the numbers from PATLive. If you wish to transfer (port) the numbers to another service provider, processing fees will apply. These fees may be discounted for long-term customers in good standing.

    If you have a number from an outside source that you transfer into our service, you grant temporary ownership to PATLive for the duration of our partnership.

  4. How will I be billed for my PATLive Service?

    You will be billed in 6-second increments with a minimum of one minute.

  5. Can I make a sudden change to my service?

    Yes, changes can be made either on the phone or on the web at my.patlive.com.

  6. Can I make changes on my own, or do I need to call a customer care agent?

    The majority of your configurations can be done on the my.patlive.com website - however, PAT is available 24 hours a day to provide any help you may need.