How to Use Answering Machines

Using a telephone answering machine is often a cheaper alternative to voicemail systems, especially for businesses. An answering machine plugs into a telephone and the wall and usually has a cassette tape or digital memory to retain messages. Buying an answering machine is a one-time purchase and does not require subscription to monthly services, unlike voicemail through a telephone company that could cost $7 to $10 per month.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Consider the advantages and disadvantages of getting an answering machine. Be sure the model you want will allow you to check your messages when not at home or at the office. If frequent electricity loss happens in your area, you are probably better off not getting an answering machine because it cannot record messages without a power source.

2. Purchase an answering machine from your local electronics or superstore such as Wal-Mart or Target, or find one on the Internet. Be sure to check the box or product specifications to see how many messages the machine can hold.

3. Set up your answering machine with your phone in accordance with your product instructions. Typically you will need to plug one end of a telephone cord into the back or side of the answering machine. In addition, one end of an AC adapter will typically be placed into the appropriate end of the answering machine and the other into a wall outlet. This provides both power and a phone connection for an answering machine system.

4. Record your greeting as directed in your product instructions; this is what your callers will here when they call your residence or business and cannot reach you directly. It is a good idea to include in your greeting something along the lines of "Please leave a message after the beep."

5. Check your messages by pressing the play button on the actual answering machine unit, or by calling your home or business phone if your system allows remote message access. Typically you would wait for your greeting and then use the # or * key to enter your special pin code to check your answering machine messages from another phone. However, the specifics of using remote message checking vary per product, and will be noted in your answering machine instructional manual.

Tips & Warnings

• An answering machine is excellent for screening calls, as you can hear the message as it is being left and can opt to pick up the phone or let the caller continue leaving a message. This is an advantage that voicemail does not offer.