Seamless Temporary Answering Service for Short-Term Needs

Over 17,000 Australian Businesses Trust Our Answering Services

Temporary Receptionists

Need Short-Term Call Support During Busy Times?

Struggling to manage increased call volumes or staffing shortages during peak times? Many businesses face challenges maintaining service levels when their in-house team is unavailable, resulting in missed calls, frustrated customers, and lost opportunities.

Virtual HQ offers a flexible temporary answering service tailored to your short-term needs. Our professional receptionists are available 24/7 to handle calls, ensuring seamless communication and exceptional customer experiences. Whether it’s for staff absences, busy seasons, or special events, we’re here to provide reliable support, keeping your business running smoothly and professionally.

WHY Virtual HQ

Here Is Why Virtual HQ Is The Best Choice For Your Temporary Answering Needs

Short-Term Coverage

Get professional call answering support for specific periods, ideal for holidays, staff absences, or seasonal peaks.

Quick Setup

We can have your temporary answering service up and running quickly, ensuring no disruption to your business communications.

Customised Scripts

We use tailored scripts that align with your brand voice, maintaining consistency in customer interactions.

Seamless Integration

Our service integrates smoothly with your existing processes, providing a natural extension of your team.

Flexible Duration

Choose the length of service that suits your needs, from a few days to several months, with easy extension options.

Business Continuity

Ensure uninterrupted communication with your clients during transitions or unexpected staff shortages.

PRICING

Explore Our Range Of Flexible Pricing Plans

MESSAGE EXPRESS
VIRTUAL RECEPTIONIST
MY ASSISTANT / MY DIARY

Message Express

$25

/month*

Includes:

Pay as you go

$2.40/call*

No set up fee

Free local number

Add a 1800 or 1300 number from $5/mth*

Free email messaging

Free voicemail to email

* Plus GST

MOST POPULAR

Message Express 25

$65

/month*

Includes:

25 calls per month

Excess calls $2.35*

No set up fee

Free local number

Add a 1800 or 1300 number from $5/mth*

Free email messaging

Free voicemail to email

* Plus GST

Message Express 50

$110

/month*

Includes:

50 calls per month

Excess calls $2.35*

No set up fee

Free local number

Add a 1800 or 1300 number from $5/mth*

Free email messaging

Free voicemail to email

* Plus GST

More than 300 calls per month? Get in touch for a Message Express package based on your call volumes.

COMPARE FEATURES

SIGN UP NOW

CALL US NOW 1300 885 830

Standard

$33

/month*

Includes:

Pay as you go

$3.79 per call*

No set up fee

Free local number

Add a 1800 or 1300 number from $5/mth *

Free email messaging

Free voicemail to email

* Plus GST

MOST POPULAR

Virtual Receptionist 20

$75

/month*

Includes:

20 calls per month

$3.99 per excess call*

No set up fee

Free local number

Add a 1800 or 1300 number from $5/mth *

Free email messaging

Free voicemail to email

* Plus GST

Virtual Receptionist 50

$185

/month*

Includes:

50 calls per month

$3.99 per excess call*

No set up fee

Free local number

Add a 1800 or 1300 number from $5/mth *

Free email messaging

Free voicemail to email

* Plus GST

For Larger Plans Click GET IN TOUCH Below

COMPARE FEATURES

GET IN TOUCH

CALL US NOW 1300 885 830

MyAssistant / 
MyDiary

$49

/month*

Includes:

Pay as you go

$2.99 per minute*

Free local number

Add a 1800 or 1300 number from $5/mth *

Free email messaging

Free voicemail to email

* Plus GST

MOST POPULAR

MyAssistant 20 / MyDiary 20

$95

/month*

Includes:

20 minutes per month

Excess minutes $2.99 per minute*

Free local number

Add a 1800 or 1300 number from $5/mth *

Free email messaging

Free voicemail to email

* Plus GST

MyAssistant 50 / MyDiary 50

$165

/month*

Includes:

50 minutes per month

Excess minutes $2.99 per minute*

Free local number

Add a 1800 or 1300 number from $5/mth *

Free email messaging

Free voicemail to email

* Plus GST

For Larger Plans Click GET IN TOUCH Below

COMPARE FEATURES

GET IN TOUCH

CALL US NOW 1300 885 830

MESSAGE EXPRESS

Message Express

$25

/month*

Includes:

Pay as you go

$2.40/call*

No set up fee

Free local number

Add a 1800 or 1300 number from $5/mth*

Free email messaging

Free voicemail to email

* Plus GST

MOST POPULAR

Message Express 25

$65

/month*

Includes:

25 calls per month

Excess calls $2.35*

No set up fee

Free local number

Add a 1800 or 1300 number from $5/mth*

Free email messaging

Free voicemail to email

* Plus GST

Message Express 50

$110

/month*

Includes:

50 calls per month

Excess calls $2.35*

No set up fee

Free local number

Add a 1800 or 1300 number from $5/mth*

Free email messaging

Free voicemail to email

* Plus GST

VIRTUAL RECEPTIONIST

Standard

$33

/month*

Includes:

Pay as you go

$3.79 per call*

No set up fee

Free local number

Add a 1800 or 1300 number from $5/mth*

Free email messaging

Free voicemail to email

* Plus GST

MOST POPULAR

Virtual Receptionist 20

$75

/month*

Includes:

20 calls per month

$3.99 per excess call*

No set up fee

Free local number

Add a 1800 or 1300 number from $5/mth*

Free email messaging

Free voicemail to email

* Plus GST

Virtual Receptionist 50

$185

/month*

Includes:

50 calls per month

$3.99 per excess call*

No set up fee

Free local number

Add a 1800 or 1300 number from $5/mth*

Free email messaging

Free voicemail to email

* Plus GST

MY ASSISTANT / MY DIARY

MyAssistant / 
MyDiary

$49

/month*

Includes:

Pay as you go

$2.99 per minute*

Free local number

Add a 1800 or 1300 number from $5/mth*

Free email messaging

Free voicemail to email

* Plus GST

MOST POPULAR

MyAssistant 20 / MyDiary 20

$95

/month*

Includes:

20 minutes per month

Excess minutes $2.99 per minute*

Free local number

Add a 1800 or 1300 number from $5/mth*

Free email messaging

Free voicemail to email

* Plus GST

MyAssistant 50 / MyDiary 50

$165

/month*

Includes:

50 minutes per month

Excess minutes $2.99 per minute*

Free local number

Add a 1800 or 1300 number from $5/mth*

Free email messaging

Free voicemail to email

* Plus GST

Learn More About Virtual HQ

Ready To Have Your Calls Answered?

Experience the benefits of a full-time receptionist without the overhead. Our virtual receptionists provide professional call handling and admin support. Try it free for 7 days!

Australian Receptionists

No Lock in contract

24/7 Answering Service

Claim Your Free Trial

TESTIMONIALS

What Our Clients Say

We have been with Virtual HQ for a year now and cannot speak highly enough about your answering service. The girls are always prompt, professional and take the information we request. Having a 'receptionist' gives our business that next level of professionalism we wanted without the overhead. Do your business a favour and call the Virtual HQ team today.

Linda Cartella - Business Manager, Brisco Roofing

You have been excellent to deal with - competent, efficient and professional.The 24 hour service you provide is cost efficient, and has enabled us to have high quality 'real person' engagement with our customers, ensuring we convey a high level of professionalism to the market. In the real estate business, the first point of contact with potential new customers is always critical.

Peter J Cahill - Managing Director, Domain Hill Property Group

Our Smart Group uses your reception and premium office services in most Australian states. We find it a very effective way to ensure that calls and correspondence for Smart Group companies are handled consistently on a nation-wide basis. Changes within the group, as companies are added or new operating locations established are easily dealt with and online access to receptionist scripts enables immediate changes to be made toreflect new activities.

James Kelaher - Director, Smartnet

The Virtual Receptionist Live Answering Service is an invaluable asset to my business. Running a small business means you have to wear lot of hats. Your service has allowed me to take back control of my incoming calls. I found myself losing up to two hours a day with phone call interruptions. Now I can quickly scan my email messages and choose how and when I respond. My clients are always impressed with the service and often comment on how professionally their calls are answered.

Tim Donovan - Director / Support, Real Advantage Solutions

You continue to be a great addition and support to our business. The ability to have the phone answered professionally whilst giving our staff the freedom to be away from the office on other income generating ventures is fantastic. I do not know of a better system. Keep doing what you are doing!

Ross McCorkell - Director, FHG Healthcare and Commercial Furniture

I am extremely happy with the service as I do not have a full time receptionist. So the beauty of your Live Answering Service, given I travel a lot is that it is not location specific so I can receive my calls and messages where ever I am.

David Patmore - Director, Vision Training International

HOW IT WORKS

5 Simple Steps To Set Up Short-Term Call Support

Step 1

Free Trial

Experience our service risk-free with a tailored trial for your short-term needs.

Step 2

Activate

Quickly set up your account for immediate support during your specified period.

Step 3

Set Up

We customise our service to fit your temporary call handling requirements.

Step 4

Divert

Simply forward your calls to us for the duration you need support.

Step 5

Upgrade

Easily extend or adjust your service as your temporary needs change.

Step 1

Free Trial

Experience our service risk-free with a tailored trial for your short-term needs.

Step 2

Activate

Quickly set up your account for immediate support during your specified period.

Step 3

Set Up

We customize our service to fit your temporary call handling requirements.

Step 4

Divert

Simply forward your calls to us for the duration you need support.

Step 5

Upgrade

Easily extend or adjust your service as your temporary needs change.

about virtual hq

Seamless Support When You Need It Most

Virtual HQ has been a trusted provider of temporary answering services for more than two decades, helping businesses manage call volumes during peak periods and staff shortages. Founded by Mike Davison, Virtual HQ is dedicated to delivering immediate, flexible support without the need for long-term commitments.

Under the leadership of Mike and Emma Davison, our team of skilled receptionists ensures every call is answered promptly and professionally. Whether you need short-term coverage or support during busy seasons, Virtual HQ tailors its services to meet your unique needs, allowing you to focus on your core business activities with confidence.

fAQs

Frequently Asked Questions About Our Temporary Answering Service

How does the temporary answering service work?

Our professional receptionists handle your calls during your specified timeframe, managing inquiries, taking messages, and forwarding urgent calls to keep your business running smoothly.

Can I use the service for a short-term period only?

Absolutely! Virtual HQ’s temporary answering service is designed for flexibility, allowing you to use it only when needed—whether for a few days, weeks, or months.

Can you handle after-hours and weekend calls?

Yes, we provide 24/7 coverage, including weekends and public holidays, ensuring your customers are always attended to.

Will my calls be answered by Australian receptionists?

Yes, most calls are handled by our Australian team. Overflow support is available to ensure no call is missed during busy periods.

How quickly can I set up the service?

Our service can be activated quickly, often within the same day. Once you provide your preferences, we’ll ensure seamless integration for your temporary call support needs.

See More FAQs

INDUSTRIES

Some of The Industries We Provide Temporary Reception Support To

Allied Health

Maintain excellent patient care with seamless call handling, even during staff absences or peak seasons.

Contractors

Never miss a client call while on-site or short-staffed, keeping your projects on track.

Corporate

Ensure professional call answering during office transitions, staff leave, or high-demand periods.

Dental

Provide consistent patient communication, even when your front desk team is unavailable.

Legal

Handle urgent client calls and appointment scheduling during busy cases or unexpected staffing gaps.

Medical

Keep patient communication smooth with temporary call support during staff changes or increased demand.

Property Management

Maintain tenant satisfaction with professional call handling during busy seasons or staffing disruptions.

Real Estate

Ensure every property inquiry is answered, keeping potential clients engaged, even during peak sales periods.

Small Business

Stay professional and responsive with temporary call answering support whenever your team needs extra help.