Just installed Caller ID phone & service and answering machine. They were my first callers at 3:50 PM PDT, SO THE EQUIPMENT WORKS! I haven't recorded a personal message yet, and their response was just dead air.
Do what I do: I created a Silent "ringtone" and I also assign (in my phone it's; "do not answer") so, when they call again, I don't even have to Hear them + they get to listen to 30 seconds of "ringing" on their end and so, I get to waste their time, too = yea!