What is an AI receptionist?
An AI receptionist is an AI voice agent that answers a business phone line in natural conversation. It greets callers, answers common questions about the business, collects contact and intake details, books or requests appointments, escalates calls that need a person, and sends the business a written summary after each call.
How does an AI receptionist work?
Calls route to a dedicated number, or your existing number forwards to it. The agent answers, understands speech in real time, and responds using the business information configured during setup. It follows your intake script, records the details, takes booking or escalation actions, and delivers a summary to your team immediately after the call ends.
Can an AI receptionist schedule appointments?
Yes. The agent can offer available times and place the appointment on a connected calendar, or it can capture a complete appointment request for your team to confirm. Businesses that want tight control of their schedule usually start with request capture and move to direct booking later.
Can an AI receptionist answer calls after hours?
Yes. Coverage runs 24 hours a day, including nights, weekends, and holidays. After-hours calls are answered the same way as calls during business hours: the caller is greeted, the details are captured, urgent issues follow your escalation rules, and everything else waits in a summarized list for the next business day.
What happens when a caller needs a human?
You define escalation rules during setup. When a caller asks for a person, reports an emergency, or raises something outside the agent's scope, the call is transferred to your team where available. If no one is reachable, the agent captures the full details and sends an immediate summary so someone can call back quickly.
Can I keep my current business phone number?
Yes. You can forward your existing number to the AI line, which keeps the number on your website, listings, vehicles, and signage unchanged. You can also launch on a new dedicated number in your preferred area code if you want to measure the AI line separately.
How much does an AI receptionist cost?
Pricing for AI receptionists is usually a setup fee plus a recurring subscription, sometimes with usage-based call minutes. Cost depends on call volume, how many workflows the agent handles, and whether it books directly into your calendar. Always On AI Receptionist quotes on a consultation call after reviewing your call volume and requirements.
How long does setup take?
Most businesses are live within a few business days of the setup consultation. The time is spent gathering your FAQs, intake questions, escalation rules, and booking preferences, then testing the agent on your line before you forward live traffic to it.