These are the questions that come up most before an owner puts an AI on the phone or the website. The common ones are in the gold block below; the rest are grouped here by topic.
The phone line
What hours does the AI answer?
Whatever hours you choose. Some businesses have it answer every call around the clock; others have it pick up only after hours, at lunch, or when the line is busy. Our own main line is answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
What does the AI say when it does not know an answer?
It should say so, not guess. We set it up to tell the caller someone will follow up, take their name, number and question, and send the message to you. Questions it handled badly show up in the call logs, and we add the right answer for next time.
Where do messages go?
To your email, and into the CRM so each caller has a record you can follow up on. See CRM automation for how the follow-up works.
More on how a call actually flows is on the AI receptionist page and the AI answering service page.
Texting
Why is texting not working yet?
US carriers require businesses that text from a regular local number to register their brand and messaging use first. The registration is called A2P 10DLC. Ours is pending. Until it clears, we do not send business texts, and we say so on every page that mentions them.
What covers for missed call text back in the meantime?
The AI answering the call. Missed call text back exists to catch callers who hung up on voicemail; an AI that picks up the call handles that by voice. Follow-up and confirmations go by email. The missed call text back page explains the feature and the registration.
When texting starts, how do people opt out?
By replying STOP to any message. That is a carrier requirement, and it is spelled out in our terms. Our privacy policy also states that mobile information is not shared with third parties for marketing.
Texting is not live yet. Voice works today. Text messages (missed call text back, text reminders and texted review requests) switch on once carrier approval clears; that approval is the A2P 10DLC registration US carriers require for business texting from a regular local number. No page on this site presents a text feature as working today.
Prices
Where can I see what it costs?
On the pricing page. Packages are AI Starter at $597 a month, AI Pro at $1,097 a month and AI Empire at $1,997 a month. A single AI voice agent starts at $297 a month.
Is setup extra?
Setup, training and support are included in every package. If you are buying a single service, ask us what is included before you sign up.
Do you charge for AI consulting?
We do not publish a consulting price. Tell us what you are trying to solve and we will tell you what it would involve. See AI consulting for small business.
How do your prices compare with other providers?
The AI receptionist cost guide lays out the price models the market publishes, with sources. Real quotes vary.
Setup
How long does setup take?
We do not promise a time, because it depends on how much your business needs the AI to know and how quickly we can test it with you. A business with a short service list and fixed hours is simpler than one with dozens of services and on-call rules. The steps are on how it works.
What do you need from me?
Your hours, services, service area, the prices you want quoted (or a rule not to quote any), the questions callers usually ask, which calls are urgent, who gets which messages, and access to the calendar appointments should go into.
Do you need to come to my business?
No. Everything is done remotely by phone, email and shared screen, which is how we work with businesses in every state.
Data and privacy
Where is my information kept?
In the HighLevel account your system is built in: call records, messages, contacts and appointments. Before you start, ask us how the account is set up and how you would export your records, and get the answer in writing. Our privacy policy covers what this website collects.
Can the AI handle patient or client confidential information?
It is not built for that. We are not a HIPAA compliance program, and for medical and dental offices we set the agent up for scheduling and general questions only, with no clinical or patient-record detail. Law firms get an intake agent that collects contact details and a short description, not one that discusses the case. Check your own obligations with your compliance adviser or attorney.
Limits
Will the AI give legal or medical advice?
No. It is set up to decline and take a message. Nothing it says creates an attorney-client relationship, and it does not give clinical guidance. See the law firm and medical office pages.
Can it quote a price for a job?
Only prices you approve, such as a fixed service call fee. It does not price a job it has not seen; it collects the details so you can.
Can it connect to the software I already use?
Sometimes. Whether it can reach your booking, practice or field service software is confirmed for your setup before we promise it.
Is it a replacement for a receptionist?
It answers calls, questions and bookings; it does not do the other things a front desk person does, such as greeting people in the room or handling paperwork. Read AI receptionist vs answering service vs hiring for a side-by-side.
Still have a question? Ask it out loud. The AI receptionist on our main line will answer, or take a message for Maurice.