What an AI receptionist is and how it works for contractors

An AI receptionist is software that answers your business phone in a natural voice, has a real conversation with the caller and books the job. Here's what that means for a contractor, in plain English.

What it does

• Answers every call you miss, day or night, on the first ring after your phone stops ringing.
• Talks like a person. Callers can talk normally. It understands what they need and asks follow-up questions.
• Answers your common questions using only the information you give it, like your hours, service area and prices.
• Books the job into your calendar or job software, or takes a detailed message.
• Sends urgent calls to you right away, based on what you say counts as urgent.
• Emails or texts you every call with the caller's name, number, what they need and a summary.

What it doesn't do

• It doesn't make up prices or promises. If it doesn't know, it takes a message.
• It doesn't replace you. It covers the calls you can't get to so you can focus on the work.
• It doesn't give technical, legal or safety advice beyond what you approve. For anything dangerous it tells the caller to call 911.

How it connects to your phone

You keep your number. You turn on "forward when unanswered" with your phone company. That's usually a short code you dial once. Your phone rings first like always. If you don't pick up, the call goes to the AI. You can turn it off any time. See the codes for each carrier.

Will customers know it's AI?

Today's AI voices sound natural and most calls go start to finish without trouble. A good setup tells the truth if a caller asks, and takes a message any time someone wants a person. In California, if calls are recorded, callers should be told at the start of the call.

What it costs compared to the other options

An answering service usually charges by the minute or by the call and mostly takes messages. Hiring a receptionist means a salary and only covers business hours. An AI receptionist costs a flat monthly fee, works 24/7 and can book the job. At Automyx, plans with the AI receptionist start at $797 a month with 1,000 call minutes included. See every plan.

Questions to ask before you buy

• Can I hear it answer a real call first? (You can try ours on the live demos page.)
• Do I keep my phone number?
• Can it book into the calendar or software I already use?
• How does it handle urgent calls and callers who want a person?
• Who writes and updates what it says, and how fast can it be changed?
• What happens if I cancel?