AI Answering Service vs Virtual Reception Detailed comparison features, price

AI Answering Service

AI Answering Service offers businesses a dedicated AI-powered receptionist designed to operate 24/7, ensuring no customer call is missed. It primarily targets small businesses, service-based operations, clinics, and tradespeople who may struggle to manage incoming calls while focusing on their core work. The service aims to provide a professional image consistently without the overhead costs associated with hiring human receptionists. The AI can be customized with a natural-sounding Australian accent and tailored to represent the specific brand voice of the business it serves.

The system functions by having businesses divert their calls to a dedicated number provided by the service. The AI then handles the incoming calls based on a knowledge base created from information supplied by the business, such as an FAQ document or website content. It answers common questions, gathers caller details, takes messages, and filters out spam. After each call, it provides instant summaries, full transcripts, and audio recordings via email, with an option for SMS notifications. For situations requiring human intervention, the AI can intelligently transfer the call to a nominated person.

Virtual Reception

Enhance business operations with an intelligent AI phone assistant designed to handle calls, schedule appointments, and capture messages around the clock. This service ensures constant availability, answering calls and relaying information instantly, thereby preventing lost leads often associated with voicemail systems. It integrates seamlessly with existing appointment booking systems, collects necessary client information, and sends confirmation texts automatically.

The system is easily trainable using a business's Google Business Profile or website URL to generate FAQs and gather service details. Users receive immediate email or text notifications for incoming calls, including summaries, with full transcripts and recordings securely stored for later review. Advanced configuration options allow for customization of welcome messages, voice, and tone, along with the capability to transfer calls to human team members, potentially based on detected caller emotion.

Pricing

AI Answering Service Pricing

Free Trial

From $32

AI Answering Service offers Free Trial pricing with plans starting from $32 per month .

Virtual Reception Pricing

Free Trial

From $14

Virtual Reception offers Free Trial pricing with plans starting from $14 per month .

Features

AI Answering Service

24/7 Availability: Operates continuously to answer all incoming calls.
Customizable AI Receptionist: Features a tailored Australian AI voice that represents the business's brand.
Knowledge Base Integration: Answers caller questions accurately using information from provided FAQs or website content.
Instant Call Transcripts & Recordings: Delivers full transcripts and audio files via email immediately after each call.
Intelligent Call Transfer: Transfers calls to a designated human representative when necessary or requested by the caller.
Lead Capture: Collects essential caller information, including name, contact details, and the nature of their inquiry.
Spam Call Filtering: Identifies and filters spam calls and unsolicited sales pitches.
Simultaneous Call Handling: Manages multiple calls concurrently without busy signals.
Quick Setup: Can be operational in under 10 minutes with minimal configuration.
SMS Notifications: Offers optional SMS summaries for each call received.

Virtual Reception

24/7 Availability: Ensures calls are answered and messages captured anytime.
AI Appointment Scheduling: Integrates with existing systems to book appointments and send confirmations.
Voicemail Elimination: Answers every call, addresses questions, and delivers messages instantly.
Easy Setup & Training: Uses Google Business Profile or website URL for initial configuration.
Call Forwarding: Provides a dedicated number for easy call forwarding setup.
Notifications & Reporting: Delivers call summaries via email/text and saves transcripts/recordings.
Human Handoff: Transfers calls to team members when needed, with emotion detection capabilities.
Customization: Allows modification of welcome messages, voice, and tone.

Use Cases

AI Answering Service Use Cases

Managing missed calls for small businesses.
Providing continuous customer availability without hiring reception staff.
Automating lead capture from phone inquiries.
Answering frequently asked customer questions instantly.
Handling after-hours calls for service-based businesses.
Screening calls and taking messages for busy professionals.
Prequalifying leads generated from marketing efforts.
Offering dedicated phone support for industries like veterinary clinics, trades, and marketing agencies.

Virtual Reception Use Cases

Automating call answering for small businesses.
Providing 24/7 customer phone support without human staffing.
Streamlining appointment booking processes.
Handling routine customer inquiries via phone.
Replacing traditional voicemail systems to improve lead capture.
Managing calls for service-based industries like salons, dental offices, and law firms.

FAQs

AI Answering Service FAQs

How does AI Answering Service handle my business calls?

When you can’t answer, calls are diverted to a dedicated number using a diversion code provided by your phone company (e.g., Telstra). The AI service then automatically takes the call after a predetermined number of rings.
What information can it collect from the caller?

During onboarding, you specify the details needed. It can collect full name, postcode, products they are interested in, address, preferred booking day/time, etc. The caller's mobile number is captured automatically.
Will it sound like a natural Australian and represent my business well?

Yes, the AI is customized to match your brand voice with a natural Australian accent, making it sound professional and often indistinguishable from a human agent.
Is this right for businesses that need complex problem-solving on calls?

Likely not. The AI excels at handling routine questions, collecting information, and managing booking requests. It cannot replace human expertise for complex issues, specialized consultations, or situations requiring real-time dynamic information.
What happens if I exceed my call limit?

You will be notified before exceeding your monthly call allowance. You'll have the option to buy additional call credits, although most customers do not exceed their limit.

Virtual Reception FAQs

Can I use Virtual Reception as a voicemail service?

Yes, voicemail functionality and appointment booking are both supported.
Do I need to install any software?

No, Virtual Reception works entirely through your web browser.
How complex is the setup process?

No programming skills are needed. Setup is straightforward, and assistance is available if required.
Can the AI transfer calls to a real person?

Yes, you can add team members, and the AI can transfer calls when necessary, even detecting emotion to suggest a transfer.
How does Virtual Reception connect to my current phone system?

You will be provided with a new phone number, and you can set up call forwarding from your existing number to this new one.
Can I listen to call recordings?

Yes, all call transcripts and audio recordings are saved and accessible.