An AI receptionist answers customers when you can't. It can work on the phone, in your website chat, in messaging apps or at a lobby tablet. Each option fits a different business.
The four kinds of AI receptionist
- Phone answering. An AI voice answers calls, takes messages and books. Monthly plans commonly run from tens to a few hundred dollars depending on call volume.
- Website chat. Answers visitors in writing, collects leads and books. Often the cheapest and simplest.
- Messaging. Replies on Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp.
- Front desk. A tablet in your lobby checks visitors in and answers questions, backed by an office AI.
The rules on AI phone calls
The FCC treats AI-generated voices as "artificial" voices under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, so automated outbound calls need prior consent, and fines can be large. Inbound answering is different from calling people, but disclose that callers are talking to AI and check recording-consent rules if calls are recorded. Get legal advice before running outbound AI calls.
What it should hand back to you
Complaints, emergencies, refunds, legal questions and anything unclear should go straight to a person, with a summary so you don't start from zero.
Choosing the right option
If most customers find you online, start with a website chat agent; it is free with every 11:11 website and costs nothing per call. If you have walk-in visitors and lots of paperwork, an office AI agent adds the front desk and back office together.
Questions to ask an AI receptionist provider
- Does it introduce itself as AI?
- How does it hand urgent calls or chats to a person?
- Where do messages and recordings go, and who can see them?
- How is it priced: flat monthly, per minute or per call?
- What happens when it misunderstands a caller?
- Can it book directly into my calendar?
A simple hand-off script
Whatever kind you choose, write down what it should say when it can't help: "I'm the AI assistant for {business}. I'll pass this to {owner name} now; you'll hear back by {time}. What's the best number to reach you?" Then make sure those messages reach you fast.
Is an AI receptionist right for your business?
It fits well if you miss calls or messages while working, get many repeat questions, or have customers contacting you outside business hours. It fits less well if every conversation is complex or sensitive, such as medical or legal matters, where a person should always answer.
Questions
Does 11:11 offer AI phone answering?
We do not make automated phone calls. Our agents work through website chat, messages, email and an optional lobby tablet, and they can summarize your voicemails.
How much does an AI receptionist cost?
Website chat starts free with an 11:11 website, with paid plans from $29 a month. Phone services are priced separately by their providers, usually by calls or minutes.