Choosing an AI receptionist

Start with the calls you actually receive

An AI receptionist is a workflow for your business calls. Begin with the questions callers ask, the information they need and the actions you want to complete. A booking enquiry needs a different setup from a support call or a new sales lead.

Write a small set of realistic conversations before opening a product demo. Include one straightforward enquiry, a change of plan and a caller who needs a person.

• Which questions can be answered from your published business information?
• Which actions require access to a calendar, CRM or booking system?
• When should the call transfer to a person or take a message?

Check the handoff, not just the greeting

Ask a provider to demonstrate what happens when the assistant cannot help, a caller changes their mind or an integration is unavailable. Check how the result reaches your team and whether the conversation can be reviewed.

Frontdesk presents a ready-made receptionist product. Platforms such as Retell AI and ElevenLabs Agents offer a broader starting point for configuring a calling workflow. Your choice depends partly on how much setup and maintenance you want to own.

Price your expected workload

Estimate your monthly call volume and average call length. Then check included usage, additional minutes, phone numbers, integrations and any setup work. Compare the total at your own workload rather than the smallest advertised plan.

Before moving your main number, run a limited trial with clear call outcomes and a reliable route back to your team.