What is an AI receptionist?

An AI receptionist is a voice or text-based assistant that answers calls, responds to texts, books appointments, and handles customer inquiries automatically.

How does an AI receptionist work?

It uses speech recognition + AI conversation models to understand callers, respond naturally, and update your systems (like calendars or CRMs).

Can the AI answer phone calls?

Yes — it can pick up every call instantly, even multiple calls at once.

Can it send and respond to text messages?

Yes. AI receptionists can hold full SMS conversations, send confirmations, and follow up with customers.

Does the AI sound robotic?

No. Modern AI sounds extremely human — tone, pacing, emotions, and conversational flow.

Does it replace a human employee?

Not necessarily. It handles repetitive tasks so your team can focus on high-value work.

Can it book appointments?

Yes. It can check availability, schedule appointments, and send confirmations automatically.

What scheduling apps does it work with?

Most setups integrate with:
Cal.com, Calendly, Google Calendar, Acuity, SimplePractice, salon software, and custom CRM calendars.

Can it answer FAQs for my business?

Yes. You can give it a knowledge base or let it learn from your website.

Can the AI transfer calls to me?

Yes. You can set rules for when to transfer or escalate.

Can callers tell they’re talking to AI?

Most cannot. You can decide if it introduces itself as AI or as your receptionist.

Is it available 24/7?

Yes. It never sleeps and answers every call instantly.

Can it handle spam calls?

Yes — it filters junk, telemarketers, and robocalls automatically.

Can the AI greet callers differently depending on time of day?

Yes. Morning, afternoon, night, weekends — all customizable.

Can I choose the voice?

Yes. You can pick male, female, professional, friendly, or custom cloned voices.

Does it integrate with my CRM?

Yes — most systems connect to:
Salesforce, HubSpot, GoHighLevel, MindBody, Vagaro, Stripe, Shopify, and more.

Can it take payments?

Yes. It can text secure payment links or integrate checkout flows.

How accurate is speech recognition?

Very high — up to 95–98% accuracy depending on noise and accents.

Can it understand accents?

Yes. Modern voice AI handles a wide range of accents and languages.

Can the AI text customers who miss the call?

Yes — instant missed-call text backs to capture leads.

Can it answer questions about pricing?

Yes, if you load your price list or give it instructions.

Can it collect customer info?

Yes — name, phone, email, reason for calling, budget, symptoms, etc.

Can it handle angry or upset callers?

Yes. It’s trained to stay calm, polite, and helpful.

Can it recognize returning customers?

Yes — if connected to a CRM or call history.

Does it record calls?

You can enable or disable recording depending on your needs.

Is it secure?

Yes — enterprise-level encryption, privacy compliance, and data protection.

Is it HIPAA compliant?

If needed — YES. Some AI receptionist setups support full HIPAA workflows.

Can it follow scripts I provide?

Yes. You control guidelines, tone, rules, and fallback behavior.

Can it learn from previous calls?

Yes. You can train or adjust based on call transcripts.

Can it send reminder texts?

Yes — it can send appointment reminders, confirmations, and follow-ups.

What happens if the caller asks something weird?

It safely redirects the conversation to what it can help with.

Can it place outbound calls?

Yes — for reminders, follow-ups, missed leads, or client callbacks.

Does it work with VoIP systems?

Yes — Twilio, Plivo, Zoom Phone, Vonage, SIP, and more.

Can it handle multiple locations?

Yes — it can route based on location, service, or staff availability.

Can I read transcripts of calls?

Yes. Every call and SMS is logged.

Can I customize the personality?

Yes — professional, energetic, friendly, luxury tone, etc.

Can it answer specific instructions like “press 1”?

Yes — it can handle menus or fully replace them with natural conversation.

How long does setup take?

Setup will vary based on the needs of the business. It can be as quick as one business day.

Does it work with my existing phone number?

Yes — you can forward calls or port numbers.

Can it speak multiple languages?

Yes — English, Spanish, French, and others depending on engine.

Can it upsell or cross-sell?

Yes — you can program soft upsells or recommendations.

Can it handle emergencies?

It can follow a protocol you define —
like “For emergencies, please call 911.”

Can the AI text images or links?

Yes — menus, instructions, directions, PDFs, videos.

Can I review or edit the AI’s script anytime?

Yes — all behavior is fully editable.

Can the AI reject certain callers?

Yes — blocklists, keywords, or caller ID filters.

Can it gather reviews for my business?

Yes — it can send review requests or feedback forms.

Can it send intake forms?

Yes — for medical, fitness, sales, or consulting.

What if the caller speaks too fast or too slow?

The AI adapts automatically.

What if the AI can’t answer something?

It will apologize and ask for clarification or transfer the call.

How much does an AI receptionist cost?

Typically $100–$1299/mo depending on the platform, call volume, and features.