AI receptionist FAQ: what Kwickly Answers costs, does and says

What is an AI receptionist?

An AI receptionist answers your business phone for you. Instead of voicemail or a "press 1" menu, the caller has a normal conversation: it answers questions from your own information, books appointments onto your calendar, takes messages and flags emergencies. Kwickly Answers builds one for each business, from that business's own services, prices and rules.

Is an AI receptionist worth it for a small business?

It's worth it when missed calls cost you work: you're on a job, with a client or in court when the phone rings, and the caller tries the next company instead. It answers the calls you can't take, including after hours, and phone plans start at $129.99 a month. If nearly every call you get is one only you can handle, it's worth less. The quickest way to judge is to call the demo line, (949) 704-8377.

AI receptionist or a human receptionist: which is better?

A good human receptionist knows your regulars and handles an unusual call better. An AI receptionist answers at night and on weekends, doesn't take breaks, and costs a monthly plan rather than a wage. It suits the calls nobody is free to take. It's an AI, so it can mishear or get something wrong, and every call is in your portal to check.

Will callers know they're talking to an AI?

Yes. Every call starts with a short notice that the caller is speaking with an AI assistant and that the call is recorded. If anyone asks whether it's a real person, it says plainly that it's an AI. A caller who would rather talk to a person can leave a message for a call back.

Does it work for my kind of business?

It's built for local businesses where a missed call is a missed job: HVAC, plumbing, electrical, cleaning, salons and barbershops, law firms, auto repair, pet grooming, and trades like roofing, garage doors, landscaping and pest control. See the industries page for how it handles each one, or call the demo line and tell it your trade.

How does setup work?

Your assistant is set up from your information: services and prices, hours, the towns you cover, who works when, what counts as an emergency and the questions callers should be asked. You can fill it in yourself in your client portal, with no setup fee, or have me set it up with you on a call for a one-time $299.99, with the next five at half price. Then you forward your calls, call your own number to test it, and it's live.

Can I keep my business number?

Yes. You keep your number and forward it to your Kwickly Answers number. Your portal shows the steps for AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, Comcast Business, Spectrum, RingCentral, Ooma and Vonage, and how to turn forwarding off again. Google Voice needs a hand, so get in touch and I'll set it up with you.

Does it work after hours?

Yes, it answers 24/7. It knows your hours, so after hours it still answers questions, books into your open times and takes messages, and it treats the emergencies you define as urgent. You can forward every call, or only after hours if your phone company offers that.

What if it can't answer a question?

It says someone will get back to them rather than guessing, and takes their details. The question is flagged in your portal. Add the answer once and it uses it from the next call.

Does it handle emergencies?

You write down what counts as an emergency for your business, like no heat, a burst pipe or a burning smell. When a caller's problem matches, it gets their name, number and address first, and you get an email as soon as the call ends, marked Priority. It isn't an emergency service: anyone in danger should call 911.

Does it speak Spanish?

With the Extra languages add-on, $19.99 a month, it answers callers in their own language, including Spanish, with a native-sounding voice for up to three languages you pick. Without the add-on it answers in English.

Does it block spam and robocalls?

Yes. Robocalls, telemarketers and sales pitches are screened. It tells them politely that the business doesn't take sales calls, ends the call, and never gives out your name, direct line or email. If it isn't sure, it treats the call as a real customer and takes a message. Calls it screens out as spam or robocalls don't count toward your minutes.

Can it book appointments?

Yes. It checks your calendar for open times and books the caller in while they're on the phone, for the right length of job and with the right person or team. If you let it, existing customers can also check, move or cancel a booking. If a caller gives an email, they get a confirmation, and a reminder the day before.

Do I need scheduling software?

No. A calendar, a booking page, email confirmations and reminders, and a customer list come with every plan. If you already use Google Calendar, connect it and the assistant checks when you're busy (never the details) so it won't book over you.

How much does an AI receptionist cost per month?

Kwickly Answers phone plans start at $129.99 a month for 350 minutes, about 175 two-minute calls, and go up to $769.99 a month for 2,000 minutes with the strongest assistant. A web page with online booking and no phone assistant is $39.99 a month. See the pricing page for every plan and add-on.

What happens if I go over my minutes?

The assistant keeps answering, and extra minutes are $0.50 each on your next bill. Minutes are counted by the second, not rounded up per call, and your plan never upgrades itself. If you'd rather have a limit, you can set one in your portal. A call already under way when you reach your limit finishes, and its minutes are billed.

Is there a contract?

No. Plans are month to month and you can cancel any time. Your service carries on to the end of the period you've already paid for.

Are calls recorded?

Yes. Every call is recorded for quality, and callers are told at the start. The privacy policy explains how recordings and transcripts are handled and how long they're kept.

Who owns my customer information?

You do. You keep ownership of your business information and customer records, they're used to run your service, and you can have a copy if you ask. Google Calendar is checked for busy times only, never the details of your appointments.