The problem
Half the calls came in while Carlos was working. Callers rarely left a voicemail, and real emergencies got the same voicemail as price shoppers.
What was set up
- AI phone receptionist on his existing number: calls he doesn't answer forward to it (Receptionist That Books package)
- Books jobs into his calendar and reads the time back to the caller
- Sends real emergencies straight to his cell
- Emails him a summary of every call
- Busywork autopilot: polite reminder emails for unpaid invoices, which stop when the invoice is paid
Demo call (scripted)
Incoming call, forwarded after 4 rings
Receptionist (AI)
Thanks for calling Rivera Plumbing, this is the virtual receptionist. This call may be recorded. How can I help?
Customer
My water heater is leaking. Can someone come today?
Receptionist (AI)
I’m sorry about that! Is water spreading, or is it a slow drip?
Customer
It’s a slow drip into the pan.
Receptionist (AI)
Okay. I can book you for today at 2:30 PM. That’s today, 2:30 PM, at which address?
Customer
123 Oak Street. And what will it cost?
Receptionist (AI)
The service call is $89, and Carlos will give you the repair price on site before starting any work. You’re booked for 2:30 today.
Booked in the calendar • summary emailed to Carlos
How it works: before and after
Before
- Phone rings while Carlos is working
- It goes to voicemail
- Most callers hang up and call someone else
- Real emergencies wait too
After
- Phone rings; Carlos can still answer first
- Missed calls forward to the AI receptionist
- It books routine jobs and takes messages
- Emergencies go straight to his cell
Safety built in
- Every call starts by saying it's a virtual receptionist and may be recorded
- It never gives safety advice: if a caller mentions gas or danger, it tells them to hang up and call 911 or the gas company
- It quotes only prices Carlos approved, and nothing else
- It never takes card numbers over the phone
- Calls are kept only as long as Carlos chose, and he owns the accounts and the phone number
What it costs to run each month
| What | Who bills it | About |
|---|---|---|
| Call answering | The voice AI provider | About 7 to 31 cents a minute |
| Phone line | The phone provider | $1 to $2 |
| Summary emails and invoice reminders | The automation provider | $0 to about $20 |
Typical total: about $22 to $95 a month for 300 minutes of calls, plus any automation plan. Paid directly to the providers, on accounts the owner controls.
Want something like this?
Tell me what eats up your day, and I'll tell you honestly what AI can do and what it costs before you pay anything.