FAQ
Frequently asked questions
The short answer
Last updated
Getting started
What is FirstVoice?
FirstVoice AI is a New Zealand AI receptionist service that answers business calls 24/7, books appointments into your calendar and calls new leads back typically within 60 seconds, fully set up and managed for you.
Do you work with businesses outside New Zealand?
Yes. We're based in New Zealand and work with businesses in Australia, with Australian phone numbers, and around the world. Prices on this site are in NZ dollars; for businesses outside New Zealand we'll confirm pricing in your currency.
How long does setup take?
Most businesses are live within a week. We run a 30-minute call to learn your business, build and test your receptionist, then you forward your calls.
Do I need any technical knowledge?
No. We handle the setup, testing and script changes. You tell us how your business works.
Can I keep my existing phone number?
Yes. Forward your number to FirstVoice for all calls, or only when you're busy, don't answer or are closed. Or use a new local number from us: New Zealand, Australian, or most other countries.
Calls
Does it sound like a robot?
No. It speaks naturally and handles interruptions. Call 09 875 3924 to hear it yourself.
Will callers know it's an AI?
If a caller asks, FirstVoice tells them it's an AI assistant.
What if a caller needs a real person?
On Growth and Scale it can transfer calls live to you or your team. On every plan it takes a detailed message and flags urgent calls straight away.
How many calls can it handle at once?
Up to 20 calls at the same time, 24/7.
What if it doesn't know the answer?
It takes a message and tells the caller someone will get back to them. We then add the answer so it can handle that question next time.
Pricing and contracts
How much does FirstVoice cost?
Starter is $297 a month, Growth $597 and Scale $997, in NZ dollars.
Is there a setup fee?
No. Setup is included on every plan.
Is there a contract?
No. Plans are month-to-month with no lock-in, and you start with a free 2-week trial: we set it up and connect it to your system, it answers your real calls, and you pay nothing. No credit card needed.
What if I go over my minutes?
Extra minutes are $0.65 on Starter, $0.60 on Growth and $0.55 on Scale. Minutes don't roll over.
Integrations and speed-to-lead
What software does FirstVoice work with?
Calendars like Google Calendar, Outlook, Cal.com and Calendly on every plan, plus CRMs and industry apps such as ServiceM8, Fergus, Cliniko and HubSpot from Growth. Each integration page explains how it connects.
What is speed-to-lead?
An add-on that calls new leads from Facebook, website and Google Ads forms typically within 60 seconds, during the calling hours you set. It's from $297 a month on Growth and Scale.
Data and privacy
Where is call data stored?
In New Zealand by default, on infrastructure we run ourselves. If you'd prefer another region, such as Australia, we can store your data there instead.
Who can see my call data?
Only you and the people you give a login to. Your data is never sold, and details only go to the apps you choose to connect.
Can I export my recordings and transcripts?
Yes, at any time. You can export your leads from the dashboard too.
What's in the dashboard?
Every call shows up live with an AI summary, the full transcript and the recording, along with your leads, bookings, website enquiries and texts. It works on your phone, each person on your team can have their own login, and you can mark leads as handled and export them whenever you like.
Can I control how long recordings are kept?
Yes. Recordings can be kept for a set period, have personal details redacted, or be switched off.
Before you buy
What's the difference between an AI receptionist and an answering service?
An answering service uses people, often shared across many businesses, to take messages. An AI receptionist answers instantly, handles several calls at once and books straight into your calendar. A person handles emotional or unusual calls better, which is why FirstVoice flags those or transfers them to your team.
Can I try FirstVoice before paying?
Yes. Call the live demo line on 09 875 3924 to hear it, then use the free 2-week trial on your own calls. There's no setup fee and no lock-in contract.
Will FirstVoice understand our business names and local place names?
We set it up with your business name, staff, services and the areas you cover, which helps it recognise them. Strong accents, poor lines and background noise can still cause mistakes, so when it isn't sure, it confirms the details or takes a message.
How do people know a FirstVoice speed-to-lead call isn't a scam?
Speed-to-lead calls only go to people who've just sent an enquiry to that business. They say up front that the caller is an AI assistant calling on the business's behalf, and they never ask for card numbers, passwords or codes.
Hear your own AI receptionist before you commit.
Book a 30-minute call. We'll set up a sample receptionist for your business so you can ring it yourself.
Free personalised demo in 24 hours · Free 2-week trial, set up by us · No credit card · Then from $297 a month