How does an AI receptionist work?
Behind a natural conversation, a few things happen in a fraction of a second:
- It listens. Speech recognition turns what the caller says into text.
- It understands. A language model works out what the caller wants, using your business information: services, prices, hours and rules.
- It acts. It can check your calendar, book a time, look up details or send a text.
- It replies. A text-to-speech voice answers, and the conversation continues.
- It reports. After the call, you get a summary, transcript and recording.
What can an AI receptionist do?
- Answer calls 24/7, including many calls at the same time
- Answer questions about your services, prices, hours and location
- Book, reschedule and cancel appointments
- Qualify new enquiries with your questions
- Screen out spam and sales calls
- Transfer calls or flag urgent ones to you
- Text callers confirmations or booking links
- Call new leads back from your online forms
What can't it do?
- Greet customers who walk in
- Give medical, legal or financial advice (and it shouldn't try)
- Handle very complex or emotional situations as well as an experienced person
- Know things you haven't told it: it's only as good as its setup
How much does an AI receptionist cost in NZ?
Prices depend on who does the work. Self-serve tools, where you build and maintain the receptionist yourself, start from under $100 a month. Managed services, where a team sets it up and keeps improving it, cost more. FirstVoice plans are $297, $597 and $997 a month with setup included and no GST added. See what each plan includes.
How to choose an AI receptionist: a 10-point checklist
- Is the price published, including GST and extra-minute rates?
- Who sets it up: you or them?
- Who updates the script when your business changes, and what does that cost?
- Can it book into the software you already use, or only send messages?
- Can you keep your existing phone number?
- How does it handle urgent calls and callers who want a person?
- Where is call data stored, and can you export it?
- Is there a lock-in contract?
- Can you try it before you pay?
- Can you call a live demo right now?
Put us to the test: call our AI receptionist on 09 888 5159, or compare your options.