What Is an AI Receptionist?
An AI receptionist is a voice system that answers configured inbound calls, follows approved business rules, captures caller details, and routes the next step.
It can cover repeatable calls after hours or while your team is busy. People still approve the script, review exceptions, and handle anything outside the defined call flow.
How an AI Receptionist Works
Call is routed
The phone setup sends an eligible inbound call to the voice agent and plays the greeting your business approved.
Details are collected
The agent asks the approved questions about the service, location, and urgency, then records the answers.
Next step is offered
Depending on the tier and connected tools, the agent can capture a message, offer a supported booking path, or follow an escalation rule.
Summary is delivered
DiPilato's voice tier emails the call recording, transcript, and captured details. SMS workflows start in the Booked Solid System.
AI Receptionist vs. Human Virtual Receptionist
Both answer calls. The difference is cost, availability, and scale.
| Feature | AI Receptionist | Human Virtual Receptionist |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | 24/7 when configured | Set by staffing schedule |
| Monthly cost | DiPilato voice tier: $297/mo | Quoted by coverage and volume |
| Call handling | Follows an approved call flow | Uses judgment beyond a script |
| Multiple calls | Depends on provider and plan | Depends on team size |
| Consistency | Uses the same approved rules | Can adapt case by case |
| Setup time | DiPilato voice tier: typically 24–48h | Depends on hiring and training |
| Exceptions | Escalates by configured rules | Handles nuanced situations directly |
Who Uses AI Receptionists
Businesses that depend on inbound calls may use voice AI for overflow and after-hours coverage:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an AI receptionist?
An AI receptionist is a voice system that answers configured inbound calls, follows approved questions, and captures caller details. It can be available 24 hours a day, but people still set the rules, review exceptions, and handle work outside the approved call flow.
How does an AI receptionist work?
The phone setup routes an eligible inbound call to the voice agent. The agent follows the approved greeting and questions, captures the caller's request, and then completes the configured next step, such as emailing a summary or offering a booking path. Text messaging is a separate feature that requires registration.
What is the difference between an AI receptionist and a virtual receptionist?
A virtual receptionist is a person working remotely. An AI receptionist is software that follows a defined call flow and can provide after-hours coverage. AI can handle repeatable questions consistently; a person is still better suited to judgment calls, sensitive situations, and exceptions the call flow does not cover.
What kinds of businesses use AI receptionists?
Businesses that depend on inbound calls may use an AI receptionist for overflow or after-hours coverage. Common examples include contractors, dental offices, real estate teams, professional practices, auto shops, and other service businesses. The right fit depends on call volume, the questions callers ask, and the required escalation path.
Can an AI receptionist book appointments?
It can when a supported scheduling tool and booking rules are configured. At DiPilato Automations, calendar booking and SMS confirmations start with the Booked Solid System; the entry AI Receptionist tier is voice and email only.
How much does an AI receptionist cost?
Pricing varies by provider and feature set. At DiPilato Automations, the AI Receptionist costs $1 for the first month, then $297/month with no setup fee. It includes the voice agent, call recording and transcript summary by email, and email follow-up for captured leads. Text follow-up on unanswered calls, SMS follow-up, online booking, review automation, and the CRM start at the Booked Solid System: a $1,997 build, then $497/month. The managed Contractor Takeover is a $5,999 build, then $997/month.
Does the AI disclose that it is not human?
The greeting and any AI disclosure should follow the applicable requirements for the business, caller, and location. DiPilato Automations has the client approve the greeting and escalation rules before launch rather than presenting the agent as a human employee.
Ready to Set Up Your AI Receptionist?
DiPilato Automations typically launches the voice-only AI Receptionist in 24–48 hours after kickoff and access are confirmed. The first month is $1, then $297/month.
Also read: What Is Missed Call Text Back? · AI Automation for Service Businesses