Virtual AI receptionist
A virtual AI receptionist is a smart phone agent that greets callers, answers their questions and books appointments in place of a human receptionist, around the clock, without ever putting anyone on hold. The word “AI” says that software answers, not a person working remotely.
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In brief
- Greets callers, answers questions and books appointments
- Available around the clock, with no hold time
- “AI” means software answers, not a person working remotely
- Differs from a human answering service by its continuous availability
The term is often used as a synonym for AI voice agent. It differs from a human answering service by its continuous availability and its ability to handle several calls at once.
Is a virtual receptionist a person or software?
Both exist under this name. Some call centres offer a human virtual receptionist: a person, often working remotely, answers in your company’s name during service hours. With a virtual AI receptionist, software picks up in her place, at all times, and several callers are served at once. The comparison of AI voice agents in Quebec sets both models side by side.
What does it do during a call?
- Greets the caller in the company’s name
- Answers common questions: hours, address, services
- Books, moves or cancels an appointment against free slots
- Transfers to the right person or takes a complete message
- Sends the confirmation text message
See automated appointment booking, the guide How much does an AI voice agent cost? and the AI receptionist page. The virtual switchboard operator is its counterpart centred on routing calls.
Frequently asked questions
Does a virtual AI receptionist replace an employee?
It takes over the phone to free your team from repetitive calls. Complex cases are transferred to a person according to your rules.
How much does a virtual AI receptionist cost?
With ATOM Assistant, plans run $179 to $499 a month, with 600 to 2,000 minutes included depending on the plan.
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