AI receptionist or answering service?
Both answer the phone when you can't. The difference is what happens next.
What an answering service does
People at a switchboard answer in your company name, follow a script, take a message and send an email or SMS.
Hours vary, often extended, rarely around the clock. Payment per call or per minute.
What an AI receptionist does
Answers 24/7, several calls at once. Trained on your services and prices.
Books directly in your calendar, sends a confirmation and transfers to you when your rules say so. Fixed monthly price.
Read more: The AI receptionist
Point-by-point comparison
| AI receptionist | Human receptionist | Answering service | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Availability | 24/7 | Office hours | Extended hours |
| Handles several calls at once | Yes | No | Limited |
| Books directly in the calendar | Yes | Yes | Rarely |
| Knows your services and prices | Yes, trained on your info | Yes | Reads a script |
| Languages | Norwegian and English | Depends on the employee | Norwegian |
| Time to start | Under 7 days | Weeks to months | Days |
| Monthly price | From NOK 990 | Salary + employer costs | Varies per call |
| Lock-in | None | Employment contract | Often 12 months |
When an answering service is right
When every call needs human judgement, for example a crisis line or very complex cases.
When an AI receptionist is right
When most calls are about bookings, opening hours, prices and messages. That covers most dental clinics, hair salons, workshops, tradespeople and clinics.
Read more: Dental clinic · Hair salon · Car workshop · Tradesman · Physiotherapist
Can you combine them?
Yes. Alex handles the first line and transfers to people based on your rules. With the AI Assistant you decide when you answer yourself.
Read more: The AI Assistant