How to choose an AI receptionist: 9 questions to ask first

Most AI receptionist demos look alike. The differences show up in what happens after the call, how the bill behaves as you grow, and whether you can tell if it's working. These nine questions separate them.

1. Does it complete actions, or just take messages?

Ask to see a booking or an order completed end to end, not a message captured. Completed actions are revenue.

2. Does it cover voice and chat?

One engine for both means one set of knowledge and one bill. Two separate tools mean double the setup.

3. What does it connect to?

Check your calendar, product catalog, payment processor and website platform against the integrations they actually list.

4. How is usage billed?

Products bill per call, per minute, per unique customer, in credits, or as a flat plan with bundled usage. Work out the bill at your own volume, and at twice your volume.

5. What happens when you go over?

Look for published overage rates, and ask whether the service keeps running or cuts off at the limit.

6. How does it handle payments and data?

Card numbers should never pass through the agent. Payment belongs on the processor's hosted page. Ask what customer data is stored and for how long.

7. Can your team see and step in?

You should be able to read conversations, see outcomes, and take over when it matters.

8. How do you know it's working?

Prefer a product that reports sales landed in dollars over one that reports conversations handled.

9. What are the trial and exit terms?

Check the free trial length, whether a card is required up front, the contract term, and how cancellation works.

See how Viravance compares with other AI receptionists on these questions.

Common questions