Answering services solved the missed-call problem in the era before AI: a shared pool of operators takes a message and emails it to you. An AI receptionist answers the same call, but it actually knows your business, books the job and follows up. Here's how they stack up.
If all you need is a human voice taking messages a few hours a day, a traditional answering service still does the job. But if you want calls answered around the clock by something that knows your business, books the work and chases your invoices — for a flat monthly price — an AI receptionist does more for less. Try both: AIssie has a free trial, and our own phone line (08) 6800 4000 is answered by AIssie itself.
For routine calls — enquiries, bookings, FAQs — it is more consistent: it never rushes, never mishears because of a noisy call centre, and every call comes with a transcript. For anything outside its remit, it transfers to you.
Yes. AIssie works on your existing number — calls divert to it when you are busy, after hours, or all the time, whichever you prefer.
You define escalation rules. AIssie transfers urgent or sensitive calls to a human and sends you the context, so the caller never has to repeat themselves.
Answering services in Australia commonly charge $2–$4 per call plus monthly fees, so 200 calls can easily exceed $500/month. AIssie Voice Starter is a flat $199/month including 200 minutes, with the chatbot included.