Guide
How much does an AI receptionist cost?
An AI receptionist for a small business typically costs from £49 to £199 per month on top of your website, depending on how many calls and messages it handles. There is usually no setup fee if you already have a website. The price covers missed-call text-back, enquiry replies and call answering 24 hours a day, every day.
Key facts
- Typical monthly cost
- £49–£199/mo
- Setup fee
- Often £0 with an existing website
- What to watch
- Per-call or per-message charges
- Contract
- Prefer month-to-month
What you actually pay for
An AI receptionist is not a single product with a single price. The monthly fee usually covers a combination of three things: answering missed calls with an automatic text back, replying to website enquiries and WhatsApp messages instantly, and booking or qualifying leads while you are on a job.
Some providers charge per call or per message, which can spiral quickly for a busy trade. Others, including us, charge a flat monthly fee so you know exactly what the bill will be, however busy the month gets.
Typical price ranges
Here is what you can expect to pay across the market, based on what is included:
| Service | Typical cost | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Missed-call text-back only | £29–£69/mo | Sends a text to anyone whose call you miss, with a link or callback offer |
| AI chatbot on your website | £49–£99/mo | Answers common questions and captures enquiries from website visitors |
| Full AI receptionist | £99–£199/mo | Missed-call text-back, web chat, WhatsApp replies and lead qualification |
| Per-call answering service | £1–£3 per call | A human or AI answers each call; costs rise with call volume |
How to compare AI receptionist pricing
When you are comparing quotes, ask each provider these questions:
Is there a per-call or per-message charge, or is it a flat monthly fee? Per-call pricing looks cheap until you have a busy week.
What happens when the AI cannot answer a question? Does it take a message, send you a text, or leave the caller hanging?
Is the AI receptionist tied to your website, or can it work with a Facebook page or Google Business Profile too?
Can you see the messages and call logs, or is it a black box? You should be able to read every conversation.
Is there a minimum contract? A month-to-month arrangement lets you test it properly before committing.
Hidden costs to watch for
Some providers advertise a low monthly price but charge extra for things that ought to be included:
Setup or onboarding fees, sometimes £100–£300, even when the website is already live.
Per-message charges for SMS texts sent to missed callers, which can add up fast during a busy week.
Integration fees for connecting the AI to your existing CRM, calendar or booking system.
Premium charges for out-of-hours answering, even though that is the main reason most small businesses want an AI receptionist.
How AIMC prices it
Our missed-call text-back starts at £49 per month with no setup fee if you have a website with us. The full AI receptionist, which adds web chat, WhatsApp auto-replies and lead qualification, is part of our Growth package at £895 per month, or can be added to any website. Everything is agreed on a free discovery call so there are no surprises on the invoice.
Frequently asked questions
Is an AI receptionist cheaper than a human receptionist?
Yes, significantly. A human receptionist in the UK typically costs £18,000–£26,000 per year plus tax and holiday. An AI receptionist costs from £49 per month and never takes a holiday, though it cannot do everything a person can.
Do I pay per call or per month?
It depends on the provider. Per-call pricing starts around £1–£3 per call but can spiral in a busy week. We charge a flat monthly fee so the bill is predictable.
Can I try an AI receptionist before committing?
Yes. We set up a free demo so you can see how it handles your typical enquiries before you pay anything. Most providers should offer something similar.
Does the price include WhatsApp and web chat?
Not always. Basic plans cover only missed-call text-back. Full AI receptionist plans, like our Growth package, include web chat, WhatsApp auto-replies and lead qualification in one monthly fee.
What if I only get a few calls a month?
If you get fewer than 10–15 calls a month, missed-call text-back at £49/mo may be all you need. You can always upgrade later if call volume grows.
Are there any extra charges for SMS texts?
Some providers charge per SMS message sent. We include text-back in the monthly fee so there is no per-message surprise, however many calls you miss.
Book a free discovery call
We will look at your business, answer your questions and show you what your website could look like, all for free.