AI answering machine or call answering service – which suits you?
When you can't take the call yourself, there are three options: an ordinary answering machine, a call answering service staffed by people, or an AI answering machine. Here are the differences.
- Answering machine: cheap, but callers often hang up
- Call answering service: a person answers, but usually only during business hours
- AI answering machine: answers around the clock and can book appointments
- Choose based on call volume, opening hours and needs
1. The ordinary answering machine
Cheap and simple, but many callers hang up instead of leaving a message – and call a competitor. You have to listen through the messages yourself and call back without knowing what the matter is about.
2. Call answering service
A person answers the phone in your name and takes a message. It feels personal, but it is usually billed per call or per month, and many services are only open during normal working hours. The receptionist rarely knows your services and prices in detail.
3. AI answering machine
An AI answering machine like Dialogbot talks to the caller in your customers' language around the clock, answers from your own approved knowledge and can book appointments and send SMS confirmations. You get a written summary of every conversation instead of a voice message.
On the other hand, it isn't a person – it says so honestly and passes on matters it can't answer to you.
Compared
| Difference | Dialogbot | Call answering service |
|---|---|---|
| Who answers | AI in your customers' language, only from knowledge you have approved | A person who doesn't always know your services |
| Opening hours | Around the clock | Usually normal working hours |
| Booking | Directly in your calendar, with SMS confirmation | Usually a message you follow up on yourselves |
| Price | 2.495 kr./month excl. VAT, no price per enquiry | Usually per call or per month |
| Message to you | Written summary of every conversation and a daily report | One message per call |
How to choose
- Few calls, and only during the day? An answering machine may be enough.
- Important to have a person on the line? A call answering service – but check the opening hours.
- Lots of calls, also in the evening, and you want bookings? An AI answering machine gives you the most for your money.
Hear the difference
Get a call from Dialogbot and hear what an AI answering machine sounds like. See also the prices.
Frequently asked questions
Can an AI answering machine replace a call answering service?
For most routine enquiries, yes: it answers, clarifies the need and books. Complex matters are passed on to you.
Is an AI answering machine available at night?
Yes, Dialogbot answers the phone around the clock.
Which is cheaper: a call answering service or Dialogbot?
A call answering service is usually billed per call or per month. Dialogbot is one subscription at 2.495 kr. per month excl. VAT, with 300 minutes of incoming calls and no price per enquiry. See also /viden/dialogbot-vs-vocalis.
Can I keep my number?
Yes. You forward your number to Dialogbot when you are busy or closed.
Hear Dialogbot answer the phone – on your own phone
Tell the chat your business name and what you do, and the assistant will call you and show you how it would answer the phone for you.
Or email info@dialogbot.dk. 2.495 kr./month · excl. VAT. No lock-in.