An AI receptionist (also called an AI phone answering service or virtual receptionist) answers your business calls automatically, using a natural voice. For a small UK business it is usually the cheapest way to stop missing calls: prices typically start around £19 per month, compared with £150 to £600 per month for a human answering service.
Because "best" depends on your business, the useful question is not which brand but which capabilities matter to you. Below is the checklist we would use ourselves - and where Recello fits against it.
Most missed calls come outside office hours. The service should answer at 2am, on Saturdays and while you are on holiday - without extra out-of-hours charges.
A useful receptionist answers real questions about your services, prices, discounts and opening hours. It should learn this from you once - not read a generic script.
Taking a message is the minimum. The real value is capturing the order or booking there and then, so the customer does not ring someone else.
You should not have to buy a number separately. Check whether the number is included in the monthly price, and how quickly it becomes active.
Look for a clear monthly price and an honest answer on what happens if you go over your call allowance. Avoid per-minute surprises.
Whatever the AI learns about your business should be visible and editable by you - not locked away inside the provider.
Days, not months. A small business should be able to go live within a working week, including a test call.
A satisfaction guarantee lets you hear how it handles real calls before committing long term.
Plans start at £19/month with your UK number included. Ask us a question or order right away.