How much does an answering service cost for a small business?
If you're missing calls, an answering service is usually the first fix that comes to mind. The hard part is figuring out what it will actually cost, because providers price in very different ways. This guide walks through the common pricing models and what to check before you sign up.
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The main pricing models
- Per minute: you pay for the time an agent spends on your calls. Simple, but busy months get expensive fast.
- Per call: a flat amount for each call answered, whether it lasts 30 seconds or 10 minutes.
- Monthly bundles: a monthly fee that includes a set number of minutes or calls, with a rate for anything over.
- Flat monthly AI plans: an AI receptionist answers every call for a monthly price, usually with included minutes.
What drives the price
- Live people vs. AI. Live receptionists cost more per minute because you're paying for staff time. AI answering is usually cheaper and doesn't need breaks or shifts.
- Hours. 24/7 coverage, nights and weekends often cost extra with live services.
- Languages. Bilingual live agents can carry a premium.
- Setup fees and contracts. Some providers charge to get started or require a minimum term.
- Extras. Appointment handling, call recordings, extra numbers and integrations can be add-ons.
An illustrative example
These numbers are made up to show the math, not quotes from any provider. Say your business gets 100 calls a month and the average call lasts 3 minutes, so about 300 minutes.
- At an example rate of $1.50 per minute, that's around $450 a month.
- At an example flat fee of $2 per call, that's around $200 a month.
- On a monthly plan with 500 included minutes, you'd pay the plan price and nothing extra.
Always run your own call volume through each provider's current pricing page before deciding.
Questions to ask before you choose
- What happens when I go over the included minutes or calls?
- Is there a setup fee or a contract?
- Are nights, weekends and holidays included?
- Which languages are included, and at what cost?
- How will I get the details of each call?
Where GetMyCalls fits
GetMyCalls is an AI receptionist for small businesses. It answers 24/7 in English, Spanish and Portuguese on every plan, collects appointment requests for you to confirm, and emails you a summary after every call. Plans start at $49/month with 150 minutes, there's no setup fee and no contract, and one business number is included. Extra tracking numbers are $5/mo each on Crew and Pro. Setup takes about 5 minutes.
You can hear it for yourself before paying anything: sign up and make 3 free test calls from your browser.