Implementation
25 Questions to Ask an AI Receptionist Vendor Before You Buy
ImplementationContractor operations
Editorial status: This page separates vendor-documented capabilities from TradeCall Lab analysis. No product receives a hands-on performance ranking until it has completed the same controlled call protocol.
Use this list during a sales call or trial so that the buying decision is based on workflow facts rather than a polished demo.
Pricing and usage
- What exactly counts as a billable call/minute/customer?
- How are spam and hangups treated?
- What are overage rates?
- Are telephony charges separate?
- Can the plan change mid-cycle?
Calls and transfers
- What happens when a transfer target does not answer?
- Can transfers cascade through multiple people?
- Can the AI warm-transfer with context?
- Can we set different after-hours rules?
- Can we force certain intents to message-only?
Booking and data
- Does it read live calendar availability?
- Can it reschedule/cancel?
- Can we restrict booking by service area?
- What CRM objects can it create/update?
- Can we export transcripts and recordings?
Governance
- How is caller data retained?
- Can we disable recording?
- How do we disclose AI use?
- What model/providers process the call?
- What is the deletion process?
Operational support
- Is onboarding included?
- Is there a sandbox/demo number?
- How quickly can we roll back?
- What support SLA applies?
- Can we cancel month-to-month?