Answering Service Cost Calculator
Compare per-minute, per-call, and flat-rate answering service pricing side by side. See how much you could save with an AI receptionist.
How many calls your business receives per month
Message-taking: 1-2 min | Scheduling: 3-5 min | Intake: 5-10 min
How Much Does an Answering Service Cost?
Answering service costs vary widely depending on the pricing model, your call volume, and the hours of coverage you need. Most traditional services charge between $0.75 and $1.50 per minute or $0.80 to $1.50 per call. Bundled plans start at $149/month for 100 calls. AI receptionist services like ReadyToTalk offer flat-rate pricing starting at $49/month with no per-minute or per-call fees.
Understanding Answering Service Pricing Models
- • Per-minute pricing: Best for businesses with low call volumes and short calls. You only pay for actual talk time, but costs climb quickly with longer or more frequent calls.
- • Per-call pricing: Charges a flat fee per answered call regardless of duration. Works well when your calls are consistently long, since you're not penalized for call length.
- • Flat-rate plans: A fixed monthly fee for a set number of calls. Great for predictable budgeting, but overage charges can add up if you exceed your tier.
- • AI receptionist: Flat monthly pricing with no per-call or per-minute fees. Includes 24/7 coverage, unlimited simultaneous calls, and no holiday surcharges.
Hidden Costs to Watch For
- • Setup fees: $50–$500 for account configuration and script creation
- • Holiday & weekend surcharges: 1.5x–2x normal rates for after-hours coverage
- • Overage charges: $1.50–$5.00 per minute or call beyond your plan limit
- • Script change fees: $25–$50 per update to your call handling instructions
- • Patch/transfer fees: $1–$3 per transferred call
Stop overpaying for answering services
ReadyToTalk answers your business calls 24/7 with AI — flat monthly pricing, no surprise charges.
Get Started FreeFrequently Asked Questions
How much does an answering service cost per month?+
Monthly costs depend on the pricing model and your call volume. Per-minute services typically cost $200-$600/month for 100-200 calls. Per-call services run $150-$400/month. Flat-rate plans range from $149-$999/month depending on the tier. AI receptionists start at $49/month with flat-rate pricing.
What is the cheapest answering service option?+
AI receptionist services are the most affordable option for most businesses. ReadyToTalk starts at $49/month with no per-minute or per-call charges. For traditional services, per-call pricing is cheapest if your calls are long, while per-minute pricing saves money if your calls are very short (under 2 minutes).
How much does an after-hours answering service cost?+
Traditional answering services charge 25-50% more for after-hours coverage due to holiday and weekend surcharges. A business paying $300/month during business hours might pay $375-$450/month for after-hours coverage. AI receptionists like ReadyToTalk include 24/7 coverage at no extra charge.
Which answering service pricing model is best for my business?+
It depends on your call patterns. Per-minute works best for low-volume businesses with short calls (under 2 minutes). Per-call is better if your calls run long but volume is moderate. Flat-rate plans suit businesses with predictable call volumes. AI receptionists are the best value for most small businesses regardless of call patterns.
Are there hidden fees with answering services?+
Yes, traditional answering services often have hidden fees including setup charges ($50-$500), holiday surcharges (1.5-2x rates), overage fees, script change fees ($25-$50), and patch/transfer fees ($1-$3 per transfer). Always ask for a complete fee schedule before signing up.