Virtual receptionist services, explained
What they do, what they cost, and where an AI receptionist now does the job faster and cheaper.
How a virtual receptionist works
You divert your number or inbox to an off-site team. They answer in your business name, take the caller's details and email or text you a message. Pricing is usually a monthly bundle of calls with an overage rate, so your bill rises exactly when you're busiest.
It solves the "nobody answered" problem, but it rarely finishes the job: you still call back, quote, agree a time and chase a deposit.
Virtual receptionist vs AI receptionist
| Virtual receptionist | Leadly AI receptionist | |
|---|---|---|
| Response time | Ring time, then a message to you | Instant reply, every time |
| Hours | Office hours, or premium out-of-hours | 24/7 at the same price |
| Pricing | Monthly bundle plus per-call fees | Flat monthly fee, unlimited chats |
| Booking | Message taken, you call back | Books a real slot from your hours |
| Deposits | Not handled | Stripe link in chat, auto-confirmed |
| Records | Email notes | Full chat history, photos and voice notes |
When a human still wins
Sensitive or complex conversations deserve a person. That's why Leadly lets a customer ask to speak to a human at any point — the conversation flags as urgent in your dashboard and you reply in the same thread, so nothing is repeated and nothing is lost.
If you're weighing up a specific provider, read our Leadly vs Smith.ai comparison or see what an AI receptionist covers.
Frequently asked questions
What is a virtual receptionist?
A virtual receptionist is an off-site person or service that answers your calls and messages, takes details and passes them on. Traditional providers charge per call or per minute on top of a monthly plan.
Is an AI receptionist better than a virtual receptionist?
An AI receptionist answers in seconds every time, never queues, works nights and weekends at no extra cost, and can quote prices, book slots and take deposits directly. A human service is better when a call needs judgement or empathy on complex matters — many businesses use AI for first response and step in themselves when needed.
How much do virtual receptionist services cost in the UK?
Typical UK plans start around £50–£100 a month for a small bundle of calls, with per-call charges beyond that, so busy months get expensive. Leadly is a flat monthly fee with unlimited conversations.
Can a virtual receptionist book appointments?
Some can, if you give them diary access. Leadly reads your live opening hours, closures and service capacity, so it only ever offers slots you can actually work.
Try it before you divert a single call
Set up your receptionist, test it live, then share the link.
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