Answering service for small business, compared
A small business phone answering service exists for one reason: callers who reach voicemail call someone else. Live answering services, virtual receptionists, AI and automatic texts all solve part of it, at very different prices.
Live answering service
A live phone answering service puts a person on the line during set hours or 24/7. It suits businesses whose callers insist on a human voice. Pricing is usually per minute or per call, so busy months cost more. The operator takes a message; the callback is still yours.
After-hours answering service
Many businesses only need coverage at night and on weekends, when the most urgent and best-paying calls arrive. An after-hours service or an automatic text covers that gap without paying for daytime coverage you do not need.
The text-first alternative
Crescendo texts every missed caller within a minute, in your business name, and the reply lands in your CRM. On Growth, the AI receptionist continues by text and books the job. It costs a flat monthly price, whatever the call volume.
Essential $499/month, or Growth $1,999/month with managed ads and Google profile. Prices in USD, plus applicable sales tax. See both plans