Frequently asked questions.
Everything we get asked regularly about AI phone answering, the virtual receptionist, voice cloning and automatic appointment booking.
What exactly is an AI phone answering service?
An AI phone answering service is an automated reception line that uses artificial intelligence to answer calls on the professional's behalf. The AI voice agent understands the request, asks the right questions, books appointments and sends a structured summary. Unlike a plain voicemail, the AI agent holds a real, natural conversation.
How do I forward my calls to Accueil IA?
Dial **61*09XXXXXXXX*20# from your mobile (replace with the SIP number provided). Conditional forwarding kicks in after 20 seconds without an answer. To turn it off, dial ##61#. The procedure works on every French mobile operator.
Will my clients realise it's an AI?
The AI voice agent uses your cloned voice, built from 30 seconds of recording. The conversation is fluid and natural, and most callers can't tell the difference. A standard professional voice is available if you'd rather not clone your own.
How long does a call with the AI agent last?
A typical call lasts between 1 and 3 minutes. The AI receptionist identifies the need, collects the essential details (name, phone, address, urgency) and wraps up politely, without wasting your client's time.
Where is my data and my clients' data hosted?
All data (audio recordings, transcripts, cloned voice, contact details) is stored on servers in France. No transfer outside the EU, no US cloud. AI hosted in France guarantees GDPR compliance that's native by design.
How does voice cloning work?
You record 30 seconds of your voice from the dashboard or over the phone. Our speech synthesis engine trains a faithful model, which the voicebot then uses. The model stays your property and can be deleted on request.
Which trades and professions is this AI receptionist for?
Any professional taking inbound calls: plumbers, heating engineers, electricians, locksmiths, car garages, estate agencies, dental practices, restaurants, shops, after-sales, professionals. Each sector has its own template with the right questions and the right tone.
Do I have to change my phone number?
No, you keep your existing number. You just enable conditional call forwarding for when you don't pick up. Setup takes 5 minutes, with no line change and no extra hardware.
Can the AI agent book appointments automatically?
Yes, automatic appointment booking by phone is one of the key features. The AI checks your calendar in real time (Google Calendar, Outlook, industry calendars), offers slots, confirms with the client and blocks the appointment. Automatic confirmation by email and SMS.
How does the AI tell an emergency from a normal call?
Automatic call qualification is based on sector-specific rules. An active water leak is urgent for a plumber; a slammed door at night is urgent for a locksmith. The AI agent asks the right questions and sends you an immediate SMS on a genuine emergency.
What happens if the AI doesn't understand the caller?
The AI voice agent is trained on real phone conversations: accents, background noise, network drops. If it gets stuck after two polite attempts, it can offer to pass the request on by SMS or transfer the call to a human (configurable mode).
Does the AI phone answering work at night and on weekends?
Yes, the automated phone answering runs 24/7. You set different time ranges: normal hours during the day, emergencies only at night, closed on Sundays. Ideal for trades with an on-call rota.
How much does AI phone answering cost for a tradesperson?
The plans are shown in the Pricing section: 39 €/month with 1 hr 30 of calls included for a self-employed professional, 79 €/month (3 hrs 20 included) for a shop or practice, 149 €/month (6 hrs 40 included) for the highest volumes, and tailored pricing beyond that. Every plan includes its own call time; if you use it all, you add a pack of minutes on demand — nothing automatic. No long commitment, you stay in control of your subscription. Book a 30-minute demo to confirm the plan that fits your case.
What's the difference with a traditional human call-answering service?
A human call-answering service usually costs more, isn't available 24/7 and handles bursts of simultaneous calls poorly. Accueil IA answers instantly, in parallel across several lines, with no waiting time, using the professional's voice. It complements a human more than it replaces one.
How do I receive the call summary?
After every call handled by the AI virtual receptionist, you automatically receive a structured email (name, number, reason, urgency, appointment booked) and an SMS if the call was urgent. Full transcript and audio recording in your dashboard. CSV export or CRM integration possible.