A part-time receptionist costs $1,200–$2,000/month, works 8am–5pm, and calls in sick. An AI front office costs $49/month and answers every question, every hour. Here's what you're actually comparing.
/// The numbers
Part-time receptionist (20 hrs/wk)
Monthly total
$1,400–$1,900/mo
AI front office — Anchor Co Media
Monthly total
$49–$99/mo
You save
$1,300–$1,850/mo
And your AI answers questions at 11pm. Your receptionist doesn't.
/// Side by side
| Factor | Human Receptionist | AI Front Office |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost | $1,400–$1,900 | $49–$99 |
| Hours of coverage | 8am–5pm weekdays only | 24 hours · 7 days · 365 days |
| After-hours coverage | ✗ Voicemail or nothing | ✓ Always answers |
| Simultaneous conversations | 1 at a time | Unlimited |
| Sick days / vacation | Yes — coverage gaps | Never misses a day |
| Training time | 1–2 weeks minimum | 48 hours, we handle it |
| Turnover risk | High — rehire + retrain | Zero |
| Consistent answers | Depends on the day | Always identical to policy |
| Handles appointments | Yes | Yes — automatically |
| Lead capture | Sometimes (if asked) | Every conversation, automatically |
| Updates when policy changes | Training session required | Email us, updated in 24h |
| Cancel anytime | 2-week notice standard | Month-to-month, no contract |
/// Honest answer
We're honest about what the AI does and doesn't do. It's not a human — and for some tasks, that matters.
Complex empathy conversations
A patient who's had a bad experience, a grieving family member, a frustrated customer — nuanced emotional conversations often still need a human. The AI handles the intake and routes these appropriately.
Decisions that require judgment
Custom pricing, policy exceptions, complex complaints — anything requiring situational judgment still needs you or your team. The AI knows when to say "let me connect you with our team."
In-person interactions
Checking someone in at the front desk, handing over keys, a face-to-face handshake. The AI handles digital and phone — not physical presence.
The goal isn't to replace humans entirely. It's to stop losing customers to voicemail at 9pm, so your team can focus on the work that actually needs them.
/// The math works
Get your AI front office live in 48 hours. Answer every customer question, capture every lead, and stop losing business after 5pm — starting at $49/month.
No contracts · No setup fees on AI Chatbot · Cancel anytime