An AI receptionist is a voice assistant that answers your business calls when you can't, asks the caller set questions, books an inspection or a callback, and sends you a summary. For roofers it's most useful for calls you miss on the roof, after hours and during storm rushes. It's not a replacement for you quoting the job or handling an upset customer.
This guide covers what it actually does, what it doesn't, what Australian providers charge, the call recording question, and a checklist for choosing one.
What does an AI receptionist actually do?
When a call isn't answered (or always, if you set it up that way), the AI picks up in a natural voice and runs a short script. A good setup for a roofer:
- 1GreetGreets the caller with your business name and says it's an assistant.
- 2The problemAsks what's happening with the roof.
- 3SuburbAsks for the suburb, to check you work there.
- 4Roof and urgencyAsks the roof type if known (tile, metal, other) and how urgent it is.
- 5Contact detailsTakes their name and best number.
- 6BookOffers an inspection time from your calendar, or promises a callback.
- 7SummaryTexts you a short summary straight after the call.
The main benefit is simple: the caller talks to someone instead of hearing voicemail, and you get the details you need to call them back.
What can't an AI receptionist do well?
Be realistic. Today's AI phone agents are good at structured conversations, and weaker when things get messy.
| Handles well | Should hand over to you |
|---|---|
| Taking name, suburb, job type, urgency | Giving a price or a quote |
| Checking your service area | Diagnosing a roof problem over the phone |
| Booking an inspection into free slots | Insurance claims and disputes |
| After-hours and overflow calls | Angry or upset customers |
| Texting you a summary | Commercial or unusual jobs |
| Answering simple FAQs (hours, areas) | Anything it isn't sure about |
What does an AI receptionist cost in Australia?
Prices vary a lot, and many providers don't publish them. These figures come from published pages and comparisons in 2026. Check current pricing before you buy.
| Provider | Published or reported price | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Relay (Leva) | $199/month, no setup | Leva comparison, April 2026 |
| Hooroo AI | About $200/month | Same comparison |
| Sophiie AI | About $300/month + about $800 setup | Same comparison |
| Johnni AI | About $300/month | Same comparison |
| LANA Software | $300+/month + $1,000+ setup | Same comparison |
| Waboom AI | $130/month platform + 71c to 95c per minute | Waboom, July 2026 |
Note that the comparison table was published by Leva, which sells Relay, so treat it as a starting point rather than a neutral review.
The real cost depends on how many minutes the AI is on the phone. A per-minute plan can be cheap in a quiet month and expensive in storm season. A flat monthly fee is easier to budget.
Do I need to tell callers the call is recorded?
Most AI receptionists record and transcribe calls so you can read what was said. In Australia, phone calls are generally treated as private conversations. Federal rules on intercepting telecommunications and different state and territory laws can apply, and they don't all work the same way. Sprintlaw's overview of business call recording suggests businesses that work across states should assume the stricter rule applies.
The common, sensible practice:
- Tell callers at the start, before the conversation, that the call is recorded and why.
- If every call is recorded, say so rather than "may be recorded".
- Offer an alternative, such as texting the same number instead.
- Store recordings securely and only keep them as long as you need them.
A greeting that covers it:
Thanks for calling Coastline Roofing. I'm the team's assistant, and this call is recorded so we get your details right.
If you're unsure, ask a lawyer about your state before switching recording on.
How do I judge an AI receptionist?
Before you sign up, call the demo number yourself. Then work through this checklist.
AI receptionist buyer's checklist
0/12 done
Your ticks are saved in this browser only.
Test it with a few tricky calls: a mumbled address, a caller who only wants a price, someone outside your area. How it handles those tells you more than any sales page.
Do I need an AI receptionist or just missed-call text-back?
Not every roofer needs voice AI.
| Situation | Best fit |
|---|---|
| You miss a handful of calls and can call back within the hour | Missed-call text-back |
| Lots of after-hours calls or urgent leak calls | AI receptionist + text-back |
| Storm seasons where calls pile up | AI receptionist for overflow |
| Customers who prefer texting anyway | Text-back plus fast replies |
Estimated value left on the table
$8,119
a month, or about $97,425 a year. This is an estimate from your own numbers, not a promise. Even if it's half right, one saved job a month pays for LeadKites many times over.
Want the real number? Get my auditMissed-call text-back is cheaper and works well on its own for many roofers. Our guide on what missed calls cost helps you decide whether the bigger tool is worth it.
How does the LeadKites AI receptionist work?
Our AI voice receptionist answers when you can't, asks the questions above, books an inspection or a callback, and texts you a summary. It says it's an assistant and never quotes prices.
It's included in Growth ($997/month + $1,997 setup) and Growth Plus ($1,449/month + ad spend), or you can add it to Foundation for +$300/month. All prices AUD, no GST charged. Setup is live in 7 working days. We don't promise a number of jobs; we promise every enquiry gets a reply within 60 seconds.
Frequently asked questions
Will callers know they're talking to AI?
They should. A good setup says it's the business's assistant at the start of the call. Pretending to be a person damages trust when callers work it out.
Can an AI receptionist give quotes?
It shouldn't. Roofing prices depend on what's actually on the roof, so the AI should book an inspection or a callback instead. Any setup that guesses prices on the phone is a risk to your business.
What happens if the AI doesn't understand a caller?
A well-built system takes the caller's name and number and flags the call for you to ring back. You should be able to read the transcript to see what went wrong and adjust the script.
Is recording AI calls legal in Australia?
Rules differ between states and territories, and federal interception rules can apply. Telling callers at the start that the call is recorded is the common practice. This is general information, not legal advice, so check with a lawyer for your state.
How much does an AI receptionist cost?
Published prices for Australian trade-focused AI receptionists range from about $130 to $300 a month plus usage or setup fees, depending on the provider. Always check current pricing and per-minute charges.
Sources and fact-check
Checked against these sources on 26 October 2026. Prices and rules change, so confirm with the provider before you buy.
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