Tactly or a live answering service?
A live answering service has trained people answer your calls from a script you provide, which suits calls that need judgement or a human voice. Tactly is an AI receptionist that answers in your business's name at any hour, books real open times on your calendar, transfers to your team during hours, and emails a summary and transcript of every call. Plans start at $49 a month.
| Tactly | A live answering service | |
|---|---|---|
| Who answers | A voice assistant that says it is virtual | A trained person following your script |
| Hours | Any hour you choose, including nights and weekends | Depends on the service and the plan |
| Booking | Books real open times on your calendar during the call | Varies; many take a message for you to book |
| Handling the unexpected | Sticks to your notes and takes a message when unsure | A person can use judgement on unusual calls |
| Record of the call | Summary and full transcript emailed after every call | Usually a message or short note |
| Transfers | To one number you choose, during your hours | Often flexible, depending on the service |
| Pricing | Starter $49, Pro $99, Growth $199 a month, with minutes included | Varies widely by provider; ask for a quote |
| Getting started | Write your notes, make a free test call, switch it on | Usually an onboarding call and a script review |
Choose a live answering service if
- Your callers expect a human voice from the first word, and an assistant would put them off.
- Many of your calls need real judgement that a set of written notes cannot cover.
- You need calls handled in a language other than English.
Choose Tactly if
- Most calls are routine: hours, services, bookings and messages.
- You want a written transcript of every call without paying for a person to sit by the phone.
- You want calls answered at any hour, including the ones that come in at midnight.
FAQ
Questions, answered
Is an AI receptionist better than an answering service?
It depends on your calls. Tactly suits routine questions, bookings and messages at any hour. A live service suits calls that need a person's judgement.
Can I use Tactly and an answering service together?
Yes. Some owners let Tactly answer after hours or only the calls nobody picks up, and keep their current service for the rest.
Why don't you list answering service prices?
They vary too much between providers to state fairly. Compare our published plans against the quotes you get.
Stop sending callers to voicemail.
Set up your receptionist, make a free test call from your own phone, and switch it on when it sounds right.