Tactly or a receptionist on staff?
A receptionist on staff greets walk-ins, handles paperwork and uses judgement on every kind of call, but works set hours and can only take one call at a time. Tactly answers your phone at any hour you choose, books appointments into your calendar, transfers to one number during hours, and emails you every call. Many businesses use Tactly to cover lunch breaks, evenings and overlapping calls.
| Tactly | A receptionist on staff | |
|---|---|---|
| Phone answering | Every call it is set to take, at any hour | During their shift, one call at a time |
| Walk-ins and paperwork | No | Yes |
| Judgement on unusual calls | Sticks to your notes and takes a message | Yes, and improves with experience |
| Booking | Books open times on your calendar | Yes, plus rescheduling and juggling |
| Sick days and vacations | Not affected | Need cover |
| Call records | Summary and transcript of every call | Whatever notes they take |
| Cost | Starter $49, Pro $99, Growth $199 a month | Wages, payroll costs and training time |
Choose a receptionist on staff if
- There is enough work at the desk to fill a day: walk-ins, paperwork, scheduling and follow-up.
- Your callers need someone who knows them and can solve problems on the spot.
- You want one person who can also return calls and chase down answers.
Choose Tactly if
- The phone is the main reason you thought about hiring, and the desk work is light.
- You need calls covered at lunch, after hours or on weekends without extra shifts.
- Your current receptionist is overwhelmed by calls that overlap with people at the counter.
FAQ
Questions, answered
Can an AI receptionist replace a front desk person?
For the phone, it covers a lot: answering, booking, messages and transfers during hours. It does not greet walk-ins or do desk work.
Can Tactly work alongside my receptionist?
Yes. Choose the mode where your phone rings first, and Tactly answers only the calls your receptionist cannot reach, plus after hours.
Is Tactly cheaper than a receptionist?
Tactly plans run from $49 to $199 a month. A hire costs far more, but also does far more than answer the phone.
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.