AI Chatbot or AI Receptionist — Which One Do You Need?
An AI chatbot handles text-based conversations on your website — answering questions, capturing leads, and booking appointments via chat. An AI receptionist answers phone calls with a natural voice, routes callers, and takes messages. Choose a chatbot if most enquiries come through your website; choose a receptionist if your customers prefer to call.
The problem
You know you want AI handling customer contact, but you are not sure whether to start with chat or voice.
When an AI chatbot is the better fit
A chatbot works best when your customers already find you online and want quick answers without picking up the phone.
- Most of your leads come through your website or social media
- Customers ask repeatable questions (pricing, hours, service areas)
- You want 24/7 lead capture with automatic follow-up
- Your booking flow is straightforward — one calendar, a few service types
When an AI receptionist is the better fit
A voice receptionist fits when your customers expect to call and talk to someone — common in trades, healthcare, and professional services.
- A significant portion of your leads come in by phone
- Missed calls are costing you jobs (contractors, clinics, law offices)
- You need call routing, message-taking, or live transfers
- Customers want to describe their problem verbally, not type it out
Cost at Handbuilt
Both are custom builds you own outright. A chatbot starts at $1,500 CAD (Starter tier). A receptionist with voice, call routing, and booking typically runs $1,500–$3,500 CAD depending on complexity. No monthly AI fees from Handbuilt — you pay once for the build. Third-party API and telephony costs depend on your volume but are typically modest for small-business call loads.
Can you run both?
Yes. Some businesses start with a chatbot on their website, then add a receptionist once they see the value. Handbuilt can build them to share the same booking calendar and lead pipeline so nothing falls through the cracks.
Recommended package
AI Starter System
Live in ~5 business days
Fixed price in CAD · USD / AUD / NZD quotes on request. Built remotely for small businesses across Canada, the US, Australia & New Zealand.
One AI worker, live in days.
Get a fixed quoteCommon questions
No. A chatbot is text-based — it lives on your website or messaging apps. If you need something that picks up the phone, you need an AI receptionist or voice agent.
Want this built for your business?
Tell us about your setup and we'll send a plan and a fixed quote within one business day.