How Much Should UK Trades Expect to Pay for 24/7 Call Answering?

Unlocking 24/7 AI Receptionist Coverage Without Blowing Your Budget

What 24/7 AI phone answering actually includes (and what it doesn't)

Let's face it – missing calls means missing money. But hiring a full-time receptionist to cover every hour of the day? That's a luxury most UK trades and service businesses can't afford.

That's where AI receptionists come in. They're always on, don't take holidays, and never hit you with unexpected sick days. But what does "24/7 AI phone answering" actually mean in practice?

AI phone answering services in the UK are built to triage, not troubleshoot. Think of them as your digital gatekeeper – keeping callers engaged until you're ready to take over.

If you're running a plumbing, electrical, locksmith, or other service business that gets calls at all hours, 24/7 AI receptionists are about keeping your phone line warm – without burning through your cash flow.

The real cost of 24/7 AI receptionist pricing in the UK (hour-by-hour breakdown)

So, how much is this always-on coverage actually going to cost you?

Here's the dirty little secret: not all 24/7 AI phone answering services in the UK charge by the hour. In fact, most don't. You'll see pricing models based on:

But if you want to break it down hour by hour, let's do the maths.

Say your business gets around 10–15 calls per day, scattered across working hours and late-night emergencies. That's about 300–450 calls per month.

Let's average that out: £150/month for 300 calls = £0.50 per call.

Now divide that into time. If your average call lasts 2 minutes, you're effectively paying £0.25/minute – far cheaper than a human receptionist, even at minimum wage.

And unlike hiring someone, you're not paying for downtime. You only pay when the AI works. No lunch breaks. No 3pm energy dips. Just pure efficiency.

How to calculate what 24/7 coverage will cost your specific trade business

Here's a quick back-of-the-envelope formula you can use:

Also, think about your after-hours call volume. Are you genuinely getting midnight calls from customers with emergencies? Or are you mostly getting business during 8am–8pm?

If 90% of your calls come in during extended business hours, you might not need full 24/7 coverage. Some providers let you customise hours – so you could do 7am–10pm cover at a lower cost.

But if you're in a trade where emergencies happen at any hour – plumbing leaks, power outages, lockouts – true 24/7 cover can be a game-changer. It's not just about picking up. It's about being the first to respond when your competitors are asleep.

The real win? You're not just answering calls. You're capturing leads, booking jobs, and building trust – without lifting a finger.

And that's the kind of smart, lean setup that lets your trade business grow without growing your payroll.

Decoding Price Tiers: What You Get at Each Level (No Hidden Fees Edition)

Entry-level AI receptionist plans: What you'll pay and what you'll get

You don't need to spend a fortune to stop missing calls and start locking in more booked jobs. Entry-level AI receptionist pricing in the UK typically starts around £20–£40 per month. These starter plans are built for sole traders or small teams who just need basic, no-frills 24/7 call answering.

So, what exactly do you get for that price?

Most entry-level virtual receptionist plans in the UK include a limited number of minutes – usually between 30 and 100 per month. That's enough coverage for low call volumes, like a plumber doing solo callouts or a handyman handling a few jobs per day. The AI will answer your calls, capture key details like name, number, and job type, and send you a message. Some services even offer simple SMS or email handoff included.

Entry-level plans are ideal if you're testing the waters or just need a dependable safety net when you're on the tools. But if your call volume is growing – or you want your AI to do more than just take a message – it's worth looking at the next tier up.

Mid-tier pricing: The sweet spot for most growing UK service businesses

This is where things get interesting. Mid-tier AI receptionist pricing in the UK usually falls in the £60–£150 per month range. And for most growing trades and service businesses, this is the pricing tier that delivers the best bang for your buck.

You'll typically get 150–500 minutes included, which is plenty for most busy plumbing, electrical, or roofing firms. The AI will handle multiple calls at once – no callers going to voicemail – and capture more detailed information. Some plans even let you customise scripts, route calls by job type, and integrate with calendars or CRMs.

The biggest benefit here? Predictable pricing. Most providers offer flat monthly fees that cover a generous chunk of call minutes. Some even offer rollover minutes or discounts for annual plans. That makes budgeting easier – no nasty surprises when your phone's ringing off the hook during busy months.

If your business is growing and you're aiming to look more professional, respond faster, and win more jobs without hiring in-house, mid-tier is your sweet spot. It's built for tradespeople who want the professionalism of a receptionist, without the payroll headache.

Premium plans: When higher cost makes sense for trades chasing bigger jobs

Premium AI receptionist pricing in the UK typically starts around £200 per month and can go up to £500+ depending on your call volume and level of customisation. This tier is designed for service businesses that can't afford to miss a single lead – think property maintenance firms, commercial HVAC teams, or electricians handling large-scale contracts.

So what do you actually get for that price?

If your trade business is scaling fast, and you're chasing bigger contracts where response time = revenue, this level of service isn't a luxury – it's essential. No receptionist (human or AI) should ever cost you a job because they didn't answer fast enough or took the wrong details. Premium AI receptionist services give you that peace of mind – and let you focus on your actual work, not your phone.

Smarter Spending: How to Get Maximum Value from Your AI Receptionist Investment

How to match AI receptionist pricing to your peak call times (and avoid wasted spend)

You're not paying for a gym membership here – you're paying for results. If your AI receptionist service is active during hours no one's calling, you're burning cash.

Start by looking at your call logs. If you don't have detailed records, get them. Your phone provider or even your current voicemail system might offer basic analytics. You want to find out when your calls are actually coming in – not when you think they are.

So if you're only using a virtual receptionist during 9–5 hours, you're missing the gold. A 24/7 AI phone answering service in the UK fills that gap without you having to hire someone to work unsociable hours.

It's about timing, not just availability. Match your AI receptionist pricing to when your customers need you, not when it's convenient.

When to choose pay-as-you-go vs monthly pricing for your trade business

Let's be honest – most trades hate commitment. You don't want to be locked into a 12-month contract for a service that might not even pay off. That's why the choice between pay-as-you-go and monthly AI receptionist pricing in the UK is a big one.

That said, flexibility can be worth more than savings, especially if you're just testing the waters. Many UK AI phone answering services offer hybrid plans – base monthly fee with a pay-as-you-go top-up. This gives you coverage without overcommitting.

One more thing: always check the fine print. Some "unlimited" plans have fair usage caps. Others charge extra for out-of-hours or weekend coverage. A true 24/7 AI receptionist plan in the UK should cover calls anytime, without nasty surprises.

Avoiding overspend: Red flags to watch for in virtual receptionist UK pricing plans

Most trades don't have time to decode pricing tables designed by lawyers and marketing teams. But if you don't know what to watch for, you'll bleed cash faster than a burst pipe.

Now you've got the tools to spend smarter, not harder.