The problem
A one- or two-person trade business is often on a roof or under a house when the phone rings. Many callers who reach voicemail don't leave a message and call the next company. This service is meant to make sure every caller is answered and the owner gets the details quickly.
How it works
- The owner forwards missed or after-hours calls to a number we provide. Calls the owner answers are not affected.
- An AI assistant answers. It begins every call by saying it is an AI assistant and that the call may be recorded.
- It takes the job details: the caller's name, address, and what the problem is, and offers appointment times when the owner has connected a calendar.
- The owner gets a text summary and can reply to it. Urgent situations, such as a suspected gas leak, are routed to the owner's phone, and the caller is given safety instructions.
- A caller who asks for a person is handed to the owner, or their message is taken.
Built for inbound calls only
The assistant only answers calls that a customer chose to place to the business.
Texts go to the business owner, or to a customer who has just called, about that call or appointment.
We do not buy, rent or upload contact lists.
Technology
Voice calls and text messages run on Twilio. Speech is converted to text and back using Twilio ConversationRelay, and the conversation is handled by an AI language model (Claude, from Anthropic). The service is operated by a person who reviews how it behaves; it is not a replacement for emergency services.
Messaging and privacy
- Text messages are sent only to the business owner or to a caller who has contacted the business. Message and data rates may apply. Reply STOP to any text to opt out, or HELP for help.
- The assistant records the caller's phone number and the text of what they say, plus details they choose to give. Call records are deleted after 90 days by default, and a business can ask for a number to be deleted sooner.
- Call details are shared only with the business owner and the person who operates the service, and with tools the business chooses to connect (for example a calendar).
Read the draft Privacy Policy, Terms of Service and text messaging program details. They will be reviewed by a Florida attorney before launch.
Status
Pre-launch. The software has been built and tested in simulation, and has not yet taken a live customer call. The first live calls will be with the operator's own number and a small number of local businesses who have agreed to try it. Planned introductory price: $99 per month per business.
Operator
John Marshall, sole operator. No registered business has been formed yet; one will be established before the first paying customer.
Service area: Citrus, Hernando and Levy counties, Florida