Relay vs a Traditional Answering Service
Answering services take your calls and pass on messages. Relay answers, qualifies, books, follows up and updates your CRM, around the clock. Here’s how the two compare.
- Books and qualifies instead of just taking messages
- Follows up by text and call after the conversation
- Every call summarized in the CRM
What You Get From Each
Both can answer your phone 24/7. What happens during and after the call is where they differ.
| Compare | Relay | Answering service |
|---|---|---|
| Who answers | A trained AI voice agent, with live transfer to your team when needed | A human receptionist working from your script |
| During the call | Answers questions, qualifies, books appointments and routes urgent calls | Usually takes messages; some plans add booking or intake |
| After the call | Automatic text and call follow-up, reminders and rescheduling | Message delivered to your team to follow up |
| CRM | Relay CRM included, plus Follow Up Boss, Jobber and Builder Prime | Varies by provider, often messages by email or app |
| Busy periods | Answers many calls at the same time | Depends on staffing at the service |
| Outbound | Speed-to-lead, missed-call text back and reactivation built in | Typically inbound only |
| Typical cost | Plans from $99 to $1,999/mo with included AI voice minutes; extra minutes $0.39 to $0.69 | Most small businesses pay about $325 to $700/mo, with per-minute or per-call overages |
Messages or Booked Appointments?
Many businesses use Relay to replace an answering service, and some use both.
You want calls turned into business
- You want callers booked, not just noted
- You need follow-up to happen automatically
- You want every call summarized in your CRM
- You also want to respond to web and ad leads in seconds
Most calls need a human touch
- Calls are sensitive, emotional or highly complex
- Callers expect to speak to a person every time
- You only need simple message taking
- You have very low call volume
Talk to a Relay Agent Right Now
Rachel is a live Relay agent. Call her the way a customer would call your business and compare the experience with your current answering service.
- Natural, real-time conversation
- Your questions, rules and handoffs
- Every conversation summarized in the CRM
Answering Service FAQs
Thinking of switching from an answering service? We’ll show you Relay with your own scripts and calendar.
Can Relay replace my answering service?
For most businesses, yes. Relay answers 24/7, handles common questions, books appointments, takes messages and routes urgent calls, then follows up and updates your CRM.
Is an AI agent cheaper than an answering service?
It depends on your call volume. Relay plans start at $99 per month with included AI voice minutes, while many answering services charge monthly fees plus per-minute or per-call overages.
What happens when a caller needs a person?
Relay can transfer the call live, alert the right team member or create a callback task, with the caller’s details already captured.
Can I use Relay and an answering service together?
Yes. Some businesses let Relay handle booking, after-hours and follow-up while a human service covers specific call types.
Upgrade From Messages to Booked Appointments
See how Relay answers, books and follows up on every call, with each one summarized in your CRM.