Receptionist cost calculator
Put the four common ways of answering calls side by side and see which is cheapest per month. Every figure is editable.
| Option | Per month |
|---|---|
Full-time receptionist | £2,100 |
Part-time receptionist | £1,000 |
Answering service (per call) 200 calls × £2 | £300 |
Typical AI receptionist subscriptionCheapest | £50 |
Figures are estimates. Real costs vary by location, hours, and provider.
Comparing the cost of answering your calls
Someone has to answer the phone, and the way you choose has a big effect on your monthly outgoings. A full-time receptionist gives you a dedicated person, but the wage bill, employer costs, and cover for holidays make it the most expensive option for most small businesses. Part-time cover lowers the cost but leaves gaps when no one is on the desk.
An answering service charges per call, so your bill moves up and down with demand. That flexibility can suit quiet periods, but a busy month can cost far more than you expect. An AI receptionist works as a flat monthly subscription that answers around the clock, which makes the cost predictable.
Reading the results
The cheapest option is highlighted, but price is only part of the picture. Weigh it against the hours covered, whether calls are handled out of hours, and how much detail you get back from each call. A cheaper option that captures the caller’s name, number, and job is worth more than a costly one that only takes a message.
Use your own local figures wherever you can. Wages, per-call rates, and subscription prices all vary, so the defaults here are starting points rather than fixed truths. The goal is a fair, side-by-side view you can act on.
Frequently asked questions
A full-time receptionist in the UK typically costs around £1,800 to £2,400 a month once you add employer National Insurance, pension, and cover for holidays and sick days. The default here is £2,100, and you can change it to match local pay.
Most answering services charge per call or per minute, so the monthly cost rises with your call volume. This tool multiplies your calls per month by a per-call rate. Busy months cost more, which makes budgeting harder than a flat subscription.
So you can compare like for like without us steering the result. Enter whatever monthly figure a provider quotes you and the table updates instantly.
Stop losing jobs to missed calls
Telphi answers your calls 24/7, captures the details, and texts callers a booking link so they book directly into your calendar.
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