Question 1

How is this different from a normal answering service?

Accepted Answer

A traditional answering service is a call centre reading a generic script, billing per call, mostly during business hours. TradieCall is an AI receptionist set up on your business — it knows your services, hours and service area, answers 24/7 including public holidays, and costs a flat monthly price no matter how busy your phone gets.

Question 2

Do callers know it's AI?

Accepted Answer

Most can't tell — it answers in a natural Kiwi voice, in your business name, fast. It also never pretends to be human if someone asks directly.

Question 3

What does it actually do with a call?

Accepted Answer

Answers in seconds, captures name, number, address, the job and how urgent it is, then texts and emails you a summary within a minute. On Pro plans it can also pencil jobs into your diary and transfer urgent calls to you live.

Question 4

What does it cost compared to a human service?

Accepted Answer

Human answering services in NZ typically charge a base fee plus per-call or per-minute rates — a busy month costs more. TradieCall is a flat $129–$449/mo depending on plan, with included AI minutes and no per-call surprises.

Question 5

Do I need to change my phone number?

Accepted Answer

No. You keep your number exactly as it is and dial one forwarding code. Your phone still rings first — the service only answers calls you miss.

	Voicemail	Human answering service	TradieCall
Answers 24/7, weekends and holidayshuman services often charge extra after hours
Picks up within seconds
Callers actually engagemost callers hang up on voicemail
Knows your services, hours and area
Captures job details and urgency
Books jobs into your diaryPro plans and up
Flat monthly costhuman services bill per call/minute
Transcript and recording of every call

A phone answering service that never clocks off.

Your three options, honestly compared

Built for trades, not switchboards

Fair questions

Try the receptionist before your customers do