How Much Does an AI Receptionist Cost? (2025 Pricing Guide)

One of the biggest drivers for AI adoption in 2025 is cost efficiency. But with so many new providers popping up, understanding the pricing models for AI receptionists can be confusing.

The True Cost of Missed Calls

Before looking at the price tag, consider the cost of not having one. For a dental clinic, one missed new patient call is a loss of $300-$1,000 in lifetime value. For a law firm, it could be thousands.

Hiring a full-time receptionist in Canada costs roughly $45,000 - $55,000 per year plus benefits. An AI receptionist costs a fraction of that.

Common Pricing Models

1. Per-Minute Pricing

Most common. You pay a base fee plus a rate for every minute the AI is on the phone.

• Average Rate: $0.20 - $0.50 per minute.
• Best For: Businesses with fluctuating call volumes.
• ZeroMiss Model: We offer generous minute bundles (e.g., 300 mins for $49) to keep costs predictable.

2. Per-Call Pricing

You pay a flat fee for every call handled, regardless of duration.

• Average Rate: $1.00 - $2.00 per call.
• Best For: Quick, transactional calls (e.g., "Are you open?").
• Downside: Can get expensive if you get many spam or short calls.

3. Flat Monthly Rate

Unlimited calls for a fixed monthly price.

• Average Rate: $300 - $1,000+ per month.
• Best For: High-volume call centers.

Hidden Costs to Watch For

When comparing providers, ask about:

• Setup Fees: Some enterprise solutions charge $1,000+ for onboarding. (ZeroMiss has $0 setup for standard plans).
• Telephony Fees: Do you have to pay extra for the phone number or SIP trunking?
• Integration Fees: Is connecting to your CRM an extra monthly add-on?

ROI Calculation Example

Let's say you run a physiotherapy clinic.