VirtualAssist › Answering service › Small business answering service

An answering service for small business, without big-company prices.

Reviewed by the VirtualAssist team · Updated 20 October 2026 · Editorial policy

When you're the one doing the work, you can't also answer the phone. An answering service for small business picks up every call, so a missed ring never becomes a lost customer.

Get matched, free Estimate the cost

Free for businessesNo obligationYour details are never soldHuman and AI options

What would a virtual receptionist cost? Calls per month: 120 Average call length

$live receptionist / month

$AI receptionist / month

Rough planning ranges: live answering is often priced around $1–2 a minute, AI reception far less per minute. Plans, minimums and features vary by provider.

What you get

Pay for what you use

Small plans by minutes or calls; scale up in busy seasons.

Look established

A professional greeting on every call, even if it's just you.

Keep your mobile private

Customers call your business number; you get the summary.

Mix human and AI

AI for routine calls and after hours, people for the calls that matter.

Set up your answering service in an afternoon

Write your greeting: business name, your name, a friendly question
List the 5 questions callers ask most, with short answers
Decide what's urgent and who gets transferred (and when)
Connect your calendar so new customers can be booked on the call
Choose how you get messages: text, email, or both
Forward your number when busy, after hours, or always
Review the first week's calls and tweak the script

Who it's for

Trades and home services
Solo professionals and consultants
Clinics, salons and studios
Shops and local services

How it works

Tell us what you need

Calls, hours and budget.

Get options by email

Live, AI, or both, matched to your business.

Start with a trial

Keep what works, change the rest.

Questions

Is an answering service worth it for a small business?

If missed calls turn into lost jobs, usually yes. Compare a month's plan with the value of one or two extra customers.

How much does it cost for a small business?

Plans are typically priced by minutes or calls each month. Use the estimator above for a range based on your call volume.

Can I use it only when I'm busy?

Yes. Most services work with call forwarding, so you can send calls only when you don't pick up, after hours, or all the time.

Will it work with my existing number?

Yes. You keep your number and forward calls to the service; nothing changes for your customers.