Stop missing leads and chasing invoices

What happens when someone calls and nobody answers?

If you don't pick up, the call forwards to your voicemail line and the caller hears a short greeting. The caller can press 1 to continue by text with the automated receptionist, which answers common questions from your website and helps schedule time with you, or press 2 (or simply stay on the line) to leave a voicemail. A transcript of every text conversation and the audio and a text transcription of every voicemail is sent to you via email.

How does the automated receptionist know about my business?

It answers from the information published on your website and the details you provide during onboarding. Because the automated receptionist is powered by Claude, it offers cutting-edge conversational AI responses using the latest language models. You are sent a chat transcript of all text conversations so that you can reach out to the customer knowing exactly what has been discussed and provide any necessary clarification.

Will my customers know they're talking to AI?

The voicemail greeting and the first text message both identify the automated receptionist and customers can ask for a person to follow-up at any time.

Can the automated receptionist book appointments on my calendar?

The receptionist can help your customers schedule a meeting or appointment. If you would like, we can connect it to your calendar so that appointments can be booked directly.

Do I have to change my phone number?

Your customers keep calling your business number. When you start your 14-day free trial, we provision a dedicated toll-free number for your business to route and test your automated text-backs and invoice follow-ups completely risk-free. During the trial, when you don't answer, the call forwards to the voicemail line on that toll-free number, and any text messages are sent from it. How call forwarding is set up depends on your phone carrier or system, and we help you configure it during onboarding. Once you convert to a paid subscription and your business phone number is approved for texting, we can adjust the setup so that no forwarding happens and your own phone number is used for text-backs.

How long until my free trial starts?

Text messages sent from a toll-free number must be verified with our messaging provider and the carriers before any texts can go out, and verification timing varies. Your 14-day free trial begins once verification is confirmed.

Are there any extra charges or text message limits?

We do not charge per-message fees or pass carrier usage fees through to you. Normal small-business messaging volume is included in your flat monthly rate, subject to reasonable-use limits. If your call volume ever grows well beyond typical usage, we will discuss with you and any pricing adjustments will be reflected in future months.

Do I need to manage carrier registration (A2P 10DLC / Toll-Free) myself?

We handle the carrier registration paperwork for you. Each business is registered under its own brand and our onboarding sets your account up to follow carrier and messaging rules. Callers opt in to missed-call texts themselves by pressing 1 during your voicemail greeting. If you elect invoice follow-ups, we will provide you with the wording to include in your contract with your customer. All customers must provide consent to receive text message invoice reminders and you will be responsible for obtaining and storing proof of that consent.

Why do callers have to press 1?

Pressing 1 is an active, clear choice by the caller to ensure that every text conversation is one the customer asked for. Fewer callers will opt in than if everyone were texted automatically, but it protects your customers and your business. Callers who remain on the line or press 2 at any time will leave a voicemail and both the audio and text transcription will be emailed to you.

What if a caller is on a landline or doesn't want to text?

They can press 2 or stay on the line to leave a voicemail instead. A text message can't be delivered to a landline, so voicemail is the way those callers reach you.

How do you keep text messaging TCPA-compliant?

The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) requires a person's prior express consent before a business sends them automated text messages. We treat that requirement as the foundation of our system, not a checkbox. Every workflow is built around one rule: no text goes out unless the recipient affirmatively asked for it, and every consent is captured as evidence at the moment it is given.

• Consent is an affirmative act. When a call goes unanswered, the caller hears a scripted greeting that identifies the business, explains that an automated receptionist can continue the conversation by text, and discloses message frequency, that message and data rates may apply, and how to opt out. Only a caller who presses 1 is opted in. Calling a business, leaving a voicemail, or hanging up never enrolls anyone in texting.
• Consent is never a condition of service. Every caller is offered voicemail as an equal alternative. Callers who leave a voicemail are not texted; the business receives the audio and a transcription by email.
• Responsive, not promotional. Texts are sent only in reply to the conversation the caller started by pressing 1. The receptionist answers questions about the business and helps schedule time with the owner. It does not send marketing campaigns, blasts, or cold outreach.
• Clear identification. The first message names the business, states that the receptionist is automated, and explains that the recipient can reply STOP to opt out and HELP for help.
• Opt-outs are honored immediately, however they are expressed. STOP, UNSUBSCRIBE, CANCEL, END, QUIT, and plain-language requests such as "don't text me" end the conversation. A single confirmation is sent and the number is placed on a suppression list that is checked before every outbound message. That number is not texted again unless the person opts back in on their own.
• Invoice reminders require separate written consent. Reminders go only to a business's own customers who agreed in writing to receive them, using consent language we provide. The business obtains and keeps that agreement.
• Consent data is never sold or shared. Mobile numbers and consent records are never sold or shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes.

Obex Integrations is not a law firm and this is not legal advice. We recommend that each business have an attorney review its own messaging practices. See how our own line works on our SMS opt-in page.

What kinds of businesses is this for?

Our services are perfect for small service businesses that cannot always answer the phone while they are working, such as home services (e.g., plumbers, electricians, HVAC contractors, roofers), salons, clinics, and local shops. It's a huge value add for any company that does not have a dedicated receptionist to answer their phone calls at all times. Even for companies that do have a dedicated receptionist, Obex Integrations provides a solution for when the receptionist is unavailable. Not sure if it is a fit? Contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Can I cancel my subscription at any time?

Yes, there are no long-term contracts or hidden commitments. All contracts are month-to-month. You can cancel your subscription at any time and your 14-day trial is 100% risk-free. When you cancel, texting stops.