24/7 answering service — why it now costs nothing extra
A 24/7 answering service traditionally costs extra because someone must be awake to answer. AI removes the night shift — so round-the-clock answering stops being a premium and becomes the default.
The economics, honestly
Human bureaus price 24/7 as an add-on (commonly around £35+/month more) since overnight staffing is expensive per call. An AI receptionist costs the same to run at 3am as 3pm. Odette includes 24/7 on every plan — from £19/month.
Who genuinely needs it
- Trades — burst pipes and power failures do not wait for office hours. (Plumbers, electricians.)
- Clinics & practices — patients call about appointments before work and after school. (Medical practices, dentists.)
- Property & lettings — tenant emergencies are the definition of out-of-hours. (Estate & letting agents.)
- Anyone advertising — if your ads run at 8pm, your phone should answer at 8pm.
How it works with Odette
Odette answers every call the moment it rings, day or night. In your set hours it can transfer urgent calls to your team; outside them it says your custom out-of-hours line, takes a message with name, number and reason, and it is in your inbox before the caller hangs up. See also: after-hours answering.
Never miss a call again
Meet Odette — your AI receptionist. Set up by you, 24/7, from £19/month.
Start free trialFrequently asked questions
How much does a 24/7 answering service cost?
Traditional services charge a premium for 24/7 cover — usually a surcharge or a higher plan, because nights and weekends have to be staffed. Ask each provider what round-the-clock cover adds to their standard price, and whether bank holidays are included. AI answering includes 24/7 at no extra cost; Odette answers around the clock on every plan from £19/month.
Why does 24/7 answering matter for a small business?
A large share of calls to trades, clinics and services happen outside 9–5 — emergencies, shift workers, people ringing after their own workday. If those calls hit voicemail, many callers simply ring the next business on the list.
Does Odette really answer at 3am?
Yes. There is no night shift to staff — the AI answers at 3am exactly as it does at 3pm: instantly, politely, taking messages and flagging genuine emergencies to your transfer number if you enable it.