While a receptionist's $50,000 annual salary might seem reasonable, the true cost of employment extends far beyond that figure. When you hire an employee, you're also responsible for:

• Health insurance: $6,000-$10,000 per year
• Payroll taxes: approximately 7.65% of salary ($3,825)
• Workers' compensation insurance: $1,000-$2,000
• Paid time off: typically 10-15 days annually
• Training and onboarding: 20-40 hours of management time

The total cost reaches approximately $63,000-$68,000 annually when all factors are considered.

OAK AI, by contrast, costs a fraction of this—typically $99-$499 per month depending on your usage tier. That translates to just $1,188-$5,988 per year, offering savings of 91-98% compared to hiring an employee.

A human receptionist works 9-5, Monday through Friday. If a client calls at 6 PM on Thursday or on Saturday morning, they hear a voicemail—and potentially take their business elsewhere. In the competitive general contracting industry, missed calls mean missed opportunities.

OAK AI operates 24/7/365, answering calls at any hour, qualifying leads, scheduling appointments, and providing immediate responses to client inquiries. This continuous availability ensures your business never misses a potential job, regardless of when the call comes in.

Human receptionists are subject to mood, fatigue, and personal circumstances. Some