The Cost Comparison

This is often the first metric businesses examine, and for good reason. A full-time receptionist in Manhattan costs significantly more than a national average due to local salaries and benefits.

Hiring a Full-Time Employee:

• Annual Salary: $50,000
• Payroll Taxes (FICA, FUTA, SUTA): ~$4,000 annually
• Health Insurance: ~$6,000-$8,000 annually
• Retirement Benefits (401k match): ~$2,500 annually
• Paid Time Off (PTO): 15+ days = ~$2,885 annually
• Workers' Compensation Insurance: ~$500 annually
• Equipment, Software, Workspace: ~$2,000 annually
• Total Annual Cost: ~$68,000

OAK AI Receptionist:

• Monthly Subscription: Starts at $600-$1,200/month depending on call volume
• Annual Cost (at $900/month): $10,800
• No hidden costs, no benefits, no taxes

AI Advantage: You save approximately $57,200 annually by choosing OAK AI over hiring a full-time employee.

Availability and Coverage

Tax preparer businesses receive calls at unpredictable times. Many clients have questions late evening or early morning. A human receptionist works 9-5, and you'll need to handle off-hours calls yourself or invest in a separate voicemail system.

Employee Receptionist:

• Works standard business hours (9 AM - 5 PM)
• Sick days, vacation, and personal leave create coverage gaps
• Holiday scheduling complications
• After-hours calls go to voicemail or are missed entirely

OAK AI:

• Available 24/7/365
• Never calls in sick, takes vacation, or needs time off
• Answers every call with consistent professionalism
• Can schedule appointments and handle inquiries at 2 AM

Consistency and Reliability

Human receptionists bring personality but also inconsistency. Different employees answer the phone differently. One day a caller gets a warm greeting; another day they get someone distracted or in a bad mood.

Employee: