Part of our Ultimate Guide to Virtual Receptionist Services
How Much Does a Virtual Receptionist Cost? A Full Pricing Breakdown
One of the first questions business owners ask is, "What's the cost?" While prices can range from $30 to over $3,000 per month, the more important question is which pricing model offers the best value for your specific needs. This guide breaks down the three main models.
The 3 Main Pricing Models Explained
1. Per-Minute Pricing
You pay for every minute the receptionist is on the phone. This is common but can be unpredictable, especially with "rounding up" where a 65-second call is billed as 2 minutes. Best for businesses with a high volume of very short, transactional calls.
2. Per-Call Pricing
You pay a flat fee for each call handled, regardless of its length. This can be great for lengthy intake calls but costly if you get many wrong numbers or short inquiries. Best for businesses with a low volume of long, in-depth calls.
3. Monthly Subscription / Volume-Based Pricing
You pay a predictable flat rate for a set number of calls per month. This is the model we use at RingHello because it aligns our goals with yours—we focus on quality, not the clock. Best for businesses that want predictable costs and a true partnership.
Watch Out for Hidden Fees
When comparing providers, be sure to ask about potential hidden costs that can inflate your bill, such as setup fees, charges for call transfers, after-hours support, or long-term contracts with termination fees.