Both answer the phone so you do not have to. The difference is what happens next. Here is an honest comparison for plumbing, HVAC, electrical and other field service businesses.
| Live answering service | CallRoster (AI) | |
|---|---|---|
| Answers | Agents answer in order; busy periods can mean a queue | Several calls at the same time, 24/7 |
| Knows your customers | Usually not; starts from scratch | Recognises callers by phone number in your job system |
| Emergencies | Takes a message, then calls your list | Puts the caller through to whoever is on call now, then the backup |
| On-call roster | You send them a schedule and hope it is current | Live roster your crew updates, swaps by text |
| After-hours rate | Depends on the script | Quoted on every emergency, caller accepts first |
| Books the job | Message by email or portal; someone retypes it | Creates the job in BigChange, Simpro, Jobber or Trade-Traks |
| Record of the call | Message summary | Full transcript of every call |
| Cost | Typically per minute or per call | From $199/month CAD, flat |
If most of your calls are long, sensitive conversations, or you want a human voice on every call as part of your brand, a live service may suit you better. Some businesses use both: AI for after-hours volume and triage, people for the exceptions.
Call the demo line on +1 (778) 728-0296 and describe a job like a customer would, or play a recorded call.
Plans start at $199/month CAD for after-hours answering plus the full on-call roster, with Pro at $399/month adding live patch-through and automatic job creation in your system. No setup fees, no contracts, cancel any time. See plan details.
Every plan starts with a 7-day free trial, no card needed. You can have it answering a test call the same day you sign up.
For triage and routing, yes: the AI’s job is to collect the details and get your on-call tech on the line within seconds. The tech still handles the emergency.
Yes. Set up CallRoster, test it on its own number, then forward your after-hours line when you are ready. There is no contract to lock you in.
Emergencies are put through to a person: your on-call tech. Routine calls are logged for your office to call back.
Dial the demo line and describe a job like a customer would. Give the AI your email at the end and the work order and transcript land in your inbox.
Scan with your phone's camera to dial, or call the number below.
At the end of the call the AI asks for your email, then sends you the work order and transcript.