Common pricing models
Per minute
Common for human receptionist services. Short calls may be economical; long intake and after-call work can consume the allowance quickly.
Per call
Predictable when call length varies, but spam, brief calls, and overages need careful definitions.
Per unique customer
Some AI services charge by distinct caller rather than minutes. Repeat calls and the definition of an interaction matter.
Managed monthly service
A fixed operating fee can include ongoing workflow ownership, with implementation and usage defined separately.
Current public examples
- Ruby’s public pricing lists human receptionist plans beginning at $395 per month for 100 minutes.
- Smith.ai’s AI pricing lists a $150 monthly tier with 75 calls, as well as a limited free tier.
- Goodcall’s public pricing lists plans from $79 per agent per month and charges after the included number of unique customers.
- Race Street Systems starts at $499 per month plus a $999 one-time implementation fee, with scope and usage stated in the Order Form.
Public pricing reviewed September 11, 2026. Provider pricing and inclusions can change; verify before purchasing.
Costs that headlines leave out
- Implementation, customization, or professional services.
- Overages, rounding, spam calls, transfers, and after-call work.
- Telephone numbers, forwarding, messaging, and carrier charges.
- Calendar, CRM, dispatch, and custom integration work.
- Internal time spent configuring, reviewing, and correcting the system.
- Lost value from inaccurate qualification, false bookings, or failed escalation.
How to compare fairly
Apply each provider’s billing model to the same representative call sample. Then score qualified leads captured, valid appointments, successful transfers, staff follow-up time, and correction rate. A service that costs more but requires less staff administration may produce the better operating result.
Where Race Street Systems fits
Race Street Systems is not positioned as the lowest advertised subscription. Its $999 implementation fee pays for workflow mapping, configuration, and pre-launch testing within the signed scope; the $499 monthly service is designed around managed operation. It is intended for HVAC owners who value local setup and accountability more than self-service configuration.
Straight answers
Frequently asked questions
What does Race Street Systems cost?
$499 per month plus a $999 one-time implementation fee. Coverage, usage, integrations, billing, and cancellation are defined in the signed Order Form.
Are AI receptionists always cheaper than humans?
Not always. Compare usage, implementation, integrations, oversight, corrections, and the value of human judgment.
How should HVAC companies estimate usage?
Use actual call records, remove spam and duplicates, and group calls by duration, caller, qualification, and outcome.
Should we choose the lowest monthly price?
Only if it also produces the workflow accuracy, support, and caller experience the business needs.